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Isipathanaramaya Temple

4.6
·197 reviews·Colombo, Sri Lanka

A serene Buddhist temple in Colombo, built in 1916, featuring a towering 39-foot Buddha statue and historical murals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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The Shine Room

Isipathanaramaya Temple

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Buddhist temple in Colombo, built in 1916, featuring a towering 39-foot Buddha statue and historical murals.

4.6
(197 reviews)

"Nice temple with large area in town. Helpful & good place for religious & national activities."

Vertical photo
TIP

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders & knees. It's a sacred Buddhist temple, so respect is key! 🙏

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the temple complex for a truly relaxing and refreshing experience. :lotus_flower:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 197 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Buddha Statue

The Grand Buddha Statue

Main shrine

Marvel at the impressive 39-foot-tall Buddha statue, a central and awe-inspiring feature of the temple.

Artistic Murals by Saralis

Artistic Murals by Saralis

Temple walls

Admire the intricate and historical drawings by the famous artist Saralis adorning the temple walls.

Tranquil Temple Grounds

Tranquil Temple Grounds

Throughout the temple complex

Experience a sense of calm and relaxation amidst the serene atmosphere of this sacred Buddhist site.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Attire is Key

Dress modestly when visiting Isipathanaramaya Temple. Cover your shoulders and knees to show respect. Avoid revealing clothing, as this is a sacred site for Buddhist worship and religious activities.

Best Times for Serenity

Visit during early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday heat and potential crowds. This allows for a more peaceful and reflective experience at this sacred Buddhist temple.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Cooler temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Royal College VS Isipathana College with an actioned packed Second Semi final from the Dialog Schools Rugby Presidents Trophy. #PoweringtheChampionsofTomorrow #DialogSchoolsRugby #Dialog
@dialoglk
41.1K likes • 272.8K views

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders & knees. It's a sacred Buddhist temple, so respect is key! 🙏

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the temple complex for a truly relaxing and refreshing experience. :lotus_flower:

2024 Scripted Glory for Bamba !! #peteriterugby #bambabrigade #stpeterscollege #peterite #schoolsrugby #dialogschoolsrugby #peters #fyp #schoolboyrugby #fijirugby #joepete #isipathanarugby #royalcollege
@bamba.brigade
27.2K likes • 232.8K views
Rose Oud Cafe 😊 Address - 51/2 , Isipathana Mawatha, Colombo What we ordered Creamy Mushroom Pasta - Rs.2500/- Savory Waffle Chciken - Rs.2050/- Strawberry Cream Puff - Rs.850/- Pink frosting Rose with Nut Doughnut - Rs.850/- Pink Cheese Cake - Rs.900/- Cappuccino- Rs.1600/- #cafesincolombo #pinkthemedcafe #crazypair #coffeeshop #cafesincolombo #srilanka🇱🇰 #crazypairvlogs #velakowsivlogs #foodrev...
@crazy_pair
13K likes • 271K views

📸 Capture the Art

Don't miss the historical drawings by artist Saralis on the temple walls. :camerawithflash:

🙏 Be Respectful

Maintain a quiet demeanor and be mindful of worshippers. :personinlotus_position:

reddit.com

Travelling to Colombo for the first time. Any advice for a tourist?

I am super excited to visit and explore this country, however I would only be able to explore Colombo and it's immediate nearby tourist attractions. What are some things I should do to make my 5 day stay, an all immersive experience?

Tips

from all over the internet

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders & knees. It's a sacred Buddhist temple, so respect is key! 🙏

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the temple complex for a truly relaxing and refreshing experience. :lotus_flower:

📸 Capture the Art

Don't miss the historical drawings by artist Saralis on the temple walls. :camerawithflash:

🙏 Be Respectful

Maintain a quiet demeanor and be mindful of worshippers. :personinlotus_position:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(197 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Isipathanaramaya Temple is consistently praised as a calm and sacred Buddhist site in Colombo, offering a refreshing escape from the city's bustle. Visitors appreciate the impressive 39-foot Buddha statue and the historical murals by artist Saralis, finding the grounds to be a place of peace and religious significance.

"Very nice & clam temple"

Amila Gayani

"Nice Buddhist temple worth visiting in zcolombo."

vinay dwivedi

"Nice temple with large area in town. Helpful & good place for religious & national activities with knowledgeable bkkshus"

Ranjan Perera

What People Like

Calm and serene atmosphere
Impressive Buddha statue
Historical art and murals

What People Dislike

Limited dining options nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Isipathanaramaya Temple is located on Isipathana Mawatha in Colombo. You can easily reach it by taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing apps like Uber or PickMe. Public buses also serve the area, but may require some walking from the nearest stop. TikTok

Yes, while not directly at a bus stop, several bus routes pass near Isipathana Mawatha, making it accessible via public transport with a short walk. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available for direct access. TikTok

For convenience, a tuk-tuk or taxi is recommended. They are readily available and can take you directly to the temple entrance. Ride-sharing apps are also a popular and reliable option. TikTok

Limited parking may be available, but it's advisable to check upon arrival. Using ride-sharing services or public transport is often more convenient due to potential parking challenges. Reddit

Depending on your starting point, walking might be feasible if you're in the vicinity. However, Colombo can be hot, so consider a short tuk-tuk ride for comfort. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no entrance fee to visit Isipathanaramaya Temple. Donations are welcome and appreciated to help maintain the temple. Reddit

The temple is typically open daily from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the full experience. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime during its operating hours. Reddit

The temple is usually open daily. However, it's always a good idea to check for any special event closures, though this is uncommon for regular visiting hours. Reddit

Yes, donations are gratefully accepted and contribute to the upkeep of the temple and its religious activities. Donation boxes are usually available. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Visitors are expected to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops. TikTok

The temple is known for its impressive 39-foot-tall Buddha statue, the historical murals by artist Saralis, and its overall serene and calming atmosphere. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be respectful and avoid intrusive shots, especially during prayer times. Focus on the architecture and art. Instagram

A visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you wish to spend admiring the art and soaking in the peaceful ambiance. Reddit

Basic facilities like restrooms might be available. It's advisable to carry your own water, especially during warmer months. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The large Buddha statue, the intricate murals by Saralis, and the peaceful courtyards offer excellent photo opportunities. Capture the architectural details and the serene environment. Instagram

While generally permitted, be mindful and respectful. Avoid flash photography if it might disturb worshippers or ceremonies. Always ask for permission if unsure. Instagram

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities or a DSLR camera will work well. The detailed murals and the grand Buddha statue are best captured with a lens that can handle both wide shots and close-ups. Instagram

Drone photography is generally not permitted at religious sites like temples due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to stick to handheld photography. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the temple's features. Golden hour can be particularly stunning for capturing the atmosphere. Instagram

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