Sri Lanka > 8 Days >Sri Lanka Understanding Bawa Architectural Tour
discover the most important masterworks of the most famous contemporary architect of Sri Lanka: Geoffrey Bawa, as well as the most impressive natural beauties of this Asian country.
All inclusive price with Airfare, Visa, Hotel stay with Breakfast & Dinner and Sightseeing Entries Include: Heritance Kandalama – Dambulla , Heritance Ahungalla – Bentota, Avani Bentota – Bentota, Cinnamon Bentota Beach – Bentota, Club Villa – Bentota , Lighthouse – Galle, Lunuganga – Ar. Bawa’s village house, Sri Lanka Parliament, Bawa’s Gallery Café. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Mawanella Spice Garden, Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Rock Temple, Tooth Relic Temple, Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Kandyan Dance, Hakagala Garden, Seetha Amman Temple, Maduganga River, Meetiyagoda, Hikkaduwa Glass Bottom, Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, Colombo Half day city tour, Kelaniya Temple, Seema Malaka and Gangaramaya Temple.
On arrival in Colombo, we’ll be received by a member of our local team. Later we drive to Dambulla / Sigiriya with some halt to see some interesting sites. Spice Garden in Mawanella, You will be shown how some of these spices are grown and processed. Where smells of cinnamons, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace overwhelm the senses and the visitors are provided an insight into an age old industry of spice production.
The elephant orphanage at Pinnawala, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but it soon became a conservation and educational centre. Now Pinnawala is home for more than 65 elephants including babies. Watch the elephants while they are being fed and during their working and bathing time. Heritance Kandalama – a minimalist, eco-friendly hotel situated in the Cultural Triangle in the North Central province, was designed by Bawa in 1994. Heritance Kandalama is an architectural masterpiece. Bawa conceived this hotel `as an austere jungle palace’. The minimalist interiors and the building itself are cleverly designed to blend into the landscape without interfering with the tranquil natural evolution of its surroundings. Bawa has allowed for magnificent views of the ancient Sigiriya Rock, the surrounding mountains and the Kandalama Tank (reservoir). Hidden within the edge of the jungle – which is home to numerous species of birds, monkeys, spotted deer and wild boar, the hotel has won numerous prestigious environmental awards for its role in nurturing Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. Later proceed to Dambulla / Sigiriya. On arrival check into the hotel. Post lunch, rest of the day just relax or to take a dip in inviting swimming pool.
Dinner & Overnight stay in Dambulla / Sigiriya
Rise and shine at early hours. After a cup of tea / Coffee Climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a world heritage site, built by king Kassapa (477 – 495 A.D). 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. The frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster. Later we shall return to our hotel for breakfast and freshening up. After check out our journey starts for Kandy with en-route halts to see some wonderful places. En route we take a halt to see the Dambulla rock temple, which was donated by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. to Buddhist monks. Dambulla is a world heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of paintings found in the world. The caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 meters. Our next stop would be at Matale to visit one more spice garden to enjoy the blast of Sri Lankan Cuisines and Also, witness a Cookery demonstration. Also we could see different spices and how some of these spices are grown and processed. Also, witness a Cookery demonstration. Later proceed to Kandy. On arrival, check into the hotel. In the evening You can take a short walk around the Kandy Lake and also a stroll in Kandy local market. Here you can visit the arts & crafts centre and a gem lapidary. Conclude your day with the The Kandyan dance, which is flourished under the Kandyan kings from the 16th through the 19th centuries, and today it is considered the national dance of Sri Lanka.
Dinner & overnight in Kandy.
After breakfast visit Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy, one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa”. Kandy was the capital of the Sinhalese Kings from 1592 to 1815. Fortified by a terrain due to this temple. Later we start our excursion trip Geragama tea factory & tea plantation and The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Geragama Plantation, located in close proximity to the city of Kandy in Pilimatalawa – Poththapitiya road was established in the year 1903 and manufactures Low Grown and Long Leaf tea. It has a tea center for travelers from all over the world to buy Ceylon tea. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.
Dinner & overnight in Galle.
