Private Travel
Sri Lanka
Private
Private Tour
Colombo to Colombo – 13 Days
Discover the architectural brilliance of Geoffrey Bawa on this inspiring journey through Sri Lanka. From Colombo to the southern coast and tea country, this tour offers rare access to Geoffrey Bawa's iconic creations — private homes, boutique hotels, tropical gardens, and public buildings that shaped modern Sri Lankan architecture. As an architectural tour, you will explore significant works and sites associated with Bawa’s legacy. Travelling in comfort, you’ll stay in several of his finest works, including The Wallawwa, The Last House, and Lunuganga, experiencing his seamless blend of modern design, nature, and local tradition.
Along the way, enjoy visits to historic landmarks, coastal villages, Buddhist temples, and lush hill country landscapes. You’ll explore Dambulla’s cave temples, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, stroll through the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, and relax in Tangalle and Bentota. This is not only a visual feast for lovers of architecture and design, but also a deeper journey into Sri Lanka’s history, landscape, and way of life, immersing you in Sri Lanka's heritage — guided by the creative spirit of Geoffrey Bawa.
GEOFFREY BAWA’S ICONIC HOMES AND HOTELS: Stay in Bawa-designed properties including The Wallawwa, The Last House, and Lunuganga, with these bawa designed hotels forming part of a curated experience for architecture enthusiasts. These elegant spaces reflect his vision of tropical modernism, blending architecture with Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. Bawa's design philosophy—integrating built spaces seamlessly into their surroundings and emphasizing sustainable design—shapes every guest experience. Enjoy a rare opportunity to live within his legacy, a unique opportunity to experience Bawa's architectural masterpieces, from colonial bungalows to garden retreats and coastal masterpieces.
SRI LANKA’S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE TOUR: Explore Sri Lanka’s modern architectural history through Bawa’s landmark buildings. Visit his former office in Colombo, the Parliament building, and Ruhuna University. Gain insight into his influence on contemporary Sri Lankan design and the way he merged built environments with landscape, culture, and context.
CULTURAL AND NATURAL HIGHLIGHTS OF SRI LANKA: Beyond Bawa’s work, discover Sri Lanka’s heritage and natural beauty. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as Lion Rock, wander through Dambulla’s cave temples, stroll Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and enjoy the quiet charm of Kandy. These sites offer a deeper appreciation of the island’s diverse landscapes and long cultural history.
RELAXED LUXURY FROM HILLS TO COAST: Travel in comfort from the tea valleys of Bogawantalawa to Tangalle’s peaceful beaches. Enjoy curated experiences like tea estate walks, kayaking, and visits to turtle conservation projects. This carefully paced itinerary blends thoughtful architecture with restful settings, showcasing Sri Lanka’s finest boutique stays and natural charm.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Private Travel
Light Moderate
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Follow the legacy of Geoffrey Bawa on a 13-day curated architectural tour through Sri Lanka, led by the vision of the celebrated architect. Stay in his finest architectural creations. Explore iconic buildings, lush gardens, and cultural landmarks, from Colombo to the southern coast and tea country, blending design, nature, and heritage in a uniquely Sri Lankan travel experience.
Arrive in Sri Lanka at the international airport and head straight to Kotugoda, where you’ll relax at The Wallawwa, a stylish colonial hotel surrounded by lush gardens. After your flight, this is the perfect place to unwind and refresh. Enjoy a calming massage, soak up the peaceful atmosphere, and settle into the comfort of your surroundings. This quiet and elegant retreat gives you time to recharge before the journey ahead, with a taste of Sri Lanka’s famous hospitality and tranquil charm.
Take a scenic four-hour drive to Dambulla and check into the Heritance Kandalama, designed by famous architect Geoffrey Bawa. This unique eco-hotel blends beautifully with the jungle and overlooks Kandalama Lake, offering a unique opportunity to experience innovative, sustainable architecture in harmony with nature. In the afternoon, visit the ancient cave temples of Dambulla and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are part of Sri Lanka's ancient wonders and form the heart of the cultural triangle, renowned for their rich history and cultural significance. After a day of discovery, return to your peaceful hotel surrounded by nature.
Spend the day exploring the historic and natural highlights around Dambulla. Begin with a climb up Mihintale, an important Buddhist site with 1,840 stone steps. Then walk through the forest to find the Mahakanadarawa stone bridge, a remarkable piece of ancient engineering. You’ll also see one of Sri Lanka’s oldest irrigation systems, still working after more than 2,500 years. After a day of walking and discovery, relax back at the Heritance Kandalama. Entrance fees to historical sites visited during the tour are included as part of the overall experience.
Drive to Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital, a scenic and spiritual city surrounded by misty mountains and a calm lake. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, known for its tropical plants and tall trees. Then explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth, where a relic of the Buddha is kept. These visits reveal the spiritual heart and natural beauty of this peaceful city.
Enjoy a relaxed day in Kandy. Stroll around the tranquil lake, visit the lush Udawattekele Sanctuary, and enjoy the sounds and sights of the forest. For tea lovers, the Tea Museum offers an interesting look into the country’s tea-making traditions. If you are interested in Sri Lanka's cultural history, consider visiting the national museum, which features an extensive collection ranging from religious bronzes to possessions of the last Kandyan kings. Return to your hotel and spend the evening enjoying Kandy’s laid-back charm.
