Visit fortresses, stupas and hydro-engineering projects that were ahead of their time
On your architectural holiday, you will learn about the history of Sri Lanka, and experience the rich and colourful culture.
The architecture styles, whilst not completely indigenous, are best described as a fusion of multiple cultures and a creative Sri Lankan mindset.
Read MoreFrom strong Indian and Buddhist influences during mediaeval times, to Portuguese, Dutch and British influences during European colonisation, the many flavours of Sri Lankan architecture make for fascinating viewing. So strong are these influences, inspiration drawn from them can be observed even in modern day architectural designs.
However, a revolution in Sri Lankan architectural design came about in the 60’s and is largely attributed to architect Geoffrey Bawa and to his architectural style known as Tropical Modernism.
You can find out more about how Sri Lankan Architects Bawa, Minnette de Silva, Ashley de Voss, Anjalendran and Anura Ratnavibhushana amongst others, championed the change from European styles to modern day architecture as you continue your architecture holiday in Sri Lanka. From precast new age buildings to sprawling hotels and magically laid out gardens, there are a plethora of locations that truly showcase the extent to which architectural styles have changed in the last 70 years.
Read MoreThe architectural tours have been designed to take you through the complete strata of architectural styles in Sri Lanka. Your architecture holiday will take you to ancient cities, such as Anuradhapura, which incubated and grew Sri Lankan architecture to new heights across a period of 1,300 years; Polonnaruwa, famed for its well preserved ancient city with buildings, water features, dagobas and even a multi-storied palace; the lion-head shaped Sigiriya Fortress, a marvel of intricate water gardens, ponds, and palaces; Kandy, the last kingdom of Sri Lanka, and many other destinations.
The modern aspect of your architecture holidays in Sri Lanka, will be seen through tours to Colombo, Galle, Kandy and other locations as all of them display various influences and styles brought on by colonisers and creative Sri Lankan architects. Of particular note is the Geoffrey Bawa Architecture Tour, which will take you to locations specifically designed by the famed architect including Lunuganga, his intricately designed house and estate. The Lunuganga tour is a particularly experiential visit which is not to be missed and therefore included in all tour programmes. Far from being one dimensional, these architecture tours will also be enhanced by mixing enthralling excursions, fabulous accommodations and some really amazing food, making this a holiday to be enjoyed in many layers!
Sudarshana Senadheera
Chartered Architect
BSc (BE)(Hons) / Master of Architecture MSc(Arch)
University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Experts
Get inspired by industry experts
A travel enthusiast, Sudharshan is a Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects with 22 years of experience.
Additionally, he is an International Chartered Member of Royal Institute of British Architects and an International Associate of the American Institute of Architects. He is our resource person when dealing with advanced technical architectural tours.
Itineraries
19 days / 18 nights
The Definitive Architecture Tour of Sri Lanka
This Architecture tour will take you on a wonderful journey across the ages to discover some of Sri Lanka’s major architectural masterpieces, and along...
15 days / 14 nights
Discovering Geoffrey Bawa and Sri Lanka
This Geoffrey Bawa discovery tour will take you on a journey of Bawa’s greatest works, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...