Sri Lankan Traveller

Manelwatta Temple is a Buddist Temple constructed recently in Gampaha District, very close to ancient Kelaniya Viharaya. Temple is situated in a 16ha land with a calm and quiet environment amidst it's close proximity to Colombo. Since most patronages to the Temple being from East Asian countries it looks like a Mahayana Temple from a East Asian Country. This location is very famous for photoshoots due to its iconic architecture. The environment maitained with it's lakes and well kept lawms is very refreshing and is an ideal location to relax in Colombo. Temple also houses the Nagananda International Buddhist University moddled aftrr the ancient Buddhist university of Nalanda, India. Temple only has a very recent history and the land of the Temple being offered to the Budhdha Sasana in 1962 by the Late Sri Lankan president Mr. J. R. Jayawadena. How to Reach Temple is just 16km from Colombo and is situated in Kelaniya Biyagama Road.

Maligathenna Aranya Senasanaya is a Buddhist Temple situated in a small hill in Gampaha district close to Wathurugama. This Temple has a very long historical importance. The temple is believed to be used as a hideout by King Valagamba in the Anuradhapura period to safeguard from Indian invaders. Later the king has converted the place in to a monastery. Temple is situated among paddy fields and lush green forests. There are many caves in the temple and most of these have  drip ledges and might have been used as shelter for meditation.  It is also believed that the Tooth Relic of Buddha was kept hidden in the Temple in the later Kotte Period to escape persecution from King Don Juan Dharmapala who was a christian. Temple houses an image house and a meditation paths. You can reach the top of the hill where a dageba and a pond can be seen. Once you reach the peak you can enjoy a beautiful scenary of the region up to the ocean. Skyline of Colombo city can be viewed...

Weboda Gallen Raja Maha Viharaya also known as Punchi Sri Padaya or Gale Pansala is situated in Weboda close to Colombo Kandy Highway in Gampaha district. This temple is situated in a small hillock surrounded by residential areas and paddy fields. Name Punchi Sri Padaya is derived from the existence of a symbol of the "Sri Pada" on top of the hillock. It is believed that the temple was once used as a refugee camp for King Valagambha in his troubled times due to south indian invaders and the place was made in to a Temple by the king himself later, after his second coronation. Temple has been continuously inhabited by monks since then.  Temple is known as Gallen Raja Maha Viharaya due to the caves in the temple currently used as the shrine house. There is a ancient pond on the top of the hillock fabled as never being dry even on most severe droughts.

Dadagamuwa Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist Monastery located in Gampaha district close to Veyangoda. This ancient temple dates it's legend up to Ki ng Devanampiyatissa of Anuradhapura Era and is believed to be built by Sumitta a local leader. However this temple have been revived in the Kandyan era and have paintings dating to Kandyan era and a Watadageya. A Buddha statue built recently adjoining the lake gives the temple a breathtaking view. The temple is situated next to a lake and is surrounded by lush green paddy fields and is very calm and quite. A new meditation centre is being built next to the temple would add more value to Dadagamuwa Raja Maha Viharaya in the future. The temple can easily be reached from Colombo using the Colombo - Kandy road and taking the Veyangoda road from Kalagedihena and turning to Dadagamuwa Road. If you like to travel in train you can use the Heendeniya Pattigoda Railway Station just a 1 km from the temple....

Asgiriya Raja Maha Viharaya  Asgiriya Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient cave temple situted in Western province close to Gampaha City. Temple is situated In an small hill adjecent to Gampaha and is easy to reach. After climbing few steps you can reach the top which will provide you a breathtaking view of the area. You can see the Gampaha urban area and on clear days sky scrapers of Colombo can be seen. Apart from that you can experience the cool breeze and enjoy the place leisurly as its not crowded. This temple is believed to be built by King Valagamba and King Valagamba has used this place as an hideout while organizing troups for the wars. The temple has an very ancient cave temple with drawings of Kandyan era. There are few caves in the temple and various trees grown along the hills makes the environment very calm. In the top of the hill there is a natural pond amidst the dry climate had water in it. Ancient inscription can also be seen in the top ...