Today after breakfast visit the city Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and the district capital of Galle District. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa (although Ibn Batuta in the 14th century refers to it as Qali before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. The major river in the area is the Gin River (Gin Ganga), which starts from Gongala Kanda and, passing villages such as Neluwa, Nagoda, Baddegama, Thelikada, and Wakwella, reaches the sea at Ginthota. The river is bridged at Wakwella by the Wakwella Bridge. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the city’s natural harbor, the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, one of the main Shiva temples on the island, and Amangallathe historic luxury hotel
Today visit: Dutch Town, & Galle Market
Overnight stay in Galle.
Today after breakfast we leave for Bentota, but first we visit some sights with an architectural point of view, Firstly we visit, SOS Village – SOS Children’s Villages of Sri Lanka is a non-governmental social development organisation that has been active in the field of children’s rights and committed to children’s needs and concerns since 1981.
Galle Fort: Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.
Lighthouse Hotel – Lighthouse Hotel – Situated just before Galle town on the south coast, is located on a rocky headland overlooking the Indian Ocean. Here the design strategy is to both confront the relentless crashing of the waves and provide contrasting areas of shelter and tranquillity. No single space is self-contained or complete: each is in part the consequence of a previous space and the anticipation of a subsequent one; each retains links with its neighbours and with the outside so that the eye is continually invited to explore. The architecture itself is muted, but offers subtle memories of Moorish palaces, ocean liners, ancient manor houses and colonial villas.
Overnight in Bentota.
After a leisure breakfast at the hotel we shall leave for Maduganga River Ride … A mangrove lagoon joined to the sea by a narrow canal and containing 15 islands of varying size, some of which are inhabited. It is formed of two shallow waterbodies, Maduganga and smaller Randombe Lake, connected by two narrow channels. On the islands and shores relatively undisturbed mangrove vegetation contains a rich biodiversity qualifying the wetland for 7 Criteria of International Importance. A two hours boat ride with English guide down Madu River, during this ride we see the flora and fauna of famed the Madu River wet zone, Visit three historical islands of Madu River, including the Buddhist Temple on the islet, visit to the fishing region to see the fishing methods in detail. A chance to see cinnamon peeling in action and buy high quality cinnamon at bargain price and visit to the fish massage stall. Later we visit The Turtle hatchery in Kosgoda which is being operated by the Wild life Protection Society of Sri Lanka Several species of turtles, especially the endangered hawks bill are protected here. Most valuable of all are their eggs, which are left uncovered on beaches all around the coast. The good will of Kosgoda area fishermen who bring these eggs gratis to the hatchery has led to the hatching and have released around 100,000 young turtles in only two years since the hatchery opened. Post lunch break we visit Lunuganga – Bawa Village house Lunuganga Estate was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Started in 1947, the garden led Bawa, a lawyer called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1940, to decide to become an architect. As he went on to become Sri Lanka’s and one of Asia’s most prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas. He continued to change and experiment with its spaces and structures throughout his life until his final illness in 1998. Left to the Lunuganga Trust on his demise in 2003, the gardens are now open to the public and the buildings on the estate are run as a country house hotel. Later visit Hotel Heritance Ahungalla – Bentota : An early creation of Sri Lanka’s famous architect Geoffrey Bawa, Heritance Ahungalla has long been one of the island’s premier west coast beach hotels. The hotel is approached through a long stretch of roadway, which provides for a dramatic entrance with views across the infinity pool edging the sea. The main areas of the hotel are designed as linked open pavilions – all with continuous views of the sea. Bawa uses his signature architectural style that erases boundaries between the `outside’ and `inside’, resulting in plenty of access to the natural elements – the tropical sun, ocean breeze, lush greenery and flowing water. Heritance is an architectural masterpiece and a classic beach hotel.
Later Visit Club Villa – Bentota: Club Villa, located in the heart of Bentota, one of the most sought after destinations in Sri Lanka is known for its distinctive offerings. Designed by Geoffrey Bawa, a world-renowned name in creating simple yet elegant living styles, this property creates the ideal home-away from home stays. From the architecture design to the services, the team Club Villa only pursue to offer the best experience of warm hospitality that Sri Lankans are famed for.
