Seema Malaka
A serene Buddhist temple on floating platforms on Beira Lake, offering a tranquil escape with unique architecture and Buddha statues.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape crowds & heat
Seema Malaka
Best Time
Escape crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple on floating platforms on Beira Lake, offering a tranquil escape with unique architecture and Buddha statues.
"A peaceful oasis amidst the city, offering a tranquil escape from the urban hustle."
🚶♀️ Remove Shoes Early
Stone floors get VERY hot! Visit early/late or wear socks.
💰 Cash for Entry
Foreigners pay 400-500 LKR. Have cash ready as tickets are checked.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Floating Temple Architecture
Beira Lake
Unique wooden design and airy shrines built on floating platforms over the serene Beira Lake.

Buddha Statues
Main Hall & Shrines
Admire numerous Buddha statues, including a prominent golden statue and the revered Jade Buddha.

Tranquil Lake Views
Around the temple
Enjoy peaceful moments and escape the city noise with calming views of Beira Lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Entry Fees & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Travelling to Colombo for the first time. Any advice for a tourist?
🚶♀️ Remove Shoes Early
Stone floors get VERY hot! Visit early/late or wear socks.
💰 Cash for Entry
Foreigners pay 400-500 LKR. Have cash ready as tickets are checked.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Beautiful architecture & lake views. Great for a quick, peaceful photo stop.
🧘♀️ Seek Inner Peace
Ideal for quiet reflection and escaping city noise.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Remove Shoes Early
Stone floors get VERY hot! Visit early/late or wear socks.
💰 Cash for Entry
Foreigners pay 400-500 LKR. Have cash ready as tickets are checked.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Beautiful architecture & lake views. Great for a quick, peaceful photo stop.
🧘♀️ Seek Inner Peace
Ideal for quiet reflection and escaping city noise.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Seema Malaka is praised as a peaceful oasis on Beira Lake, lauded for its unique floating architecture and serene atmosphere, offering a welcome respite from city noise. Visitors appreciate the beautiful views and the opportunity for quiet reflection. However, some find it a bit crowded on weekends, and the hot stone floors require careful timing for barefoot visits.
"Beautifully located next to Beira Lake, this peaceful temple offers calm views and a relaxing atmosphere. The architecture is unique with wooden design and open spaces over the water. It was very crowded during the weekend, which took away some of the peaceful feeling, so it is better to visit on a weekday. Good spot for sitting quietly, enjoying the lake, and taking photos. You can spend some time here if you want to escape the city noise for a while."
Sai Vinesh
"Sima Malaka Meditation Centre is a peaceful oasis nestled amidst the city, earning a well-deserved 5-star rating. This serene retreat, surrounded by a picturesque lake and river bodies, offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. Visiting in the evening, we were captivated by the incredibly calming atmosphere, perfect for deep reflection. The nearby temples elevate the spiritual experience, while the scenic beauty can be enjoyed in just a few minutes—ideal for a short, soul-soothing stop. Conveniently close to local shops and shopping options, it’s a gem for unwinding. Foreign visitors pay a modest 400 Sri Lankan rupees, which includes access to the main attraction just meters away. A must-visit for anyone seeking a quiet, relaxing haven—this spot is pure bliss!"
Tharindu Randula
"Extremely beautiful Buddhist temple to visit in Colombo. It is on a lake and the views are amazing. You can walk around the carved wooden hall, golden Buddha statues, holy tree, stupa and the large Buddha statues, very peaceful."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Seema Malaka is conveniently located on Beira Lake, easily accessible from central Colombo. You can take a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride to reach the temple. It's often visited in conjunction with the nearby Gangaramaya Temple, so many tours will include both.
Yes, Seema Malaka is within walking distance of several other attractions in Colombo, including the Gangaramaya Temple. If you're exploring the city center, it's a pleasant walk to reach the temple.
For budget travelers, a tuk-tuk is a classic and affordable way to reach Seema Malaka. Negotiate the fare beforehand to ensure a good price. Public buses also run in the vicinity, though they might require a bit more navigation.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Uber and PickMe are widely available in Colombo and can be a convenient way to get to Seema Malaka. They often offer fixed prices, which can be helpful.
Parking can be challenging in the busy city center. If you're arriving by private vehicle, look for designated parking areas near the temple or be prepared to park a short walk away. Tuk-tuks and taxis can drop you off directly at the entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Foreign visitors are typically charged an entry fee of 400 to 500 Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). Local residents can enter for free. Make sure to have cash on hand as tickets are checked before entry.
