Sri Lanka — Colombo; Gangarama Temple and Tea Time at the Galle Face

The Buddhist Gangarama Temple features an eclectic blending of Sri Lankan, Indian (of course), Thai, and Chinese architecture. Construction began in 1885, but nowhere can I find a specific year of completion. All that’s mentioned is that it was finished sometime in “the late 19th century.” Odd record keeping, but there you have it. The temple was founded by Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera, a Buddhist monk and the founder of Sri Lanka’s Vidyodaya Pirivena monastic college. While Ursula went inside, I photographed the exterior. After that it was time for tea, but we’ll get to that adventure in a moment. For now, here is a photo gallery/slide show of the temple:

Next stop, before heading back to Celebrity Millennium, was to a very famous Colombo destination. It was high time for high tea… just a tad early. At any rate, we and other tour groups descended upon:

This 5-star wonder is one of the oldest hotels east of the Suez Canal. Situated on the Galle Face Green, a 12-acre/5-hectare ocean-fronting park, the immense Galle Face Hotel is a sight to behold:

Just to the north you’ll catch a glimpse of a sight I showed you on Monday, the Lotus Tower:

This week’s Fun Photo Friday concludes Sri Lanka. After that it’s on to India. But for now, let us head inside for some refreshments:

Слава Україні! (Slava Ukraini!)