Overnight in Bentota
After a early breakfast proceed to Bentota, En Route visit to the places as follows Avani Bentota: Located on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka, the 75-room AVANI Bentota was designed by world-famous local architect, Geoffrey Bawa in the style of an 18th Century Dutch Village. Commanding picturesque beachfront views, this romantic home away from home also doubles as an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area’s many unique charms. Later we shall visit, Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel: Constructed between 1967 and 1969, the Bentota Beach Hotel is one of architect Geoffrey Bawa’s most important works. It is an iconic example of Bawa’s architectural style during the 1960s, as well as the critical model for hotel design in tropical climates during the decades following its construction. Post lunch break we proceed to Colombo here we visit Gangaramaya Temple: The temple’s architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. This Buddhist temple includes several imposing buildings and is situated not far from the placid waters of Beira Lake on a plot of land that was originally a small hermitage on a piece of marshy land. It has the main features of a Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagada) the Bodhitree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Seema malaka (assembly hall for monks) and the Relic Chamber. In addition, a museum, a library, a residential hall, a three storied Pirivena, educational halls and an alms hall are also on the premises. Most notable for tourists is the architecture of the Simamalaka Shrine, which was built with donations from a Muslim sponsor to the design of Geoffrey Bawa.
Seema Malaka: On three island podiums on Beira Lake, Colombo easily visible from Sir James Peiris Road, is the Seema Malaka, a Buddhist temple, a beautiful & unexpected site. Amidst the hustle & bustle of the city, the tranquil temple takes us by surprise. Not to be outdone, we take to the bridge like walkway leading to the temple in the middle of the lake with the breeze cutting into us. Set on three linked platforms rising out of the lake, the temple has a small Bo tree & delicately carved kiosk on the two outer platforms standing on either side of the larger central structure. The lake is surrounded by fine old trees, provides welcoming breezes throughout the day & attracts pelicans, egrets & cormorants. Later visit Sri Lanka Parliament: Sri Lanka’s Parliament Building was designed by respected local architect Geoffrey Bawa. The building is designed in a style of regional modernism. While the building is an example of Modernism, it still respects Sri Lankan vernacular architecture.
Bawa’s Gallery Café: The historic building that houses Gallery Cafe used to be an office for Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa. The open-air cafe area looks over a pebbled courtyard, while the lounge bar is where Bawa’s old office used to be – in fact, his desk is still there. The decor is stunning and the Sri Lankan–inspired dishes focus on fresh ingredients and bold, clean flavours. As a cheaper option, come for an afternoon coffee.
Bawa’s House No. 11: The house in 33rd Lane is an essay in architectural bricollage. In 1958 Bawa bought the third in a row of four small houses which lay along a short cul-de-sac at the end of a narrow suburban lane and converted it into a pied-à-terre with living room, bedroom, tiny kitchen and room for a servant. When the fourth bungalow became vacant this was colonised to serve as dining room and second living room. Ten years later the remaining bungalows were acquired and added into the composition and the first in the row was demolished to be replaced by a four-storey tower. Conclude your tour with a leisurely walk on Marine Drive.
Overnight in Colombo.
After breakfast, we do a orientation tour of Colombo. A drive through the city takes you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. See Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street-the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings The historic Dewatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at. Also, if you wish you can visit the BMICH, see the replica of Aukana Buddha and the Independence Square. After completion of the tour, we shall do check into the hotel and after lunch break. In the evening, our driver will drop you near Beira Lake. It’s delightful just having a stroll around the lake. Another peaceful experience shall be a visit to Buddhist Temple Seema Malaka. You feel absolute calm when you come here. With the entrance fees of this temple, you can visit one more Buddhist Temple named Gangaramaya. Here you will feel an atmosphere of worship and religion. Later free time for shopping. Colombo has several popular supermarkets, but the best shops to visit are Barefoot & Paradise Road. Barefoot is a store, bookshop, gallery, cafe, performance space and place to hang out And Paradise Road offers an abundance of things you’ll want to fill your home with. Later proceed to the airport around 19.00 hrs to board the flight for hometown.
*** Tour cost is based on 20 – 25 pax and shall be revised if the group size varies.
*** The rates are valid during given period to Indian passport holders.
*** All prices are subject to availability and final confirmation.
*** Rate Based On Current Exchange Rate of USD 1 = INR 77.5
Tour cost is subject to change, if any increase in the rate of exchange leading to increase in surface transportation and land arrangements which may come into effect prior to departure
*** Air fare is subject to seat availability
*** 5% TCS is applicable as from 1st October 2020 on all the bookings on foreign remittance.