Seema Malakaya Temple
A serene meditation temple floating on Beira Lake, designed by the celebrated architect Geoffrey Bawa, its timber pavilions and rows of Buddha statues a calm retreat in the city.
Seema Malaka is a Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The temple is mainly used for meditation and rest, rather than for worship. Situated in the Beira Lake, the temple was originally constructed in the late 19th century.
Seema Malaka was redesigned by Geoffrey Bawa in 1976 after the original structure slowly sank; the temple is in the middle of the Beira Lake and the design was inspired by the ancient monasteries in forests of Anuradhapura and Ritigala.
The temple is constructed on three platforms over water, which are connected to the mainland and with each other by pontoon bridges. The temple's main roof is covered with blue color tiles and the temple is made from collected spindles and handrails in wooden finishes.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Donation
- Opening hours: 6:00am to 8:00pm
- Time needed: 30 minutes
- Best time: Late afternoon
Getting there
On Beira Lake in central Colombo, linked to Gangaramaya temple which manages it.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Seema Malakaya Temple?
- Donation.
- What are the opening hours at Seema Malakaya Temple?
- 6:00am to 8:00pm.
- How long should I spend at Seema Malakaya Temple?
- Plan for 30 minutes.
- When is the best time to visit Seema Malakaya Temple?
- Late afternoon.
- How do I get to Seema Malakaya Temple?
- On Beira Lake in central Colombo, linked to Gangaramaya temple which manages it.