Sri Sambodhi Viharaya

One of the most amazing sights in Colombo is the gleaming white Buddhist stupa built atop an arch just beside the Sri Lankan Navy base in the Fort area. Adjacent to the harbor, this bell-shaped landmark was created so that it would be visible to all ocean going ships, whether docking at the port or in transit to far-flung destinations around the world. Access to the arch is via a gantry at the top of a tower to the north, itself accessed by an open staircase, the ascent of which is not for the weak-limbed or faint-hearted! Next to the temple grounds, known as the Sambodhi Chaitya, is the Colombo Maritime Museum, housed in what used to be the old Dutch Prison, which is also well worth a visit.