Let’s plan your journey
From indigenous styles to Indian, Buddhist, Portuguese, Dutch and British influenced styles, the architecture you will encounter during your journey is a wonderful fusion of multiple cultures. You will also visit exquisitely designed pleasure gardens such as Diyabubula, Lunuganga, and The Brief designed by Sri Lankan art and architecture legends Laki Senanayake, Geoffrey Bawa & Bevis Bawa respectively. Along the way you will also encounter towering mountains, lush green tea estates, thundering waterfalls, golden beaches, ancient ruins, jungles, bars and temples.
Read MoreYour accommodation will consist of handpicked hotels, designed to minimise time spent in travel, so that you can have the maximum time to focus on your Sri Lankan architecture holiday and enjoy your hotel, destinations, and the amazing cuisine in the area.
Ideal for:
Anyone wanting to experience South Asian and Buddhism influenced Sri Lankan architecture, and colonial architecture. Recommended for Solo Travellers / Couples / Friends / Families with kids and teenagers / Small groups consisting of friends and family.
Ayubowan! Welcome to your architecture holiday to Sri Lanka. Your first night will be spent at the coastal fishing town of Negombo which is a short distance away from the airport. Although your time here will be brief, there is much to explore here, either on your own or with your trusty personal chauffeur. With golden beaches, churches and building architecture influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisation, art galleries and a fascinating mix of cuisines, Negombo is a great place to get lost in and make memories.
You’re headed to the vast jungles of Wilpattu next! The largest National Park in Sri Lanka has a fantastically diverse population of wildlife, and is a great place to see Leopards, Sloth Bears and Elephants. An intriguing detour awaits you on the way, at the ancient citadel of Yapahuwa. This citadel was a relatively short lived, late 13th century capital city of mediaeval Sri Lanka. But during its 11 short years this city flourished, which resulted in some beautiful Sri Lankan architecture. Built upon a 90-metre-tall rock, this stronghold was inspired by the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a location that you will visit later on during this tour.
We get back on the architecture holiday trail with a visit to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital city. Dating back to the 4th century BCE, Anuradhapura was probably the greatest monastic city of the ancient world and was a proud political capital that dominated the country for over 1,300 years. The Buddhist and Indian influenced architecture in the palaces, monasteries and monuments, will be the focus of your travels here. A quick detour on the way will take you to the impressive Aukana Buddha statue which is indicative of influences the Gandhara school of art and the Amaravati school of art of India had in Sri Lanka.
Ruwanwelisaya – one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments which houses the Buddha’s relics, Thuparamaya – the first Buddhist temple, Lovamahapaya – a nine storied skyscraper of the ancient world, Isurumuniya – famous for its intriguing carvings, the 4th century CE Samadhi Statue carved out of dolomite marble, Kuttam Pokuna and Eth Pokuna – elaborately constructed bathing ponds, and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi – the 2,250 year-old sacred Bo tree, grown from the southern branch of the sacred Bo tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. You will also get to partake in an offering ritual at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
During this leg of the tour, you will visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its amazing landscaped boulder gardens, water gardens and frescoes; the curious and legendary mountain of Ritigala; the intriguing and ancient Dambulla Cave Temple, and Polonnaruwa, the second oldest capital city of Sri Lanka famed for its well-preserved sculptures and architecture. During your exploration of these ancient ruins, in addition to the inspired architectural designs, you will also notice the gradual shift from granite to clay-bricks in the architecture styles, a hallmark of kingdoms succeeding Anuradhapura. You will also stumble upon a modern-day masterpiece – Diyabubula, an artistic garden oasis created by the legendary artist & sculptor, Laki Senanayake during this architecture tour.
Kandy, the hill country capital city of the last Sri Lankan King, is full of legends, mediaeval palaces, and sacred temples. The architecture in Kandy is a wonderful mix of many cultures due to the multiple invasions the island faced. The South Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and British architectural influences led to some marvellous creations, which added to the splendour of Kandy. Religion is a key theme you will encounter in this region, with many temples dedicated to worshipping Lord Buddha and significant Hindu Gods. Apart from this, there are many facets of Kandy to be enjoyed including the cuisine, nature, extensive botanical gardens and its rich history & culture.
The chilly little town of Nuwara Eliya is possibly every Sri Lankan’s favourite destination, and we believe it could be yours too. Known as “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya with its colonial architecture and stuck-in-a-time-gone-by feel, is all about a relaxed way of life. Strawberries and cream, lazy treks through lush green tea estates and piping hot meals by Lake Gregory await you in this town and we highly recommend you experience them all! Being at the heart of the tea country, you will also get to chat with tea pluckers, understand how the finest tea in the world is made, and taste a variety of Ceylon Tea fresh from the factory.
It’s time to head to the long golden beaches of the coastal city of Tangalle. Here we will encounter the final architectural creation by the godfather of Sri Lankan architecture, Geoffrey Bawa. Aptly named ‘The Last House’, it is an excellent example of Bawa architecture and his pioneering concept of Tropical Modernism. You will have plenty of time to take in the intricacies of this delightful property during your two-day stay here. Tangalle is also home to the Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara, a Buddhist temple complex dating back to the 3rd century. Situated on a rock, much like Sigiriya, this 7-temple complex is home to ancient statues, paintings, and sculptures, and is a fascinating place to visit.
Next on the list of your architecture tour of Sri Lanka, is the coastal town of Galle. Undoubtedly, the most prominent feature of this town is the culture-rich Galle Fort which was built by the Portuguese colonists, and modified by the Dutch and British, during their respective colonisations. Today, it is a beautifully eclectic mix of cosy homes, cafes with fusion cuisines, intriguing stores, quirky hotels, and art galleries frequented by travellers, artists, writers, photographers and designers. The best way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site would be to stay within the Fort, and that is precisely what you will be doing!
Spanning two hills, with views stretching out across a lake to the Indian Ocean, is the sprawling and picturesque University of Ruhuna, designed by Geoffrey Bawa. Your journey from Galle to Bentota includes a visit to this spectacular Geoffrey Bawa project in Matara, as well as a stopover at The Lighthouse Hotel – yet another signature Geoffrey Bawa hotel. At your final destination of Bentota are the spectacular gardens Lunuganga and The Brief, created by Geoffrey Bawa and his elder brother Bevis Bawa respectively, which will be the major highlights of this leg of your journey.
We’re heading to the bustling city of Colombo next! There is much to explore in this sprawling city from historical and religious sites to beaches, malls, cafes, fine dining restaurants, bazaars, art centres and lively nightlife! Colombo is also a great place to encounter Sri Lankan architecture that spans across a long timeline – from the remnants of ancient ruins to colonial and modern architecture, it’s all here! Geoffrey Bawa’s influence is quite evident in this city too, with several significant structures being created by him.
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If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
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Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Jetwing Lagoon, an innovative Ayurveda & wellness resort, is an attractive and stylish five-star destination that offers unforgettable experiences.
On the edge of a lake and surrounded by bush woodland, the campsite is situated closer to the Wilpattu National Park's southern limit.
Arachchi Heritage is located overlooking the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura.
The eighth wonder of the world, the rock stronghold of Sigiriya, is seen from where Heritance Kandalama is situated. The hotel is located close...
A haven of serenity and unrivalled elegance, the Radh Hotel is magnificently set in Kandy's old hill capital and centrally located, making it an...
Situated on Nuwara Eliya Hill, adjacent to the Golf Course and surrounded by cool tropical greenery, akin to an English summer, the Grand Hotel...
Last House Tangalle is situated in Hiriketiya, Tangalle, about 50 m from the Mawella Beach.
The Printers building, which dates back to the 18th century, has operated as a college and then as the site of a conventional printing...
Celebrated Architect Geoffrey Bawa’s country estate, Lunuganga, with its beautiful interiors and original Bawa’s artwork and blueprints in the main residence, will open your...
This iconic and colonial-style hotel was built in 1864. Since its beginnings the Galle Face Hotel has been part of Colombo’s heritage, catering to...
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The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Jetwing Lagoon, an innovative Ayurveda & wellness resort, is an attractive and stylish five-star destination that offers unforgettable experiences.
At Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu, you can live in a small, 8-acre private wildlife sanctuary that mixes modern conveniences with the wilderness of...
Located off Anuradhapura, Ulagalla has a touch of traditional elegance and royalty.
Explore secret gardens, meditate by a serene lake, or relax in a private plunge pool and take in the breathtaking view of the ancient...
With all of the rooms named after Sri Lankan Butterflies, The Kandy House is a great place, aesthetically pleasing with individually designed rooms adorned...
It takes about 40 minutes to drive with the windy roads to reach the hotel from Nuwara Eliya town.
Last House Tangalle is situated in Hiriketiya, Tangalle, about 50 m from the Mawella Beach.
Begin your Galle adventure at Fort Bazaar, a gorgeous merchant's mansion turned boutique hotel with modern accommodations and a fresh, contemporary Middle Eastern ambiance.
Celebrated Architect Geoffrey Bawa’s country estate, Lunuganga, with its beautiful interiors and original Bawa’s artwork and blueprints in the main residence, will open your...
This Victorian townhouse once welcomed governors, maharajas, nobility, and the cream of Ceylon’s colonial society.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Observe leopards and sloth bears over 131,000 hectares of forest and wetlands at Wilpattu National Park, visited by fewer jeeps in comparison to Yala.
Watch mama sea turtles nesting in the moonlight on the beautiful beaches of southern Sri Lanka.
Discover world heritage Galle Fort with a one-of-a-kind host.
Step into the Lunuganga Estate and experience the bliss of Tropical Modernism, an architectural style of wide open spaces connected to sprawling outdoors that...
Experience a unique and remarkable opportunity to meet the primate actors of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom amidst the remains of the mediaeval capital.