Works of Geoffrey Bawa
If you’re a fan of architecture, then you’ve probably heard of Geoffrey Bawa. And if you love Geoffrey Bawa, then this adventure is perfect for you.
Day 01 – Negombo
We’ll be at the airport to welcome you and drive you the short distance to Negombo, home to an amazing beachside atmosphere with plenty of shops and cafes to explore, and an amazing beach to walk along.
*Overnight stay in Negombo
Day 02 – Cultural Triangle
Your next stop will be the famous Heritance Kandalama Hotel, a Geoffrey Bawa masterpiece where nature and building merge for a magical experience. Rest and relax before heading out to see Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle of Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa.
*Overnight stay at Heritance Kandalama
Day 03 – Sigiriya | Polonnaruwa
Be ready for an early start and a packed day full of history and Sri Lanka’s architectural heritage. You’ll visit the world-famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress; 8th wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see the famous frescoes dating back over a thousand years, an ancient water garden and a pleasure palace built on top of a rock fortress for one of Sri Lanka’s most famous kings. All excellent examples of the architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lanka.
In Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll see the ancient ruins of a walled garden city, which is one of the world’s best ancient architectural examples of a planned city. You’ll stroll through the ruins of ancient palaces, royal rooms and Buddhist shrines. Polonnaruwa is the history and ancient architecture buff’s dream.
*Overnight stay at Heritance Kandalama
Day 04 – Kandy
Today you’ll head to Kandy, an ancient city in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and the last stronghold of the Sinhala kings until the early 1800s when it became a British Protectorate. The city is full of history, architectural treasures and has a culture that is unique in Sri Lanka and is home to the world-famous Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses a tooth relic collected from the funeral pyre of the Buddha.
The Temple’s architecture is an excellent example of the Kandyan architectural style, which is unique in the world. The famous octagonal structure that the Temple is known for, the pattirippuwa, is a masterpiece considered to be symbolic of the identity of Kandyan Architecture and was designed by the famous Kandyan architect, Devendra Moolacarya.
On the way, you’ll make a stop at the Matale Heritage Centre to get a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage along with its rich craft traditions, great quality batik, fine embroidery, carpentry and brass-work.
*Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 05 – Ella
You’ll take the train from Kandy to Ella along with your packed breakfast and experience one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Prepare to have your breath taken away by the cascading waterfalls, verdant green hills, misty mountains and carpet-like tea plantations.
We’ll be there to meet you at the Ella Train Station and drive you to your hotel, where you can rest and relax.
*Overnight stay in Ella
Day 06 – Nine Arches Bridge | Tangalle
The Nine Arches Bridge is an engineering marvel of the 20th century, and connects the railway line across a valley. It’s a gorgeous sight and of particular importance to architecture aficionados.
You’ll then head down to the southern town of Tangalle, world-famous for its pristine beaches. Here you’ll stay at The Last House; the last property designed by the great Geoffrey Bawa in Sri Lanka. A beautiful sprawling house designed by the master himself, a stay at The Last House will be a treat for any Geoffrey Bawa fan. While in Tangalle, you’ll also visit Fitzherbert House, now known as Claughton House, located nearby.
*Overnight stay at The Last House
Day 07 – Galle Dutch Fort
This morning you’ll drive up the coast to the old colonial stronghold of Galle, home to the Galle Dutch Fort; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way you’ll make a stop at another Bawa masterpiece, the Ruhunu University Campus and the Matara Office Building.
In Galle, you’ll be staying at Jetwing Lighthouse, another creation of the master, Geoffrey Bawa. In the evening you’ll drive into Galle to explore the microcosm that is the Galle Dutch Fort.
*Overnight stay at Jetwing Lighthouse
Day 08 – Bentota
Get ready for a Bawa filled day. Travelling further up the south and west coast, you’ll head to Bentota. On the way, you’ll make a stop at Heritance Ahungalla, which is a uniquely designed hotel that blends water into the space as you walk in. You’ll also visit the boutique hotel, Club Villa, a 19th century Dutch colonial-style villa redesigned by Bawa in 1980.
While in Bentota, you’ll be staying at the eclectic Paradise Road The Villa Bentota, a luxurious boutique hotel that was once Mohotti Walauwa, another Bawa masterpiece. You’ll spend your afternoon in Bentota visiting Lunuganga, the master’s own residence, after which you’ll visit a Megalithic burial site at Ibbankatuwa.
*Overnight stay at Paradise Road The Villa Bentota
Day 09 – Colombo
Drive into the commercial capital Colombo, stopping on the way at the Blue Waters Hotel in Wadduwa to catch a glimpse of yet another Bawa creation.
The same evening you’ll visit Number 11, Geoffrey Bawa’s house in Colombo, followed by a visit to the Sri Lanka Parliament building, also designed by none other than the master himself.
*Overnight stay in Colombo
Day 10 – Airport
You’ve had glimpses across millennia, basked on the shores of paradise and had your fill of Geoffrey Bawa’s magnificent architecture. Now we’ll get you to the airport and bid you farewell as you carry back memories to treasure for life.