About Seema Malaka Temple
Seema Malaka Temple is assembly hall for the monks at Gangaramaya Vihara temple used chiefly for meditation. The temple, situated on the waters of Beira Lake, is an architectural wonder built by the most famous architect, also called the “father of Tropical Modernism”, Geoffrey Bawa.
Seema Malaka temple resembles the forest monasteries at Anuradhapura which are usually built on the waters and it is a blend of Indian, Sri Lankan, Chinese designs. The original temple that sheltered monks 120 years ago started sinking in the 1970s after which the government ordered it to be rebuilt and redesigned. The present temple stands amidst tall modern buildings and is filled with serenity and tranquillity. It is visited mainly to bTold the stunning design of the temple which has three platforms raised on waters connected by pontoon walkways. The main platform holds the meditation hall. There is a Bodhi Tree on one and a huge library on the other that stores ancient religious texts and which is not open for people. There are many statues of seating Buddhas on all platforms with different mudras and also Hindu gods.
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Places to Visit near Seema Malaka Temple
Gangaramaya Temple, Western Province
0.8 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
With a mix of cultural heritage and unique architecture, this temple is of prime importance to Buddhism. Situated just by the Beira Lake, the...
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Viharamahadevi Park, Western Province
1.6 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
Among the smoke, noise, crowd and stink of the bustling city lies the vast, green Viharamahadevi Park. The landscape of this park is decorated...
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St Anthony's Church, Kochchikade, Western Province
1.8 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
Within the majestic Portugese-style Kochchikade Church lies St. Anthony’s shrine, a central place of worship for Sri Lankans of different...
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Beira Lake, Western Province
1.8 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
Situated in the heart of Colombo city, the Beira Lake provides a nice evening out, however, due to the poor maintenance, once cannot spend too...
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Galle Face Green, Western Province
2 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
As salty ocean breeze blows by, and hues of orange merge to light the sunset sky, the ever-buzzing Galle Face Green boundlessly attracts locals,...
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National Art Gallery, Colombo, Western Province
2 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
The National Art Gallery in Colombo is situated next to National Museum in Cinnamon gardens displays many beautiful portraits and landscapes. As...
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National Museum of Colombo, Western Province
2.1 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
Colombo National Museum, Sri Lanka’s largest one, is a fine representation of the nation’s vast history and heritage. The building is a large,...
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Colombo Fort, Western Province
2.6 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
The general impression of forts is that they are majestic and colossal, however, the Colombo Fort is a clear exception. With no major timeworn...
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Independence Square, Colombo, Western Province
2.7 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
The Independence Square is a site of historic consequence, natural beauty and architectural significance. Best known for its cleanliness and open...
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Dutch Museum, Colombo, Western Province
3.3 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
Among busy streets and crowded bazaars lies the Dutch Period Museum, a place that showcases the Dutch history of the island. The museum is old,...
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Bally's Casino, Colombo, Western Province
3.4 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
Bally’s Casino is the most well-known, sophisticated, fashionable and highly frequented Casino of Colombo. It is not only the biggest one in...
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Pettah Floating Market, Western Province
3.4 km from Seema Malaka Temple - See map
Built by the engineering teams of Navy and Army and located in Bastian Mawatha in Pettah neighborhood is the Pettah Floating Market which floats...
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