Monument and Historic Building Gangaramaya temple is a Buddhist temple inclusive of several imposing buildings and is located nearby the placid water of Beira Lake on a plot of land that use to be the hermitage on a small piece of marshy land. Gangaramaya, the tranquil temple is the place worth visiting that keeps you away the hustle and bustle of the city. The design of the temple is inspired by the ancient forest monasteries such as Anuradhapura and Ritigala. The temple has a blue tiled roof that is held up by walls apparently build from collected banisters and spindles. The temple has a museum, a library, a residential hall, a tree storied Pirivena, educational halls and alms hall in its premises. It is designed by Geoffrey Bawa, one of the foremost architects of Asia, with a calm elegance. Today the temple is also serving as a centre of learning and is uniquely attractive and tolerant to many different religions.