Courtyards & Verandahs

Start your adventure with two nights in the Cultural Triangle, staying at one of Bawa’s signature properties. Continue your journey south with a night in the scenic mountain town of Ella before concluding with a stay at a stunning coastal retreat in Galle—one of Bawa’s most iconic works.

Highlights of the Geoffrey Bawa Experience

• Traverse through captivating courtyards and open verandahs that echo Sri Lanka’s heritage, offering a deep dive into the island’s culture.

• Be mesmerized by scenic vistas and tranquil hideaways—from emerald tea country to stately colonial-era homes.

• Experience heartfelt hospitality at every turn, with an itinerary designed to help you engage with local life in an intimate way.

• Enjoy a culinary journey that includes authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and refined gourmet meals—perfect for food lovers.

Who Should Join This Tour?

• Ideal for travelers looking for an immersive cultural adventure, full of art, tradition, and local lifestyle.

• Perfect for those who want both enriching experiences and time to relax amidst natural beauty.

• A must for photography enthusiasts, with countless photo-worthy moments from historic architecture to lush landscapes.

• Great for those who appreciate staying in unique, character-rich accommodations that reflect Sri Lanka’s architectural charm.

What’s Included

• Meals: Customized dining options to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

• Transport: All transfers and sightseeing will be conducted in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for your comfort.

• Accommodation: Seven nights in carefully selected hotels that blend style, comfort, and local character.

• Included Experiences:

  • Explore the coastal charm of Negombo with a guided city tour

  • Visit the bustling local fish market

  • Discover the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Tour the iconic Heritance Kandalama, a masterpiece by Geoffrey Bawa

  • Climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress

  • Uncover the ruins of the historic city of Polonnaruwa

  • Learn about local crafts at the Matale Heritage Centre

  • Pay a visit to the revered Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

  • Admire the serene architecture of the Chapel at the Good Shepherd Convent in Bandarawela

  • Walk along the famous Demodara Nine Arch Bridge

  • Witness the beauty of Rawana Falls

  • Tour the architectural highlights of Ruhuna University

  • See the colonial-era Matara Post Office

  • Stroll through the historic Dutch Fort in Galle

  • Visit Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga Country Estate

  • Conclude with a guided city tour of Colombo

Itinerary

✈︎ Day 1

Arrival – Airport to Negombo

Upon arrival, a Jetwing Representative and your private chauffeur guide will welcome you and escort you to the lively coastal town of Negombo. Settle in and unwind after your journey. If you’re up for exploring, your guide can show you the town’s vibrant markets, colonial landmarks, and perhaps take you on a peaceful boat ride along the Dutch canal. Alternatively, enjoy some rest on the golden sands of Negombo Beach.

✈︎ Day 2

Negombo to Anuradhapura to Kandalama

Start the day with a visit to Negombo’s bustling fish market, where local fishermen bring in their overnight catch. Travel inland to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital. Discover its sacred landmarks including the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, Ruwanweliseya stupa, and Mihintale—believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Conclude the day at Heritance Kandalama, a stunning eco-friendly hotel seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape.

✈︎ Day 3

Kandalama – Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa – Kandalama

Climb the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a 5th-century royal citadel famed for its frescoes and engineering marvel. Later, explore the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa with your guide—home to well-preserved ruins such as the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, Lankathilaka, and the circular relic house, Vatadage.

✈︎ Day 4

Kandalama to Matale and Kandy

Journey to Kandy, stopping en route at the Matale Heritage Centre to see the textile and batik works of Ena de Silva, a collaborator of Bawa. In Kandy, explore the city’s cultural highlights including a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a revered Buddhist site. Wander through the bustling markets and enjoy panoramic views from the upper Lake Drive.

✈︎ Day 5

Kandy to Bandarawela and Ella

Head into the misty highlands through scenic tea country. Visit the Chapel of the Good Shepherd’s Convent in Bandarawela, one of Bawa’s lesser-known works. Continue to Ella, a picturesque hill town known for its dramatic views. Stop by Ravana Falls and the famous Demodara Nine Arch Bridge before arriving at your overnight stay, the elegant 98 Acres Resort & Spa.

✈︎ Day 6

Ella to Galle

Travel south, pausing to visit two rare Bawa-designed sites: Ruhuna University and the Matara Post Office. Stop for lunch at Heritance Ahungalla, another design inspired by Bawa’s vision. Arrive in Galle, a lively heritage city rich with colonial charm, vibrant arts, and cultural energy. Spend the night at Jetwing Lighthouse—one of Bawa’s architectural masterpieces perched on the coast.

✈︎ Day 7

Galle to Colombo

En route to Colombo, enjoy an open-air lunch at Lunuganga Estate—Geoffrey Bawa’s own country home. Explore the capital with your chauffeur guide, visiting the bustling Pettah markets, colonial-era Fort, Sea Street Hindu temple, and the Dutch Church of Wolvendaal. End the day with a visit to Bawa’s former residence at No. 11 and perhaps dinner at the stylish Gallery Café, formerly his office, where you may meet his protégé Channa Daswatte.

✈︎ Day 8

Colombo to Airport

Your architectural journey concludes as you’re transferred to the airport for your departure flight.