Borella General Cemetery
Colombo's largest historical cemetery, a peaceful resting place for diverse communities and notable figures, with a significant war memorial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Borella General Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Colombo's largest historical cemetery, a peaceful resting place for diverse communities and notable figures, with a significant war memorial.
"A peaceful and well-maintained place, offering a serene atmosphere for paying respects to loved ones."
🚶♀️ Walk Respectfully
Remember this is a place of remembrance. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of others.
🗺️ Grab a Map
If you're looking for specific graves, a map from the entrance can be very helpful.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Commonwealth War Graves
Commonwealth War Graves Plot
A poignant section honoring servicemen and women from WWI and WWII, including diverse nationalities.
Notable Burials
Various sections
Discover the final resting places of Sri Lankan legends like singer H.R. Jothi Pala and Sir Arthur C. Clarke.
Architectural Variety
Throughout the cemetery
Admire the diverse tombstone designs, from simple markers to elaborate mausoleums, reflecting different eras and stories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Respectfully
Remember this is a place of remembrance. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of others.
🗺️ Grab a Map
If you're looking for specific graves, a map from the entrance can be very helpful.
🚗 Parking Available
There is vehicle parking space available on-site for visitors.
📸 Photography Etiquette
While photos are allowed, be discreet and respectful. Avoid intrusive shots.
Can I go to borella cemetery just to walk around inside?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Respectfully
Remember this is a place of remembrance. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of others.
🗺️ Grab a Map
If you're looking for specific graves, a map from the entrance can be very helpful.
🚗 Parking Available
There is vehicle parking space available on-site for visitors.
📸 Photography Etiquette
While photos are allowed, be discreet and respectful. Avoid intrusive shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Borella General Cemetery is widely regarded as a peaceful and well-maintained historical site in Colombo. Visitors appreciate the serene atmosphere, the historical significance, and the respectful upkeep of the grounds, which are divided for various faiths. While generally positive, some may find the sheer size of the cemetery daunting without a map.
"Borella Cemetery is a peaceful and well-maintained place, offering a serene atmosphere for paying respects to loved ones. The grounds are tidy, and the greenery around adds a calm, reflective feel to the surroundings. The staff is respectful and helpful, ensuring the cemetery is accessible and clean. Visiting here felt respectful, and I appreciated the sense history present in the older tombstones, each with its own story. A place that encourages remembrance and quiet reflection. Thankful for the care taken to maintain this important space."
Sathya Dinuka
"The largest General cemetery in the city of Colombo. Owned and maintained by the Colombo Municipal council. The lad area is around 30+ acres. The cemetery have separate facilities for Buddhist, Catholics and Hindus. The place is nicely maintained by the dedicated staff of the municipality.
They have the most advanced creamatory machines in Sri Lanka.
There are vehicle parking space available."
SANKHA WIJAYASINGHE
"Borella Kanatte Cemetery is the largest Cemetery and historical place in Sri Lanka. It was constructed in the year 1840 for burying dead people from all the communities. A lot of famous people in local history have been buried here including One of the Best Singer in Sri Lanka Mr. H.R. Jothi Pala, The famous astronomer, science fiction writer and futurist Sir Arthur C Clarke.
The main burial grounds for all faiths within the city of Colombo which is located where Narahenpita Road (Elvitigala Mawatha), Bullers Road (Bauddhaloka Mawatha), and Baseline Road (D S Senanayake Mawtha) meet at a large roundabout.
👉😂👻Can you find the Ghosts on my photographs?😊 I think there might be the ghosts those are Brilliant White Colors Dots on the Tombs. 👻👈"
Chinthaka S Priyankara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Borella General Cemetery is centrally located in Colombo, at the intersection of Elvitigala Mawatha, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, and D. S. Senanayake Mawatha. You can reach it by taxi, tuk-tuk, or public bus. Many bus routes pass through the Borella area.
Yes, numerous public buses service the Borella area, making it accessible via public transport from various parts of Colombo.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is vehicle parking available on-site. Be aware that traffic in Colombo can be heavy, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee for general visitation to Borella General Cemetery. It's a public space for remembrance.
No, typically you do not need to show identification for general visits. It's open for people to visit relatives and explore.
While specific official hours aren't always widely published, cemeteries are generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to ensure visibility and safety.
Yes, you are welcome to visit Borella Cemetery for a walk around and to explore its historical significance. Just remember to be respectful of the environment and other visitors.
Yes, it is possible to pre-book burial plots. One TikTok user mentioned purchasing a spot for $8,000 with an initial deposit of $800.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is generally peaceful and serene, offering a calm and reflective environment. It's well-maintained with greenery, contributing to a sense of tranquility.
Yes, the cemetery has separate facilities and burial grounds for Buddhist, Catholic, and Hindu communities.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's crucial to be discreet and respectful. Avoid intrusive shots, especially of grieving visitors.
You can find a variety of tombstone designs, from simple markers to elaborate structures. Some videos mention looking for specific, unique markers like a 'Ouija Tombstone' if you have a map and instructions.
Absolutely. Borella General Cemetery is one of Sri Lanka's largest and most historical cemeteries, dating back to 1840 and serving as the final resting place for many notable figures.
📸 📸 Photography
The Commonwealth War Graves plot offers poignant and well-maintained subjects. Exploring the older sections can reveal unique tombstone architecture and inscriptions. The late afternoon light can also create beautiful, atmospheric shots.
Many visitors are drawn to the historical gravestones, the war memorial, and the diverse architectural styles of the mausoleums. Some even look for unique markers based on online guides.
Focus on architectural details, historical inscriptions, and the overall serene atmosphere. Be mindful of privacy and avoid photographing individuals without their consent.
Some visitors have reported seeing 'brilliant white colors dots' on tombs and speculate about ghosts. While photography is allowed, capturing such phenomena is subjective and not a guaranteed experience. [^Review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♂️ History Buffs & Photographers
🙏 Those Seeking Remembrance
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Historical Resting Place
Beyond its general historical significance, Borella Cemetery also houses the Commonwealth War Graves Plot. This section contains a substantial number of war graves, including over 60 World War I Commonwealth servicemen and nearly 300 from World War II. Notably, it also includes graves of individuals from other nationalities, such as a German soldier, a German merchant seaman, a German interned civilian, and an Austrian nursing sister, highlighting the global impact of conflicts and the diverse individuals laid to rest here. [^Review]
Navigating and Experiencing the Cemetery
While general visitation is permitted without an entrance fee or strict ID checks, it's crucial to maintain a respectful demeanor. This means keeping noise levels down, avoiding disruptive behavior, and being mindful of any ongoing ceremonies or visitors paying their respects. The cemetery also boasts modern crematorium machines, indicating its role as a functional facility beyond just a historical site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit