Gangaramaya temple in Colombo worth visiting and what makes it special and any etiquette

Colombo local so the Gangaramaya picture a fascinating city temple and a great cultural stop What it is GANGARAMAYA is one of Colombos most important and famous Buddhist TEMPLES (near Beira Lake in the heart of the city) it is a working temple and a centre of worship and learning but what makes it special is its wonderfully ECLECTIC fascinating character What makes it special the ECLECTIC COLLECTION Gangaramaya is famous for its astonishing eclectic mix and its MUSEUM like collection of treasures and curiosities crammed everywhere a magpie collection of Buddha statues (countless from across Asia) gifts antiques vintage cars old artefacts ivory jade and crystal pieces religious objects and oddities from around the world it is gloriously cluttered and treasure filled (almost a museum of donated and collected objects) the ARCHITECTURE an unusual blend of Sri Lankan Thai Indian and Chinese influences (an eclectic architectural mix) the SEEMA MALAKA the beautiful related pavilion the Seema Malaka is a serene meditation and ceremonial pavilion set OUT ON Beira Lake (designed by the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa the Bawa threads) a tranquil cluster of platforms on the water (a lovely contrast to the busy temple a must see right nearby and very photogenic) the temple also runs educational and cultural work and is central to Colombo big Vesak and Navam perahera celebrations The experience wander the packed temple halls and the collection (allow time it is dense with things to see) marvel at the eclectic treasures see the main shrine and Buddha then visit the serene SEEMA MALAKA pavilion on the lake nearby a fascinating busy then peaceful couple of hours a brilliant cultural stop in the city Entry fee yes there is a modest ENTRANCE FEE for visitors (a small charge which helps the temple and its work) bring a little cash Etiquette it is an active temple so the usual temple etiquette DRESS MODESTLY (cover shoulders and knees the temple dress threads) REMOVE shoes (and hats) where required (before entering the shrine areas) behave respectfully (quiet calm) do not turn your back to or pose disrespectfully with the Buddha statues (no photos with your back to a Buddha or sitting beside one for a selfie the Buddha photo etiquette threads) be respectful with photography (allowed in most areas but be discreet and respectful around worshippers and shrines) a small donation is kind So YES Gangaramaya is well worth visiting and makes a great cultural stop in Colombo a famous working temple celebrated for its gloriously ECLECTIC museum like collection of Buddha statues antiques and curiosities and its mix of architecture plus the serene SEEMA MALAKA pavilion out on Beira Lake nearby (the lovely Bawa designed water pavilion) expect a modest entry fee dress modestly remove shoes and follow respectful temple etiquette (especially around the Buddha statues) a fascinating treasure filled and then tranquil few hours in the heart of the city