The Architecture of Geoffrey Bawa & Beyond

Discover Sri Lanka through the lens of its most famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa, and the rich heritage that inspired him. Immerse yourself in Bawa’s work by staying in properties he designed, taking in both the traditional Sri Lankan and Dutch Colonial architecture that culminated in Bawa’s signature ‘tropical modernism’ style. You’ll also explore the immense Sri Lankan architectural heritage from the ancient to the Kandyan Kingdom.

You’ll also have plenty of time to explore Sri Lanka’s other cultural highlights, including the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress. Plus, since much of Bawa’s work adorns the southern coast, round off your experience with some rest on palm-fringed beaches - it’s a holiday, after all!

Highlights include:

Stay at Lunuganga, Bawa’s home and lifelong project and the garden that inspired his career
Stay at The Last House, Bawa's gorgeous beachside villa, which was subsequently turned into a lovely boutique hotel on the beautiful south coast
Explore The Cultural Triangle, where ancient sites like Sigiriya and Anuradhapura show the importance of Sri Lanka in the architecture field since as far back as 1000BC
Stay at the Kandalama Hotel, one of the best examples of Bawa's skill in adapting the design to suit the environment. A one-off property in an enchanting location
Visit Bawa’s Colombo residence and stay in a Bawa-designed townhouse-cum small hotel.

Along the way, there will be many stops for little-visited buildings and architectural gems around the country, including lunch and an architectural tour of Atapattu Walawwa, a close to 300-year-old manor house, showcasing the architectural context in which Bawa worked his magic.

As with all our trips, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. Talk to us today to learn more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday.

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

International flights (if required)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Day 1: Depart The UK

Flight to Sri Lanka, generally overnight.

Day 2: Negombo

Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, your chauffeur-guide will meet you for the short transfer to Jetwing Lagoon. The hotel was one of Bawa’s early hotel projects and is conveniently close to the airport for a first-night stop. Availability permitting, you’ll stay in The Bawa Room.

Days 3-5: The Cultural Triangle

This morning, your chauffeur-guide will whisk you off to the Cultural Triangle. You’ll spend three days exploring the sights while based at Bawa’s terrific Kandalama hotel, his most iconic hotel design.

During your time in the Cultural Triangle, you’ll experience the spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress with an early start to avoid the crowds. Explore the Pidurangala Rock Temple, its ancient Sanskrit carvings, and hike to its summit for stunning views of Sigiriya. There is flexibility built into your tour and a few ETG twists!

Days: 6 & 7 Kandy

Transfer to Kandy and spend two days in and around Sri Lanka’s second city. Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth and consider some of the city's beautiful but less visited temples. Kandy is surrounded by lush countryside and makes an excellent base for some outdoor adventures. Accommodation here will be at Hiyarapitiya House, designed by Bawa's foremost protege and student, Channa Daswatta.

Days 8 & 9: Colombo

Time to explore the capital, an excellent city, and there is no better way to do so than with a Colombo City Walk. The engaging local guide will bring the city's heart to life, and you’ll feel the influences that have shaped Colombo over the years. While in the capital city, there is a chance to visit No. 11, Geoffrey Bawa’s Colombo Residence, and we'll also try to obtain special permission for you to explore the parliament complex he designed (NB: this permission is only very occasionally granted currently). Finish the day with dinner at Paradise Road Café, not just a great spot for a meal, but also Bawa’s old office. Overnight in a Bawa townhouse, converted into a hotel, the Jetwing Ratnam Residence.

Days 10-11: Bentota

Journey with your guide along the coast to Bentota, where you’ll check into the extraordinary Lunuganga for a two-night stay. During your time here, you can explore Lunaganga, Bawa’s garden home, and the place that inspired him to study architecture. There is also a chance to visit his brother’s home, which has beautifully landscaped gardens.

While in Bentota, we suggest stopping for lunch at the Bentota Beach Resort. Not only was it one of Bawa’s major hotel projects, but it also features beautiful ceiling work by Ena de Silva and lift doors by Lucky Senanayaka (two of Bawa’s close artistic collaborators).

Days 12-15: Tangalle

En route from Bentota to Tangalle on the South coast, we’ll arrange a private tour of the old Dutch-built Galle Fort before stopping for lunch at Atapattu Walawwa, a 260-year-old ancestral manor house and a monument to Sri Lanka's architectural heritage. After lunch, we'll take an in-depth architectural tour of the property.

Of course, his last house was called 'The Last House', where you’ll spend your last four nights in Sri Lanka. Your time here is free to relax, enjoy the beautiful coastal setting, and reflect on your holiday and adventure.