ARCHITECURAL ASPIRATIONS OF GEOFFREY BAWA

Sri Lanka’s architecture tells a history that is so vivid. As a country so centrally located in the old silk route, inevitably its architecture is influenced by Dutch, Portuguese, British, Arabic and Indian.

Geoffrey Bawa (1919-2003) is known as the most renowned architect that this island had, who not only created enticing structures became iconic in Sri Lanka but also several other countries in the region. Bawa has a strong reputation in the world of architecture in the South and South-East of Asia. His inspiration draws many around the world.

His work played a part creating a recognition for this island as his structures carried a sense of sophistication as well as sustainable architecture decades before it creates a trend in the world. Geoffrey Bawa blended ancient and modern architecture with a deep love of Sri Lanka’s heritage. The entire landscaping to the structure appreciates what each location has to offer. Those who take this tour will absorb a sense of transformational history that this country has gone through just observing his work.

Tropical Vacations Architectural Aspirations of Geoffrey Bawa itinerary is unlike any. It offers accommodation of his work in most of the locations you travel while you will be visiting his other work in the area. We have also included excursions to some of the most fascinating cultural sights which influenced Bawa’s creation. This itinerary is ideal for those who have an interest in the field of architecture, arts & history.

We allocate the experts who could enlighten you with some fascinating facts about Geoffrey Bawa’s work while you indulge in the luxuries of these boutique properties; which now Sri Lanka revered as treasures!

Day 1 & 2 – Colombo (approx. 45 Min drive)

You will be meet and greet by our staff at the airport. Your allocated guide will transfer you to Galleface Hotel, Colombo, one of the most iconic colonial era hotel in the island. It’s located in the heart of Colombo overlooking the Galleface green and the India Ocean. Visit Bawa Colombo residence the famous NO11 ( please note that it is closed on weekends). Visit Gallery Café Bawa’s former office, now turned in to a popular fine dining restaurant . If time permits to seek the special permission, we will also escort you inside of the parliament of Sri Lanka located in Sri Jayawardanapura a magnificent creation by Bawa with enticing surrounding away from the city buzz.

The ‘Seema Malaka Temple’ appears almost unexpectedly in the middle of a Beire lake in Colombo is also a masterpiece by Bawa. It is used for Buddhist monks ordained and also a popular spot for wedding photoshoots.

Accommodation – Galleface Hotel

Day 3 – 5 – Dambulla ( approx. 4:00 hours drive)

You will be transferred to the centre of Sri Lanka’s ancient culture. You will discover the Heritance Kandalama a genius piece of work by Geoffrey Bawa. The property appears as it peer out from under a canopy of lush vegetation. An eco-friendly tropical modernism of Bawa came to its full picture a decade after he is gone. Only few grasp the concept he pictured at the time of construction which later went on to bag several international ‘Green awards’. You will also explore some of the most popular ancient creations in the area. The mysterious Dambulla cave monastery and Sigiriya Rock fortress are two of the UNESCO World Heritage sites that must need a visit. Visit Polonnaruwa ancient Kingdom another UNESCO World Heritage site which is a one hour drive away. We also recommend a hot air balloon ride over the cultural tri-angle ( during the season Nov – apr when the winds are light) .

Accommodation – Heritance Kandalama

Day 6 & 7 – Kandy ( approx. 1:45 hours drive)

Transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage city Kandy. It is the last kingdom of Sri Lanka, locally known as the hill country ( ‘Uda-Rata’ in Sinhalese) for its distinctively different characteristics. The Kandy House one of the finest luxury boutique resorts in the island today is your next accommodation. It is an old colonial mansion created in 1804 and renovated by Channa Daswatta protégés of Geoffrey Bawa. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, the proud custodians of the reliquary of Buddha.

If time permits visit Embekke, Gadaladeniya and Lankathilakeya to get a deep insight about Sri Lanka’s architecture.Our guide will narrate its history and influences to modern day architecture.
Accommodation – The Kandy House

Day 8 – 10 – Bentota (4:15 hours drive)

Transfer to Sri Lanka’s stunning golden west-coast, Bentota. You will explore some of Geoffrey Bawa’s favorites. You will be staying at Villa Bentota. It is dating back to 19th century and renovated by Geoffrey Bawa giving life to the property. Visit Lunuganga Estate, once an abandoned rubber estate became Bawa’s country house and also where he experimented his work for 40 years as an architect. It now remain as a country house hotel and open for public to experience. Enjoy the authentic Sri Lanka lunch we have arranged overlooking the surreal surrounding of this enigmatic garden of Bawa.

Visit Heritance Ahungalla another creation by Bawa belongs to the Heritance chain of hotels. His work of art can be experienced best from the hotel’s infinity pool which appears to connect the Indian ocean seamlessly. In Bawa’s own words ‘ If the world was flat, you could have seen Africa’.

You can also explore ‘Heritance Maha Gedara’ located in Beruwala is a wellness resort. Its healthy lifestyle which starts the day with Yoga followed by nutritious healthy meal and ancient Ayurvedic treatments blends perfectly with the structure.

Visit Galle ( approx. 1hour drive), where Sri Lanka’s modern history began. The cities most popular sight scene the UNESCO World Heritage site Galle fort was built first by Portuguese (Then developed by Dutch) was first built in 1549,and remain as the largest European constructed surviving fort city in Asia.

Enjoy the lunch at Light House hotel, another grand creation by Bawa.

Accommodation – Villa Bentota

Day 11 – Day of departure ( approx. 3:15 hours drive)

Transfer to the Colombo international airport.

May we greet you ‘ Ayubowan’ ( may you long live) and hope to see you back in this magnificent island which you may possibly feeling ‘A home away from home’
Complimentary – Be the owner of ‘Geoffrey Bawa the complete Works’ coffee table book which we give away to all our clients