Kelaniya: A Sleepy Riverside Suburb of Religion and Culture
Kelaniya, Sri Lanka is a suburb of the city of Colombo, located in the Western Province. The suburb is recognized as the home of the Buddhist temple lying along the Kelani Riverbank. It is also regarded with religious importance, as locals believe Buddha visited the area once to settle a fight between the Nāga leaders.
Best Time to Visit
Considering weather conditions, Kelaniya, is best visited between early January to mid-March. This coincides with the celebration of Nawam Maha Perahera in the nearby town of Colombo every February. There are still plenty of tourists during this season, so expect pricey Kelaniya, Sri Lanka hotels.
What to Do & Area Attractions
When visiting Kelaniya, you should also check out the most frequented attractions around the city. One such site is the Grand Mosque of Colombo, which is believed to be more than 500 years old. It is the home of the shrine of Tuan Bagoos Balankaya, the Malay saint. Around a four-minute walk from the mosque is the Wolvendaal Church. It is among the oldest Protestant church in Sri Lanka and one of the most significant of all Dutch Colonial structures in the country.
Thankfully, you need not need to walk far from both attractions when looking for a hotel as the two-star City Motel is within a five-minute walk away. The hotel provides an airport shuttle and easy access to the local market in the area. The Vista Garden Guest House is also highly recommended as this B&B serves free breakfast and features a business center.