In the footsteps of Geoffrey Bawa Tailor-made

Itinerary View Map

Soaring above the clouds a view from the airplane window

Day 1 : To Colombo

Fly from London on direct schedule flight to Colombo.

Day 2 : To Kotugoda

Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer to the boutique colonial-style bungalow. Relax perhaps with a rejuvenating massage at the Z Spa and a candlelit dinner by the pool. Overnight The Wallawwa.

Day 3 : To Kandalama and Yapahuwa visit

Transfer to Kandalama. visit Yapahuwa, an ancient Temple and palace built on a rock, and considered ‘one of the great architectural wonders of the island’.

Stay two nights at the Bawa designed (in 1994) Heritance Kandalama, located on the bund of an ancient 3rd C. tank. Conceived as an ‘austere jungle palace’ - with all modern amenities – it’s surrounded by the magic of nature. Afternoon visit Yapahuwa, an ancient Temple and palace built on a rock, and considered ‘one of the great architectural wonders of the island’.

Day 4 : Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa

Early morning climb the impressive 600’ granite bastion built by the patricidal King Kasyapa. See the gorgeous frescoes of the ‘Sigiriya Maidens’ – still so vibrant and charismatic. Later visit ancient Polonnaruwa, dating from the 3rd C. BC: the mighty capital city, filled with glorious architecture, must certainly have inspired Bawa... see the magnificent palaces, Temples, dagoba and the glorious Buddha sculptures at the Gal Vihara.

Day 5 : To Kandy via Dambulla with Spice Garden and Batik Factory visits

Bright start to the day to visit the superb Buddhist Caves at Dambulla adorned with beautiful frescoes and amazing Buddha statues. En route to Kandy visit a Spice garden and Batik factory. Two nights Kandy House.

Day 6 : Peradeniya Gardens and Temple of the Tooth and Cultural Show

Visit the delightful Peradeniya Gardens, once, a Royal retreat. In the Orchid House, when in full bloom, the flowers are a myriad of colours. Evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined. The building is delightful with a golden roof, fine woodwork and wonderful frescoes. Followed by a pulsating Cultural performance.

Day 7 : To Nuwara Eliya

Travel through beautiful country side, the road climbing high to the verdant Hill Country. The vistas are delightful – tea covered slopes as far as the eye can see, sparkling water falls and small villages bustling with life. Overnight at St Andrews - a charming old colonial style hotel.

in the footsteps of geoffrey bawa day 8 9

Day 8 : To Tangalle via Rekawa Turtle Conservation

Head down to the coast to stay at the last creation of Geoffrey Bawa - aptly named – The Last House. Perched on an idyllic strip of land – lagoon on one side and beach on the other – it’s perfect for swimming or pure relaxation. At Rekawa, a small fishing village see the fascinating Marine Turtle Conservation project helping save this endangered species. Two nights The Last House.

Day 9 : At Leisure

Day at leisure. Alternatively if feeling energetic visit Mirissa Harbour for whale watching trips (in season) perhaps go snorkelling, sailing, kayaking or take a river trip. Maybe visit the ancient Mulkirigala Rock Temple - a series of Temples carved out of the face of a huge rock outcrop.

in the footsteps of geoffrey bawa day 10

Day 10 : To Bentota via Galle

Travel along the coast to Bentota. Visit Galle’s 17.th C Fort now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the superb Portuguese and Dutch period architecture. Visits include the well-preserved ramparts, the lighthouse and Dutch Reform Church. Lunch at the Lighthouse Hotel, designed by Geoffrey Bawa in 1994. Its architecture and ambience conveying a sense of history: including a fascinating portrayal of the Portuguese landing at Galle - created in brass and bronze on the impressive main staircase.

Later travel to Lunuganga - Geoffrey Bawa’s personal space - a garden retreat – his inspiration and dearest to his heart. The Lunuganga gardens were a lifelong passion – almost 50 years of development – and included delightful pavilions and statues. Two nights at Lunuganga.

in the footsteps of geoffrey bawa day 11

Day 11 : At Lunuganga

Unwind in the beautiful surroundings of the inspiring garden with its countless species of trees and plants. Bought back in 1948, this erstwhile rubber estate has been transformed into a haven of relaxation and a delight for all. Geoffrey Bawa’s legacy still inspires – the creative thought and passion is still as relevant today as it was in his heyday.

in the footsteps of geoffrey bawa day 12

Day 12 : To Colombo - City Tour

After breakfast depart for the Capital – Colombo and take in many of the main architectural highlights including Geoffrey Bawa’s parliament building in Kotte, commissioned in 1979, with traditional Sri Lankan and South Indian architectural features. Visit the Paradise Road Gallery Café where Bawa had his office; a delight of courtyards with columns, walkways and open pavilions. Also see the captivating Seema Malakaya on Beira Lake designed by Bawa in 1985 - two island pavilions run by the Gangaramaya Temple.

The Tintagel was once home to the family of Sri Lanka’s former president. Now the erstwhile presidential mansion is a luxurious, ten-room boutique hotel. It is elegant, stylish and has one of the best addresses in town! Overnight at The Tintagel.

Day 13 : To London

Morning air taxi transfer to Colombo then a short transfer to the airport to board direct scheduled return flight to London.

Looking to extend your holiday ? Contact our consultants today for your options.

Itinerary map

Prices

Price per person (Double/Twin share)
£3,750.00

Cost includes:

International flights in economy class.
Accommodation with en-suite facilities.
Daily breakfast throughout. All Inclusive basis at Ceylon Tea Trails & Wild Cost Lodge.
Services of English speaking guide during sightseeing.
Transfers as per the itinerary by air-conditioned vehicles.
Excursions, sightseeing, game drives and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
Full ATOL Bonding.

Cost does not include: