Geoffrey Bawa must be regarded as the most prolific and respected architect Sri Lanka has ever produced.
As the Geoffrey Bawa Trust puts it:
“Bawa’s work is characterised by a sensitivity to site and context. He produced ‘sustainable architecture’ long before the term was coined, and had developed his own ‘regional modernist’ stance well in advance of the theoreticians. His designs broke down the barriers between inside and outside, between interior design and landscape architecture and reduced buildings to a series of scenographically conceived spaces separated by courtyards and gardens.”
ARRIVAL TRANSFER/ COLOMBO
Day 1
You will be met & assisted upon arrival at the International Airport and be transferred to Negombo . Jetwing Lagoon - Geoffrey Bawa's First Resort Creation with classic design
OVERNIGHT STAY AT JETWING LAGOON– DESIGNED BY MR. GEOFFERY BAWA
COLOMBO / DAMBULLA
Day 2
After breakfast transfer to Heritance Kandalama Hotel in Dambulla. En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temple
Check into hotel and explore the hotel and the surroundings, a famous creation of Geoffrey Bawa
The Kandalama Hotel, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, was constructed between 1992 and 1995 on the outskirts of Dambulla, Sri Lanka. One of the most beautiful features of the hotel's design is the large, cave-like porte cochère abutting the western side of the cliff around which the hotel wraps. Guests enter the hotel under this huge slanted canopy that angles down towards the entrance to a compressed, enclosed walkway. The visitor winds through the confined tunnel-like passage, complete with a wall lined by boulders, suddenly discovering the liberating expansiveness of the open-air lobby and its panoramic view northward over the Kandalama Tank. Bawa thoughtfully choreographed this process of arrival in order to prolong and dramatize the threshold between the tree-shielded entrance drive and the spectacular views that the hotel lobby skillfully frames.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HERITANCE KANDALAMA IN DAMBULLA – DESIGNED BY MR. GEOFFERY BAWA
DAMBULLA / SIGIRIYA / POLONNARUWA / DAMBULLA
Day 3
After breakfast visit and climb the 5th Century Rock Fortress in Sigiriya (UNESCO World Heritage Site) considered by some as the 8th wonder of the world for its architectural marvels and the advanced water management system. The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.
Thereafter proceed to Polonnaruwa, (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and which is a world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, king Parakramabahu’s statue, and the Parakrama Samudraya Lake built by King Parakramabahu the great.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HERITANCE KANDALAMA IN DAMBULLA – DESIGNED BY MR. GEOFFERY BAWA
DAMBULLA / KANDY
Day 4
After breakfast transfer to Kandy (UNESCO World Heritage Site) the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka before being colonized by the British.
Enroute visit the Matale Heritage Centre, which draws on the rich craft traditions of the area, producing quality batik, embroidery, carpentry and brasswork. It occupies a sprawling compound of bungalows, workshops and gardens.
On arrival in Kandy visit the Temple of the Tooth, the ancient King’s Palace building, council chamber and other buildings still preserved in its original form, dating back to the 15th century.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL SUISSE HOTEL, KANDY – OLD BRITISH COLONIAL BUILDINGS.
KANDY / TANGALLE / GALLE
Day 5
After breakfast leave for Tangalle . En route visit the Bandarawela Chapel of the Good Shepherd’s Convent (designed with Mr. Ulrik Plesner). Bandarawela Chapel was constructed by using granite for the structure
From the hills of Bandarawela descend to Tangalle on the coast . On arrival in Tangalle, check in to the Last House, which is the last property built by Geoffrey Bawa in Sri Lanka. This luxury seaside escape’s airy, antique-filled interiors spill into al fresco spaces as if no boundaries exist.
Thereafter visit Fitzherbert House, which is now known as Claughton House, in Dickwella (approximately 30 minutes). This too is a great work of Bawa’s.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT WELIGAMA BAY MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA
Day 6
KANDY / TANGALLE / GALLE
Drive this morning to the colonial city of Galle (approximately 2 hours). En route, drop by another of Bawa’s works – the Ruhunu University Campus and the Matara Office building.
Stilt Fishing
Check-in to the Jetwing Lighthouse, an architectural triumph of Geoffrey Bawa, where you will be spending the night.
In the afternoon, enjoy some sightseeing in Galle Fort. Its rich heritage is derived from the colonial influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British respectively, spanning four centuries. The town’s centrepiece is the Dutch Fort, around which the city is built. The Fort remains a hive of activity and is one of the few World Heritage listed sites in which a bustling population continues to thrive
OVERNIGHT STAY AT JETWING LIGHTHOUSE – DESIGNED BY MR. GEOFFERY BAWA
GALLE / BENTOTA
Day 7
After breakfast, drive to Bentota (approximately 2 hours), visiting Heritance Ahungalla en route, where Bawa created features such as interconnecting expanses of water leading the guest into the hotel.
Also visit the boutique hotel, Club Villa, a 19th century Dutch Colonial villa re-designed by Bawa in 1980
For afternoon tea, visit Geoffrey Bawa’s country residence Lunuganga where you will find that nature has been incorporated in the very design of the house.Experience Lunuganga the local residence and lifetime creation of Mr. Bawa. Guided tour will be conducted in the property.
Then proceed to Ibbankatuwa a "Megalithic" Burial site, spread in an area of more than 10 acres. See more than 10 graves excavated and conserved.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE BLUE WATER – DESIGNED BY MR. GEOFFERY BAWA
BENTOTA / COLOMBO
Day 8
After breakfast , take the scenic coastal train heading to Colombo. Colombo City Tour
Then visit Number 11, the residence of Geoffrey Bawa. and Parliament building designed by Mr. Bawa
Dinner at The Gallery Cafe.
Established in 1998 Paradise Road The Gallery Café is housed in the former offices of world-renowned Sri Lankan architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa.
After breakfast leave in time for the airport
