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 with wildlife, visits to historic attractions and plenty of delicious cuisines!
Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa built many structures during his illustrious career including houses, hotels, offices, a pleasure garden, a university and even the Sri Lankan Parliament, which stands in the middle of a lake. His fascination with spaces, water and the use of local resources led to the birth of his concept – Tropical Modernism – which is now found all over the world. During this tour of Bawa’s greatest works, you will see this theme used effectively and cleverly, resulting in some marvellous creations. You will also get to explore significant cultural sites like the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the hill capital Kandy, the eclectic Galle Fort, and also head off on a safari for some exciting encounters!
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 Geoffrey Bawa tour and enjoy your hotel, destinations, and the amazing cuisine in the area.
Ideal for:
Anyone wanting to experience the exquisite designs of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lankan architecture and colonial architecture. Recommended for Solo Travellers / Couples / Friends / Families with kids and teenagers / Small groups consisting of friends and family.
Highlights at glance
- Visit some of Geoffrey Bawa’s greatest creations – No.11, Lunuganga Estate, Seema Malaka, The university of Ruhuna, Kandalama Hotel, The Last House and more.
- Stay at Bawa designed or influenced hotels.
- Explore iconic gardens – Diyabubula and The Brief.
- Visit historical World Heritage Sites such as Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, etc.
- Witness age-old Buddhist rituals in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kandy
- Visit the historic caves in the Dambulla Cave Temple, which contain paintings, statues and relics accumulated over a period of 2,000 years.
- Journey into the hills, visit a tea plantation, and tour a tea factory.
- Stay at a Tented Safari Camp bordering the Yala National Park, experience guided safaris and a delicious BBQ served by a roaring campfire.
- Explore the eclectic streets of the Galle Fort, a Unesco World Heritage site, and the vibrant city of Colombo.
1st & 2nd Nights - Colombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to your Bawa architecture holiday in Sri Lanka. Your first destination is the bustling city of Colombo, which is a short drive away from the airport. 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 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.
The first day of your private Geoffrey Bawa architecture tour can be enjoyed at your own pace. You will be picked up from the airport by your private chauffeur and taken to your hotel. There are many impressive cultural sights, temples, grand colonial era buildings, vibrant markets and bazaars to explore in Colombo, and your chauffeur can guide you with your choices. The city is quite alive at night with nightclubs, late night movies and cafes being popular haunts. You could also head to Galle Face beach and experience a more chilled out atmosphere full of street food vendors and families having picnics.
We begin your Bawa architecture tour with a visit to Bawa’s residence, No. 11. The story of how it grew into a home by assimilating small units, which ultimately resulted in a marvellous architectural bricolage, is quite fascinating. Next we will visit the Seema Malaka, a delicate floating Buddhist temple created by Bawa with echoes of Tropical Modernism. Thereafter, you will go for a quick tour of Independence Square and the colonial buildings of the Colombo Fort area, before heading over for lunch at The Gallery Cafe, which was formerly used by Bawa as his office. After a delicious lunch and a tour of the exquisitely designed premises, you will be taken on a guided tour of the Colombo National Museum.
3rd, 4th & 5th Nights - Cultural Triangle
Quite a few of Geoffrey Bawa’s works are found around the country and one such creation is an innovative and spectacular Geoffrey Bawa hotel, which is located in Kandalama. The visit to this region is also a happy excuse to visit a few more culturally significant locations – chiefly the Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its amazing landscaped boulder gardens, water gardens and frescoes; the curious and legendary mountain of Ritigala; and Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital city of Sri Lanka which is famed for its well preserved sculptures and architecture. You will also stumble upon Diyabubula, an artistic garden oasis created by Bawa’s close friend, the legendary artist & sculptor, Laki Senanayake.
An early morning drive will get you to the famed and mysterious Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress. Designated a cultural World Heritage Site in 1982, this pleasure palace and stronghold was created by King Kashyapa who ruled for just over two decades before being dethroned. With its beautifully landscaped gardens, gravity driven fountains, architecture, and frescoes, Sigiriya is a wonderful showcase of the creativity and engineering prowess of ancient Sri Lankans. After climbing to the top and enjoying the amazing panoramic views, you will return to the hotel for lunch and relaxation. You are free to enjoy the evening and explore your surroundings at your leisure.
Today your first stop will be Ritigala Mountain. Rising abruptly from the surrounding landscape, this mountain has a wonderful mix of forest types, micro climates and wildlife to encounter. It’s featured prominently in legends and also has ruins of a monastery dating back to the 1st century BCE. After the trek you will visit a Sri Lankan household to be treated to an authentic Sri Lankan lunch, cooked in traditional clay pots. The drive to Polonnaruwa skirts around Minneriya National Park, so you may see wild elephants on the way. The 13th century capital city is a sprawling complex featuring multiple water features, temples, and buildings which can be explored by foot or on bicycle.
Today you will explore Heritance Kandalama. From architectural articulation to the effective spatial sequences and architectural narrative, this hotel is regarded as one of Geoffery Bawa’s important works. The hotel provides fantastic views of the Kandalama basin and the surrounding landscape. Next, you will visit Diyabubula, Laki Senanayake’s artistic oasis. Laki transformed an arid location over a period of 50 years into a lush forest, water garden and an open-air art gallery. Then you will visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, where you can explore the 5 sacred caves of this World Heritage Site and also climb the gently sloping Dambulla Rock to enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings.
6th & 7th Nights - Kandy
Kandy, the hill country capital city of the last Sri Lankan King, is full of legends, mediaeval palaces, spice trails and sacred temples. Religion is a key theme you will encounter in this region, with many temples dedicated to worshipping Lord Buddha and significant Hindu Gods. The latter is mainly due to the Indian invasions and strategic ties that took place in mediaeval times. This influence also impacted the architectural styles and led to some marvellous creations that you can visit and explore. Apart from this, there are many facets of Kandy to be enjoyed including the cuisine, nature, extensive botanical gardens and its rich history & culture.
Your scenic drive to Kandy will begin after breakfast and is timed to get you there in time for an authentic Sri Lankan lunch. The afternoon is left free for you to explore Kandy and its surroundings. You could take a lazy walk around the lake, engage in a round of golf at the picturesque, world-class golf course in nearby Digana or visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya which has more than 4000 species of plants. In the evening you will be taken to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, one of the most sacred places of worship for Buddhists, to witness the evening rituals and drumming sessions.
After a short drive to the nearby town of Gampola, we will begin the walking tour of 3 ancient temples. The walk will take you across fertile paddy fields and colourful villages, which really let you get a feel for the way of life in this area. The origins of the 3 temples – Gadaladeniya Vihara, Lankathilaka Viharaya and Embekke Devalaya – can be traced back to the 14th century. Each has its own unique features, from stone carvings to paintings to Indian architectural influences. At the end of this excursion, you are once again free to explore Kandy at your leisure.
8th Night - Nuwara Eliya
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.
On the way from Kandy we will stop for a chat with some members of the tea plucker community. Here you will get to know their way of life and understand the art of plucking the perfect tea leaves. Then we will head to a tea factory, where you will find out how tea goes from being a leaf on a bush, to a warm cup of golden goodness! Then we will head out on a walking tour of Nuwara Eliya town. The town has a great mix of colonial and Tudor architecture, historical sites and temples, amazing views, and cuisines, all of which you will encounter on your walking tour.
9th Night - Yala
It’s time to head to Leopard Country, all the way in the Deep South. Yala National Park is a great place for exciting sightings and this leg of your journey will introduce you to some amazing wildlife! Apart from Leopards, you will encounter Elephants, Crocodiles, Sambar, Eagles, Cobras, Peacocks and more during your Private Safari in the Park. Your accommodation will be quite unique during this leg of the journey as you will be staying in a tent, glamping style, with all the modern amenities. The secure campsite is situated right on the border of the Park, which means that there will be plenty of safe encounters without even leaving the camp premises.
After an early breakfast, you will be driven to a safari camp bordering Yala National Park. After resting from the long drive, you will head out on an afternoon safari in a private jeep, along with a professional and experienced naturalist and tracker. The 3 hour excursion will offer plenty of encounters with wild animals and is quite a unique experience. At night you will be treated to an alfresco candle light dinner experience under the stars, and partake in a night walk along the borders of the Park, to continue your encounters in the wild!
10th & 11th Nights - Tangalle
It’s time to head to the long golden beaches of the coastal city of Tangalle, to continue your Geoffrey Bawa tour. Bawa’s last creation, aptly named ‘The Last House’ is an excellent example of Geoffrey 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.
After breakfast, you will partake in a culinary lesson with the chef at the camp and learn to make a couple of traditional Sri Lankan dishes, before departing for Tangalle. On the way, we will stop to meet a Buffalo Curd Maker to observe the process of making delicious Buffalo Curd and sample the wares too. Thereafter you will reach Geoffrey Bawa’s final architectural creation, The Last House, which is located on a narrow strip of land with a lagoon on one side and a secluded beach on the other. Designed in a horseshoe shape surrounding a large pool, this villa has uninterrupted views of the landscape, with living areas and bedrooms tastefully decorated with chic furnishings, light textiles and local art.
Your stay at The Last House won’t be rushed, in fact, the only excursion for the day is set for late afternoon; so you have plenty of time to study Geoffrey Bawa’s architecture style, explore your surroundings or take a swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, which is just at your doorstep. The 7 cave temples of Mulkirigala are a short drive away, and are located on 5 terraced areas. You can take your time exploring the location and getting to know its rich history and religious significance. The climb to the top to enjoy the fantastic panoramic view is set to coincide with the sunset.
12th & 13th Nights - Bentota
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 Tangalle to Bentota includes a visit to this spectacular Geoffrey Bawa project in Matara, as well as a stopover at the culture-rich Galle Fort, and 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.
Your first stop out of Tangalle will be the 74-acre University of Ruhuna. As with all Geoffrey Bawa designs, water plays a significant role here from the large lake to how the views of the ocean play out from the multi-level pavilions and courtyards. Then we move on to the Galle Fort tour, where you’ll get an insight into the colonial history, legends and mysteries of this living Fort. Next you will get to explore The Lighthouse Hotel with its interlinked open spaces, amazing views, intelligent use of the landscape, and an absolutely jaw dropping sculpture recreating the Portuguese landing in Galle, dominating the central stairwell. At the end of the day we will reach your accommodation for the night, the simply stunning… Lunuganga estate.
The first half of your day is dedicated to your enjoyment of the gardens of Lunuganga. Lovingly crafted by Geoffrey Bawa across a period of 50 years, the transformation of this former derelict rubber estate is simply spectacular. With its ancient Sri Lankan water gardens, Italian Renaissance gardens, sculptures, and Japanese garden art, Lunuganga estate is an amazing wonderland to get lost in. The afternoon excursion will bring you to an equally amazing garden – The Brief. Crafted to perfection across several decades by Bevis Bawa, it is a masterpiece with a wonderful mix of plantlife, water features, anthropomorphic flower vases, fantastical head sculptures and inspired landscaping.
14th Night - Negombo
With golden beaches, churches and buildings influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisation, art galleries, fantastic nightlife and a fascinating mix of cuisines, the coastal fishing town of Negombo is a great place to explore and make memories. It is also a place where you can find, unsurprisingly, more projects by Geoffrey Bawa. The Lagoon hotel, built in 1965, was yet another project where Bawa collaborated with his close friend, sculptor & artist Laki Senanayake. Designed with space in mind, the resort is beautifully laid out like a set of villas, reminiscent of rest houses of yesteryear.
On the way to Negombo, we will stop in Wadduwa at yet another of Geoffrey Bawa’s hotels. The Blue Water Hotel is a great example of Bawa’s minimalist style and is exemplified by his clever use of space. The lengthy corridors, wide open views and use of water features convey a sense of freedom and lightness. A short drive later, you will reach your accommodation for the night, The Lagoon in Negombo. Although it has been modified since its creation, the modifications have been done with respect to Bawa’s concepts and kept to a functional level, so that his overall design remains intact. You can explore the hotel and Negombo town at your leisure.
We’ve reached the end of your Geoffrey Bawa architecture holiday and it is time to depart. Your chauffeur will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to Colombo Airport in time to catch your departure flight, bringing to a close your 14-night stay in Sri Lanka.
What more to add?
- Early Check-ins or late Checkouts (organised upon confirmation of your flight schedules).
- Additional nights in any of the locations.
- Additional Safaris in Yala National Park (requires an additional night stay).
- Additional nights in Tangalle (beach stay).
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 3,364
1-2 persons
$ 2,846
3-4 persons
$ 2,682
5-6 persons
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.
Plush
Accommodation
$ 4,907
1-2 persons
$ 4,388
3-4 persons
$ 4,224
5-6 persons
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.
Maniumpathy – Colombo
Experience living in this former ancestral family home spanning over 100 years, discreetly tucked away in the heart of Colombo’s elite neighbourhood.
Heritance Kandalama
The eighth wonder of the world, the rock stronghold of Sigiriya, is seen from where Heritance Kandalama is situated. The hotel is located close...
Radh Hotel
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...
Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Situated on Nuwara Eliya Hill, adjacent to the Golf Course and surrounded by cool tropical greenery, akin to an English summer, the Grand Hotel...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
Last House Tangalle
Last House Tangalle is situated in Hiriketiya, Tangalle, about 50 m from the Mawella Beach.
Lunuganga – Teardrop
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...
Jetwing Lagoon
Jetwing Lagoon, an innovative Ayurveda & wellness resort, is an attractive and stylish five-star destination that offers unforgettable experiences.
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 7,392
1-2 persons
$ 6,873
3-4 persons
$ 6,709
5-6 persons
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.
Tintagel Colombo
Tintagel is a stately 1930s heritage building, once home to the Bandaranaike family which gave Sri Lanka 2 prime ministers and a president, notably...
Water Garden Sigiriya
Explore secret gardens, meditate by a serene lake, or relax in a private plunge pool and take in the breathtaking view of the ancient...
Kandy House
With all of the rooms named after Sri Lankan Butterflies, The Kandy House is a great place, aesthetically pleasing with individually designed rooms adorned...
Heritance Tea Factory
It takes about 40 minutes to drive with the windy roads to reach the hotel from Nuwara Eliya town.
Mahoora Yala by Eco Team
Part of the Mahoora Camp portfolio by Eco Team, Mahoora puts you closer to Katagamuwa, the less-used entrance to Yala National Park, and on...
Last House Tangalle
Last House Tangalle is situated in Hiriketiya, Tangalle, about 50 m from the Mawella Beach.
Lunuganga – Teardrop
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...
Jetwing Lagoon
Jetwing Lagoon, an innovative Ayurveda & wellness resort, is an attractive and stylish five-star destination that offers unforgettable experiences.
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
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.
The important stuff:
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.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
Included:
- Accommodation for 15 nights (BB), except at Big Game Camp Yala (HB), Cinnamon Citadel (HB) / Mahoora Camp Yala (All inclusive). All accommodation is on a Double or Twin sharing basis.
- Transportation via air-conditioned car / micro van with an English speaking chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport Transfers.
- Chauffeur’s accommodation, meals and fees.
- Special access permission for visits to the Bawa sites.
- Jeep Safari in the Yala National Park in a Private Jeep including private guide, entry permit costs & government tracker fees.
- Entry Permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
- Costs of all experiences, community visits, hikes and village walks mentioned in the itinerary.
- Service charges at the hotels & applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government at the time of booking.
Not Included:
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) fee.
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
- Cost of optional activities / sites.
- Tips to the staff.
- Any mandatory supplement by the government.
- Any expenses of a personal nature (telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills, etc.).
- Any other expense, other than those mentioned in the inclusions list above.
- Single room supplement.
About pricing:
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.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
3 - 4 hours
Colombo City Walk… From the Fort to the Crocodile Gate
Colombo, a city with a soul, is the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital city. Experience its warmth and grandeur through a fascinating day tour...
Colombo
Negombo
4 hours
The Human Family Meets The Monkey Family
Experience a unique and remarkable opportunity to meet the primate actors of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom amidst the remains of the mediaeval capital.
Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya
Dambulla
3 hours
The World’s Greatest Leopard Safari – Yala National Park
Yala National Park is synonymous with Leopard-topia– holding the largest leopard population in the world, per kilometer. Globally recognised as being not just the...
Yala
3 hours
Watch Sea Turtles Lay Eggs at Rekawa Beach
Watch mama sea turtles nesting in the moonlight on the beautiful beaches of southern Sri Lanka.
Tangalle & South Coast
Galle
3 hours
Geoffery Bawa’s Architectural Masterpiece – Lunguganga
Step into the Lunuganga Estate and experience the bliss of Tropical Modernism, an architectural style of wide open spaces connected to sprawling outdoors that...
Bentota & West Coast
Galle