Seema Malaka is generally open during daylight hours, but it's best to visit during the cooler parts of the day, either early morning or late afternoon. The exact hours can vary, so checking locally is advisable.
No, advance booking is generally not required for Seema Malaka. Tickets for foreign visitors can be purchased on-site at the entrance.
As a Buddhist temple, modest dress is required. Shoulders and knees should be covered. You will also need to remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds.
Visiting during religious festivals can offer a unique cultural experience, but it may also mean larger crowds and potentially different access arrangements. It's advisable to check for any special events or timings if you plan to visit during a festival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient to walk the grounds, admire the architecture, and take photos. It's a place for a short, peaceful visit rather than an extended stay.
The main attractions include the unique floating platform architecture, various Buddha statues (including a golden one), a holy tree, a stupa, and the serene lake views. The shrine housing the Jade Buddha might be locked.
Absolutely! Seema Malaka offers beautiful photographic opportunities with its distinctive architecture set against the backdrop of Beira Lake. The interplay of light and water makes for stunning shots.
The temple is known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city. It's a great spot for quiet reflection and enjoying the calm surroundings.
Basic facilities are usually available, but they might be limited. It's advisable to use restrooms before your visit if you have specific needs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Seema Malaka itself is a place of worship and meditation, so there are no food stalls or restaurants within the temple complex. However, it is conveniently located near local shops and dining options.
The area around Seema Malaka and Beira Lake offers a variety of dining options, from local Sri Lankan cuisine to international fare. You can find street food vendors and more established restaurants nearby.
Given that you need to remove your shoes and walk barefoot on potentially hot stone, it's often more comfortable to visit Seema Malaka on an empty stomach or after a light meal. You can then explore dining options nearby.
It's generally not advisable to bring food or drinks into religious sites like Seema Malaka, out of respect for the sanctity of the place. Water is usually acceptable, but it's best to consume food outside the temple grounds.
Colombo has a growing number of restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan options. You'll likely find plenty of choices in the vicinity, especially if you explore the local eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire temple complex offers great photo opportunities. Focus on the unique floating architecture, the Buddha statues, and the reflections on Beira Lake. The wooden carvings are also very photogenic.
Photography rules can vary, especially inside shrines. While general photography of the temple grounds is usually permitted, it's always best to observe any posted signs or ask for clarification to ensure you're respecting the rules.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more serene ambiance. The golden hour can create beautiful reflections on the water.
Drone photography is generally not permitted at religious sites and in busy urban areas without specific permits. It's best to assume drones are not allowed to avoid any issues.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the architecture and the expanse of the lake. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key considerations for families include the need to remove shoes, which can be a fun experience for kids, but be mindful of the hot stone floors during the day. Visiting during cooler hours is advisable. The short duration of a typical visit (15-30 minutes) makes it manageable for younger attention spans. It's best paired with other more engaging activities for children in Colombo.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
As a relatively short visit, it's easy to fit into a solo itinerary. The modest entry fee for foreigners makes it an affordable experience. Solo travelers can fully immerse themselves in the calm atmosphere, taking advantage of the opportunity to reflect and recharge before continuing their exploration of Colombo.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To capture the best images, aim for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for soft, flattering light and stunning reflections on the water. Be mindful of the dress code and the shoe removal policy, as these can influence your movement and shooting angles. The relatively short visit time means you can focus on getting your best shots efficiently.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Architecture of Seema Malaka
Visitors often remark on the peaceful ambiance created by the temple's location. The gentle lapping of water and the surrounding greenery contribute to a calming experience, making it an ideal spot for meditation and quiet contemplation. The architecture itself is simple yet profound, designed to evoke a sense of peace and mindfulness.
Key features include the main hall with its prominent Buddha statues, a stupa, and a holy tree. While some areas, like the shrine housing the Jade Buddha, might be inaccessible at times, the overall design and setting are captivating. The temple's ability to offer a tranquil escape within the heart of Colombo is one of its most celebrated aspects.
Navigating Entry and Etiquette
A significant aspect of visiting any Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka is the practice of removing shoes before entering the sacred grounds. This is a sign of respect. However, travelers have noted that the stone flooring can become extremely hot under the sun, making barefoot walking uncomfortable, especially during the midday heat. To mitigate this, it's highly recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Some visitors suggest wearing socks for added comfort.
Dress code is also important. Visitors should wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious nature of the site. While the temple offers a peaceful retreat, it's a place of worship, and adhering to these simple guidelines ensures a respectful and enjoyable visit for everyone.
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