Top Places To Visit In Gampaha During Your Sri Lanka Vacation

Gampaha is an industrial town in the District of Gampaha, Western Province, Sri Lanka. It is situated northeast of Colombo, the capital. After Colombo, Negombo, Kalutara, Panadura and Avissawella it is the sixth-largest urban area in the Western Province. In Sinhala, the word “Gampaha” simply means Five Villages. Ihalagama, Pahalagama, Medagama, Pattiyagama and Aluthgama are classified as the five villages. Apparently, though, Pattiyagama village can not be established inside Gampaha’s city limits and remains contested. Also in the past Gampaha was known to be called Henarathgoda. 

Gampaha is popular by the late “Ayurveda Chakravarthi” Pundit Gabriel Perera Wickramarachchi for the teaching of Ayurveda and indigenous medicine.

Gampaha is a quiet place away from the humdrum of city life, so it is a paradise for people who want to make a quaint resort. Green verdant, botanical gardens flowering, and small temples define Gampaha area. So, we’ve trimmed a compilation of the top 5 locations to visit in Gampaha that you need to have in your bucket list.

History

During the Portuguese reign, the main route to the hill country was laid through the Gampaha area and during the Dutch period this area was used as a centre for the collection of cinnamon.[3] But before 1815, Gampaha was said to have been a dense forest. Ceylon ‘s 5th Governor, Sir Edward Barnes, visited Gampaha in 1825, on the way to witness the Negombo-Colombo main road-building works. When the British built the catholic church “Moragoda” in 1828, Gampaha and surrounding areas became slowly inhabited.

The Henarathgoda railway station was built in 1866 as the extension of the railway line from Colombo to Ambepussa, which served as a crucial factor for the growth and acknowledgement of the area. In 1867, Sri Lanka’s first rubber tree was established in botanical garden Henarathgoda.

Also Read: Top Places To Visit In Koggala During Your Sri Lanka Vacation

Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka

Usually, from December to June, the strongest season to hit the west and south coasts and valleys, while the worst weather on the east coast is from April / May to September. The island ‘s environment is determined by two big monsoon seasons, and as they overlap, Sri Lanka can be used as a holiday destination during the year.

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Top Places To Visit In Gampaha

Wolvendaal Church

Here is a majestic, 17th-century building. This architectural masterpiece was built by the Dutch more than 300 years ago and the structure stands in all its original glory even today. The Church’s quiet and remote atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and meditating for some time. The surrounding age-old graves commemorate the Dutch officials and aristocrats who once considered Sri Lanka their residence. A brief introduction to this church will inform you of the country’s colonial history and how it is still a part of its heritage.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

One of the most famous Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is. This is the place Lord Buddha visited along with 500 monks invited by King Maniakkhikha, with more than 2500 years of history to it. The position where Buddha stood and was teaching is identified with a stupa. This is the best place to view the life of Buddha in the form of exquisite paintings and the objects that belonged to him, including utensils and gen studded thrones.

Gangaramaya Temple

One of the most venerated houses of worship, the Gangaramaya Temple is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. It is an architectural marvel with stunning scenery mixing various architecture and building designs. This Buddhist temple houses the head of the Buddha, the hide of the elephant, numerous valuable gems and other religious artefacts. The monks’ chanting is really mesmerizing and relieving to the spirit. Spend time walking through the rows of Buddha statues, the open garden, the library and their center of education. You will love feeding an elephant in the temple or even lying in the temple drinking up the heightened spirituality.

Gampaha Botanical Garden

A botanical garden with the name Henarathgoda Botanical Garden was also established after the building of the Henarathgoda railway station. The first rubber tree has been planted here in Sri Lanka, and is still present in the city. The original owner, Muhandiam Amaris De Zoysa, planted the very first seed. He donated a significant portion of this estate for public use to enhance the appearance of local surroundings. The garden is also known as Gampaha Botanical Garden because of the town’s growing popularity. If you’re planning to explore this town then this garden is Gampaha’s must-visit place. Explore flowers of different species in this garden. 

Independence Square

This is one of the city’s icons renowned for its natural beauty, cleanliness and historical importance. The lush green surroundings offer the tourists quality relaxation. In the morning hours, you’ll see hundreds of locals jogging, cycling, and exercising. It’s an ideal spot to spend some relaxing hours throughout the evening, eating some street food and shopping at the nearby small shops. The place is well maintained, making it an ideal place for a picnic within the town.

Seema Malaka

For couples exuding tropical beauty, Seema Malaka is one of the few locations to stay in Colombo, providing the ideal respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. Designed by the renowned architect of Sri Lanka – Geoffrey Bawa, the Temple of Seema Malaka strikes a fine balance between Indian, Chinese, Thai and Sri Lankan architecture, which is more essential in preserving harmony amongst others.

Also Read: Top 10 reasons to visit Sri Lanka for your next vacation

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