Colombo , Sri Lanka

Colombo Buddhist Iconography Experience

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About this experience

This 3-hour tour gives you a detailed look at the historic temple of Bellanwila in the Colombo outskirts. Learn about the long history of the temple. Look at the beautiful wooden carvings that decorate the main shrine. Feast your eyes on the colorful paintings in the image house. Get to know about the meanings of the various Buddhist icons and symbols used in these. A definite must-go for art and history lovers.

Available options

Per Person

LK93010200

What's included

Service of an English Speaking Local Guide

Bottled Mineral Water Per Person.

All Taxes & Service Charges.

Detailed itinerary

You will be starting your tour from the entrance gate of Bellanwila Temple at either 10:00 am or 3:00 pm depending on your preference. This temple can be reached easily by taking a cab from the Dehiwela Junction if you are coming down Galle Road. Your English speaking guide will come over and take you to tour the temple.

This sacred location has a long history of over millennia. According to legends, the temple was created when one of the eight saplings of the Sacred Bo Tree in Kandy (which was brought to the island by the same ancient monks who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka) was planted where Bellanwila Temple is now. Later devotees worshipped the place and the temple was built. The tree now forms the heart of the temple.

There will be some monks during your tour who will tell you more about this history, and many other legends surrounding the temple. Your guide will be able to translate it for you. But the scene that will grab your attention the most will be the towering Buddha statue within the unassuming main shrine.

The lone windows behind the statue cast a glowing halo to the statue as they light up the shadowed space. Taking a closer look as your eyes adjust to the dim lighting, you will find many carved wooden panels with Theravada Buddhism images and iconography. Your guide will explain the difference between the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist sects in Sri Lanka, and their symbolism. You will also be told about some of the rituals in Buddhism.

Next, the guide will take you to the image house, which is modeled after the Lankathilaka Temple in Polonnaruwa. There, you will find many exquisite paintings and statues. You will get to hear the stories displayed in the paintings.

After viewing the whole temple and experiencing its history, art and, rituals; you will be completing your tour. Your tour guide will drop you off back at the entrance where you started your tour.

What's not included

Food or Drinks.

Expenses of Personal Nature.

Gratuities (Optional).

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Entrance gate of Bellanwila Temple

About Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy

115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle

120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo

35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

Vesak • May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon day) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat