Discover Sri Lanka while following in the footsteps of famous architect Geoffrey Bawa and the rich historical tradition that influenced his work. Explore the homes developed by Bawa to obtain a better understanding of his work. You can see the traditional Sri Lankan and Dutch Colonial buildings that combined to create Bawas’ peculiar tropical modernist style.
START & END LOCATIONS:
Colombo/Galle – Bawa Gardens – Colombo/Galle
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Bentota Beach Hotel
- Lunuganga Gardens
- Jetwing Lighthouse
- Skydiving in Bentota
INCLUDES:
- Private Transport
- English-Speaking Guide
- Refreshments and Water Bottles
Sight: Lunuganga Gardens
Tucked down beneath a steep dust road in Bentota, Lunuganga – Geoffrey Bawa’s “garden within a larger garden” – is an oasis for Sri Lanka’s varied natural world as well as a refuge for both local and foreign traffic. Bawa purchased the previous rubber and cinnamon plantation in 1948 intending to create “something that would be fashioned via his present and destiny dreams and imaginary.” Witness how he converted the land from a plantation to a lawn, replacing an oppressive colonial practice with a lush ecosystem teeming with unique flora and animals.
Sight: Bentota Beach Hotel
Travel along the coast to Bentota with your guide, where you will view the Bentota Beach Hotel in Sri Lanka. This hotel was one of Asia’s earliest and most prominent accommodation establishments, owing to many inventive firsts and creative partnerships from across the world.
Sight: Jetwing Lighthouse
Head to the Jetwing Lighthouse! Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect, created an eclectic combination of Moorish, Oriental, and Dutch effects that can be seen everywhere, from the rampart-like façade entry to the centrally located mind-blowing spiral staircase and the unusual use of rustic colour schemes throughout.