Leave the hills behind and head into Sri Lanka’s tea country in the Bogawantalawa Valley. Stay at Tea Trails, a collection of colonial-era bungalows set among beautiful tea plantations, waterfalls, and rolling hills shaped by the region’s tropical climate. This area, known as the Golden Valley of Tea, offers a luxurious stay and a window into the colonial past. Relax and enjoy the peaceful views and the refined atmosphere of the tea estates.
Wake up with a fresh cup of tea and learn all about how it's made during the Tea Experience tour. Visit the plantation fields and watch how tea is handpicked and processed. If you enjoy adventure, go mountain biking along scenic trails with a guide. Or, choose a peaceful kayak trip on the Castlereagh and Maskeliya reservoirs. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the quiet beauty of the valley.
Travel down from the hills to the sunny beaches of Tangalle on Sri Lanka’s scenic south coast, where the shores meet the Indian Ocean. Check into the Last House, Geoffrey Bawa’s final architectural creation, nestled between a peaceful lagoon and the sea. Spend the afternoon walking along quiet beaches or swimming in the warm waters. It’s a complete change of pace and the perfect setting to enjoy Sri Lanka’s coastal life.
Visit Rekawa, a small fishing village where you'll find an important Marine Turtle Conservation project. If you're lucky, you might see endangered turtles nesting on the beach. Talk with local villagers and learn how they work to protect marine life. Later, return to the Last House and enjoy a relaxed evening reflecting on your meaningful coastal visit.
Choose from a range of exciting activities today. You can go whale watching, snorkelling, sailing, river cruising, or sea kayaking—all run by local youth. Then visit the ancient Mulkirigala Temple, perched on a massive rock and filled with cave shrines and old inscriptions. Your last evening at the Last House offers a chance to unwind, surrounded by nature and the sound of the sea.
Drive along the coast to Bentota, stopping first at Ruhuna University in Matara to admire Bawa’s architecture. Then visit the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO site full of colonial charm. Enjoy lunch at the Lighthouse Hotel, another Bawa-designed masterpiece. Arrive in Bentota and notice Villa Bentota, a luxury beachfront property designed by Bawa, showcasing his architectural legacy in the area. Settle into Lunuganga Estate, Bawa’s private country home and landscape project, which was transformed from a former rubber plantation into a series of interconnected gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. The estate’s design incorporates the tranquil Dedduwa Lake, enhancing the serene environment and overall aesthetic experience. Here, you have the unique opportunity to experience Bawa's work firsthand, exploring the creative vision that turned a rubber plantation into a living masterpiece of architecture and landscape design.
Fly to Colombo for the final part of your trip. Stay at The Tintagel, a stylish boutique hotel in a leafy neighbourhood. Visit Sri Lanka’s Parliament Building, beautifully set on a lake and designed by Bawa, which incorporates traditional forms such as tiled roofs into its modernist architecture. Explore the tranquil Seema Malaka Temple on Beira Lake, a serene water temple designed by Bawa, known for its unique floating platforms and peaceful setting. Stroll along Paradise Road, a cultural and design highlight in Colombo. In the evening, dine at The Gallery, which was once Bawa’s office, and is now also home to the renowned Gallery Café, a celebrated Bawa-designed venue. Your last night combines elegant design, fine food, and a final taste of Colombo’s creative energy, all shaped by Bawa's influence, Bawa's legacy, Bawa's design philosophy, and Bawa's work that define the city’s modernist landmarks.
Enjoy breakfast at The Tintagel before your departure. A private transfer will take you to Colombo airport. As you leave, look back on your journey across Sri Lanka, filled with ancient cities, peaceful landscapes, colourful culture, and beautiful architecture—a trip full of lasting memories.
Inspired by Geoffrey Bawa’s revolutionary approach to architecture, “Geoffrey Bawa’s Legacy: An Architectural Journey Through Sri Lanka” is crafted to explore how Bawa harmonized Sri Lanka’s ancient and modern architecture with the island’s natural beauty, highlighting Geoffrey Bawa's legacy and the indelible mark he left on Sri Lankan architecture.
This tour is a tribute to Bawa’s genius in integrating the elements of nature into his designs, showcasing sites that span from the tranquil highlands to the vibrant coasts. Bawa’s signature tropical design harmonizes seamlessly with the island’s lush environment, setting a benchmark for modern tropical architecture.
It’s perfect for those passionate about architecture, nature, culture, and wildlife, offering unique insights into Sri Lanka’s architectural evolution and natural splendour.
Our expedition's flexible approach allows us to adapt to new opportunities and conditions. We offer a range of activities from easy to moderate, tailored to your preference. Participants should be fit for activities such as walks, treks, and visits to cultural sites, with options for more strenuous hikes. Our trips are suitable for families.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Our tours feature the finest accommodations in each destination, from charming boutique hotels to cosy lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay with authentic cuisine. We carefully choose each location for its alignment with our itinerary and the activities planned, prioritising comfort and local experience.
TRANSPORTATION: All transportation for your tour is meticulously planned according to the itinerary. For personal explorations beyond the scheduled activities, your Expedition Leader is ready to suggest the best transportation choices, ensuring your travel within the tour is seamless and tailored to your interests.
Prices are per person, based on double or single occupancy (unless otherwise noted) and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in US dollars and subject to change. See the terms and conditions for this trip for more information.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
