Maharagama, Sri Lanka

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Maharagama, Sri Lanka

Region: Maharagama is located in the Colombo District


Geographic Coordinates: 6.849400, 79.923600
Temperature Range: 23.0°C to 33.0°C (73°F to 91°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year.
Population: 195355
Language: Sinhala

Maharagama is a bustling town situated in the Colombo District of Sri Lanka, Approximately 15 kilometers southeast of the capital city. It serves as a hub for transportation and commerce while offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Sri Lankan life and rich cultural heritage. One of the main attractions in Maharagama is the ancient Buddhist temple called Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya, Which dates back to the 16th century. The temple complex houses several buildings including a stupa, Shrine room, And meditation hall. Visitors can also admire beautiful murals depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.

Another popular attraction in Maharagama is Diyatha Uyana Park that covers an area of over 25 acres surrounded by lush greenery with several lakes. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lakes or take leisurely walks along park paths while enjoying views of colorful flowers and exotic birds. Maharagama also boasts several shopping centers such as Liberty Plaza Shopping Complex where visitors can find everything from clothing to electronics at reasonable prices. For those interested in local crafts and souvenirs, There are also plenty of markets selling handmade items such as pottery, Wood carvings, Textiles, And jewelry.

Foodies will love exploring Maharagama’s culinary scene with numerous restaurants offering traditional Sri Lankan cuisine as well as international dishes such as Chinese cuisine or fast food options like KFC or McDonald’s. For those looking for adventure activities near Maharagama can head to nearby Mount Lavinia Beach where they can enjoy swimming or surfing in crystal-clear waters while taking in stunning views of palm trees swaying gently against blue skies. Overall Maharagama offers visitors an authentic experience of traditional Sri Lankan culture combined with modern amenities making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to this beautiful island nation.



Important Landmarks

  1. Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya – A Buddhist temple known for its beautiful architecture and serene environment.
  2. Diyatha Uyana – A park with a lake that offers boat rides and a variety of food options.
  3. Maharagama Urban Wetland Park – A wetland park with walking trails and birdwatching opportunities.
  4. Pitakotte Lake – A scenic lake surrounded by greenery where visitors can relax and enjoy the view.
  5. Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya – An ancient Buddhist temple with intricate carvings and historical significance.
  6. Thalawathugoda Biodiversity Study Park – A park dedicated to preserving Sri Lanka’s biodiversity through education and research.
  7. Parliament of Sri Lanka – The country’s legislative body located in Kotte, which is adjacent to Maharagama.
  8. National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka – One of the largest zoos in South Asia that houses a variety of animals from around the world.
  9. Nugegoda Railway Station – The main railway station connecting Colombo Fort to other parts of the country is located in Nugegoda, which is close to Maharagama.
  10. Waters Edge –A luxury hotel situated on the banks of Diyawanna Oya (lake) offering panoramic views along with dining & recreational facilities.

Primary Industries

  1. Retail: There are several retail stores and supermarkets in Maharagama, such as Keells Super, Arpico Supercenter, and Cargills Food City.
  2. Healthcare: There are several hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies that provide healthcare services to residents.
  3. Education: Maharagama has many schools and educational institutions catering to primary, secondary as well as tertiary education.
  4. Hospitality: The town has a few hotels that provide accommodation for travelers visiting the area.
  5. Banking: Several banks have branches in Maharagama providing banking services to residents.
  6. Construction: Ongoing construction of residential buildings as well as commercial establishments such as shopping malls is taking place within the region.
  7. Manufacturing & Production: Some small-scale manufacturing units such as garment factories exist within the region which employ a significant portion of the population.
  8. Transportation: The town has a bus terminal which serves both local routes within Colombo city limits and long-distance routes connecting other cities around Sri Lanka.

Noteable History

  1. The ancient city of Kelaniya, located near Maharagama, was visited by Lord Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka.
  2. During the British colonial period, Maharagama was a major center for tea cultivation and production.
  3. In 1956, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike contested his first parliamentary election from the Maharagama constituency; he later became the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
  4. The famous Sinhalese writer Martin Wickramasinghe lived in Maharagama for several years during his childhood and later wrote extensively about the area in his novels and essays.
  5. The renowned artist George Keyt also lived in Maharagama for many years and created some of his most famous works there.
  6. In recent times, Maharagama has become known as a hub for IT companies and startups in Sri Lanka.
  7. Notable people from Maharagama include former Sri Lankan cricketer Chamara Silva, actress Anarkali Akarsha, and musician Nadeeka Guruge.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Sri Lanka Air Force Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force and showcases aircraft, weapons, and other artifacts.
  2. Diyatha Uyana: This park features a picturesque lake and walking trails, as well as food stalls and a weekend market.
  3. Seema Malaka Temple: A serene Buddhist temple located on Beira Lake in Colombo that’s known for its unique architecture and peaceful ambiance.
  4. National Museum of Natural History: An educational museum displaying exhibits on Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna, including rare species such as elephants, leopards, and whales.
  5. Viharamahadevi Park: A popular park in Colombo named after Queen Viharamahadevi with a children’s play area, fountains & statues of national figures.
  6. Independence Memorial Hall: A monument built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British colonial rule in 1948.
  7. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara: An ancient Buddhist temple located on the banks of the Kelani River near Colombo that dates back to 500 BC.
  8. Gangaramaya Temple: One of the most famous temples in Colombo that houses a museum displaying an eclectic collection of artifacts from around the world.
  9. Mount Lavinia Beach – One can enjoy sunbathing or swimming at this beautiful beach which is also famous for its sunset views.
  10. Ratmalana Airport – The first international airport in Sri Lanka which was established during World War II is now used mainly for domestic flights but has an aviation museum as well.


Sports Teams

  1. I apologize for not having up-to-date information on local sports teams in Maharagama, Sri Lanka.
  2. I recommend looking into community centers or sports clubs in the area to find out more about any available teams and their histories.


Cultural Events

  1. Vesak Festival is celebrated in May to commemorate Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing away.
  2. Navarathri Festival is a nine-day celebration in September or October honoring the Hindu goddess Durga.
  3. Sinhala and Tamil New Year marks the start of a new year on the traditional Sinhala and Tamil calendars, celebrated in April.
  4. Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya Perahera is an annual procession featuring colorful costumes, traditional music, and dance performances held in August or September.
  5. Colombo International Book Fair attracts book lovers from all over Sri Lanka every year in September or October at BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall).
  6. Colombo Art Biennale showcases works from local and international artists across various mediums like painting, sculpture, and video installations biennially.
  7. Food Festivals offer visitors opportunities to taste different types of Sri Lankan cuisine including street food like kottu roti, hoppers etc., throughout the year.

Cuisine

  • Ambula – a popular restaurant that serves traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
  • The Sandwich Factory – known for their delicious sandwiches and burgers.
  • Kandoori – a restaurant that specializes in Indian cuisine.
  • The Cake Factory – famous for their cakes, pastries, and desserts.
  • Raja Bojun – a buffet-style restaurant that offers a variety of Sri Lankan dishes.
  • Nuga Gama at Cinnamon Grand Colombo Hotel – an outdoor dining experience featuring traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
  • P&S Family Restaurant – known for their seafood dishes.
  • Cafe Beverly Hills – popular for its coffee and breakfast options.
  • Wok This Way – serves Chinese and Thai food with vegetarian options available.
  • Choco Luv Café – famous for its desserts, chocolates, hot chocolate drinks, and milkshakes.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Thalawathugoda Biodiversity Park
    2. Maharagama Urban Wetland Park
    3. Weras Ganga Park
    4. Thalawathugoda jogging track and cycling path
    5. Baddegana walking path
    6. Sri Lanka Air Force Grounds for sports activities
    7. Keells Super Playground for children
    8. National Youth Services Council sports complex
    9. Diyatha Uyana recreational park and lake area

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