Top Things to do in Western Province
Countries
What to do and see in Western Province, Sri Lanka: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Western Province, Sri Lanka including Tsunami Photo Museum, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Kande Viharaya, Travco Adventures, St. Anthony's Church Kochikade Colombo, Kalutara Bodhiya, Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple.
Restaurants in Western Province
1. Tsunami Photo Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By Maioha - Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
This was our third visit to the Tsunami Photo Museum and, again, a reminder of the terrible tsunami that struck that part of the Sri Lankan coast. Each time we go there, we gather more insight into the tragedy that occurred there, especially the estimated 2,000 who died in the train nearby on that fateful Boxing Day morning.
2. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
Reviewed By profjoypc - Alnwick, United Kingdom
The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is one of many 'must see' places for anyone interested in the Buddhist Temples of the island. Its history goes back to before 500 BCE and the third visit of Lord Buddha to Sri lanka. It has important paintings relating to the life of The Buddha, It is also famous for its wonderful image of the reclining Buddha. It is believed that the original Stupa enshrined a throne of gems upon which Lord Buddha sat. The place is tranquil and a huge privilege and pleasure to see.
3. Kande Viharaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By Kumi M - an airport somewhere!
After a long day of sightseeing down along the southern coast, we were ready to head back to our resort on the beach. However our driver asked if we were interested in stopping here. And I'm really happy he did in the end. I had looked this place up before our trip and yet I totally forgot about it for some reason (and it's only a few minutes from where we're staying too). It was one of the spots that I didn't want to miss. If you're just passing through the area it's not far from the Colombo-Galle main road.
The entrance way takes you up a hill (via tuk tuk) along a short road with short carved walls featuring the Korawak Gal (These area also on the steps leading up to the hill).
We were greeted by a fat and loud chicken - most likely overjoyed that he wasn't on someone's plate. (Other chickens and animals on the grounds have found sanctuary here).
We made a bee-line directly to the front of the statue. This Samadhi Buddha is enormous and one of the tallest sitting statues in the world. The light colors on Buddha stood out against the crisp blue afternoon sky and looked wonderful. (I'm posting photos).
Don't forget to take your shoes off. We arrived close to 5 in the afternoon so the stones were warm - almost comforting. (There are some stray dogs so watch out for poop).
Since we did not take the stairs up, we did not get to see the Thorana.
After staring at the giant statue and checking out the stair case with the awesome Makara Korawakgala, I decided to walk around the bottom instead of up the stairs between the marble lions.
The outside of the chamber below Buddha is lined with life-size figures of the kings of Sri Lanka including King Devanampiya Tissa - he was the man in charge when Buddhism came to Sri Lanka.
Upon entering the image chamber I got another second wind. The air was nice and cool and the sight is impressive. Stairs leading up and down take you to different sections of the room. It's dark and yet the frescoes inside are so vibrant. Here you can see the Jataka tales that show Buddha in previous births teaching lessons while in various forms (man, animal, god, etc.) There are so many paintings inside, I wish there was a guide available to explain each one. This room is really peaceful. There were a couple of ladies sitting on the stairs talking quietly and discussing the images. I wish I could've understood what they were saying. Take your time and look at the art as well as the room as a whole.
I think my group was done for the day. So I did not get to see the relic chamber, Bo tree (supposed to be 300+ years old!) or Devala. I kind of think I should've gone back for a second visit however there's another week of ancient places to visit yet to come!
This is a working temple and place of worship. It is also free of charge. You can make a donation if you'd like. It was not crowded when we arrived and non-worshipers were welcome too.
This could easily be a fast visit if you've got things to do or an extended one if you really want to look at the details and learn a bit more.
4. Travco Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Plan Your Holiday With A Smile, With Travco Adventures Network within Sri Lanka Our string of well connected network of contacts, partners and suppliers it enables us to provide you with excellent, quality and cost-effective packages to suit any of your requirement to assure you get your money’s worth. Best packages no one else but Travco Adventures can offer.
Reviewed By Jibinraj - Kochi (Cochin), India
It was for the first time, we chose a package trip. Was little skeptical about the price while choosing the package. We put a request for quotes via Traveltriangle. Received multiple quotes. After Reading the reviews, we chose Travco. Very much satisfied with their service. They provided a Toyota Prius for the trip and the chauffeur, Ruchira was very friendly and very helpful. Accommodations provided by them were top notch. We had a nice time at Sri Lanka. Thank you Shanil and Travco
5. St. Anthony's Church Kochikade Colombo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
Reviewed By mrdom
All of the christian churches in Colombo seem to be plain affairs with little interest to tourists. St Anthony’s actually had a lot of people in it singing, which was nice until an old woman started literally chasing me to try to get me to buy prayer offerings. I guess the Buddhism has rubbed off on them.
6. Kalutara Bodhiya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 287 reviews
The Kalutara bodiya is one of the religious place which is venerated by all buddhist in sri lanka. anybody who comes from Colombo or galle stop over at the sacred shrine to pay their respects by way of worshipping and offerings. here is a hollow dagoba with interesting paintings.
Reviewed By Udarahema - Kottawa
Buddhism is a very historical and important place for visit. Inside main temple you able to go inside and do any religious activities. If you need to get relaxed to your mind please go there and stay few hours
7. Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By zamanwho - Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo built nearly 150 years ago. The interior of the temple is really enchanted with heavily decorated with colorful murals and beautiful statues all over its wall and ceiling, although its exterior is not very impressive.
