What to expect
Geoffrey Bawa, the widely respected Sri Lankan architect excelled at designing in a natural environment and creating spaces that blend the outside with the inside. As the founder of the architectural style, Tropical Modernism, Bawa applied these elements in designing resorts, private residences and hotels. Our Classic Bawa private journey stays at iconic properties from Geoffrey Bawa’s portfolio of work and at hotels attributed to his style with ample time to view and explore other significant projects including his private estate, Lunuganga Gardens.
Your Journey Begins
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport where a Wildlife Safari representative will warmly meet you and escort you by private vehicle to your Geoffrey Bawa designed resort in nearby Negombo.
Overnight – Jetwing Lagoon
Drive north east to the renowned Cultural Triangle. Continue through the dry zone to Dambulla, arriving at the Geoffrey Bawa designed eco hotel on the edge of an ancient reservoir sitting between two significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Overnight – Heritance Kandalama – Sigiriya Wing
Up early to visit the dramatic Sigiriya Rock Fortress built during the reign of King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD. The rock citadel rises from the jungle and the climb to the summit offers extraordinary views. Admire the Heavenly Maiden frescoes and Mirror Wall with its ancient graffiti, continue to the Lion Paws to reach the summit and ancient ruins of the palace complex. In the afternoon travel to Polonnaruwa, the royal medieval capital from 1073 century to explore the ancient ruins and admire the significant statues of Buddha carved from massive slabs of granite.
Overnight – Heritance Kandalama – Sigiriya Wing
Depart for Dambulla, a UNESCO world heritage site, the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka containing religious frescoes and ancient carved statues. Continue along the spice route to Matale to visit a spice farm to see spices growing and learn about the flavours of Sri Lanka cuisine. Continue south to the scenic town of Kandy and visit the island’s most revered Buddhist relic in the golden roofed Temple of the Tooth.
Overnight – The Kandy House
Explore Kandy with your chauffeur guide with time to shop for local arts and crafts and a visit of the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, an oasis of greenery and vibrant blooms. The origin of the botanic gardens dates as far back at 1371 and acknowledged for its significant collection of indigenous and imported trees, orchid house and variety of plants and flowers. Continue to the golden roofed Temple of the Tooth where a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha has been enshrined since the 4th century AD.
Overnight – The Kandy House
After breakfast depart on a scenic drive to the southern edge of Sri Lanka’s coast and Galle Fort. Explore the narrow streets of the 18th century Dutch walled town with its galleries, cafes and residences from the Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial eras. Continue to your iconic Geoffrey Bawa designed resort located on the outskirts of Galle Fort.
Overnight – Jetwing Lighthouse Club
Today spend a day at leisure at your resort to explore and discover hidden gems at one of Geoffrey Bawa’s classic architectural designs or make an optional return visit of Galle Fort.
Overnight – Jetwing Lighthouse Club
Travel up the coast to a palm fringed golden beach to stay a Geoffrey Bawa designed resort tucked among towering coconut palms and another fine example of Tropical Modernism.
Overnight – The Blue Water Hotel and Spa
Take a short drive to Lunuganga, the architect’s idyllic garden retreat and private estate. A lifelong project Bawa spent decades creating his tropical vision of an elegant Italianate Garden. Continue to Brief Gardens, the country home of Bevis Bawa, Geoffrey’s older brother and an influential landscape architect.
Overnight – The Blue Water Hotel and Spa
After breakfast depart for the capital for a stay in a stately historic building converted into a unique boutique hotel situated in the heart of Colombo’s elite residential neighbourhood.
Overnight – Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo
A day of private sightseeing with your chauffeur guide to explore Geoffrey Bawa’s legacy taking in the public buildings in Kotte where Bawa created the parliament buildings in the middle of a manmade lake. Continue to The Seema Malakaya, the Gangarama Buddhist Temple on Beira Lake, St Bridget’s Montessori School and The Gallery Café formerly Bawa’s offices and now a restaurant, gallery and lifestyle boutique.
Overnight – Paradise Road Tintagel
Today your chauffeur guide will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward travel arrangements.
In the late 1960’s Geoffrey Bawa was invited to design a complex beside the Bentota River overlooking an exceptional beach. He created a shopping village, town square, railway station and two resorts, the iconic Bentota Beach and the classic Avani Bentota Resort. Why not add a few more days to our Classic Bawa journey and include a stay at either resort. Or add extra days in Tangalle at The Last House which, as the name suggests, was Bawa’s last architectural creation. Our Sri Lanka Experts can easily add longer stays or extra days at one or more of the resorts.
Send an enquiry
For over 5 decades, Wildlife Safari has been curating luxury safaris and tours for the discerning traveler. We would love to chat about your next adventure. Leave us your details below to get in touch about this journey.
"*" indicates required fields
Keep exploring
Wildlife Safari established the Perth, Australia office in 1987 offering a portfolio of destinations within Africa, the Indian Ocean and India.
