Luxury touring holiday with driver-guide staying in and visiting the hotels and buildings designed by world-famous Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa
This 11-night touring holiday with driver-guide incorporates the cultural destinations that must be visited on any touring holiday of Sri Lanka; but, there is the added benefit of staying in the most renowned accomplishments of Geoffrey Bawa along the way. After arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport, you begin in Negombo, a modern beachside city. Then, head into the Cultural Triangle to the historic sites around Dambulla, including the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Caves. From here, continue to Bandarawela near Kandy, to see Bawa’s Bandarawela Chapel. Next spend two nights in Tangalle on the south coast, near the beautiful inland green forests and waterways. From Tangalle, continue east to the historic fort of Galle, and then slightly north to the beach resort of Bentota for two days by the sea. Spend your final night in Colombo for easy access to the airport on your final morning.
Highlights
Colombo • Negombo • Dambulla • Sigiriya • Bandarawela • Tangalle • Galle • Wadduwa • Bentota • Colombo
Day by day
Arrive in Colombo and meet your personal chauffeur guide who will be your travelling companion throughout your tour of Sri Lanka. Drive to the chic and contemporary Jetwing Beach for one night in Negombo (approximately 20-minutes’ drive). This hotel was originally designed by Geoffrey Bawa and since renovated. Negombo, set amid lush groves of coconut palms, breathes the spirit of the sea. The town itself shows its interesting colonial past with many historical buildings.
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the Heritance Kandalama in Dambulla (approximately 5 hours), another great work by Geoffrey Bawa in the Cultural Triangle. The hotel is built into a mountainside, surrounded by jungle and overlooking the Kandalama tank (lake). The simple geometry and lack of decoration of the building helps to identify the natural environment. When Bawa first built the hotel, he said that one day it would peer out from under a canopy of lush vegetation, which is exactly how it appears today. Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying your surroundings, where you will stay for two nights.
In the morning, visit Sigiriya rock fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sigiriya was built in the 5th century during the reign of King Kasyapa and is probably the most fantastic wonder of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot rock.
After breakfast, drive to Bandarawela (approximately 6 hours). En route you could opt to do some sightseeing in the hill capital city of Kandy. During the drive, enjoy the endless views of tea-carpeted valleys, processing factories and the bright flash of female ‘tea pluckers’ in their saris picking their way through the plantations. Stop at a tea factory where the process of tea production and grading will be explained. You will also be able to taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory. Check-in to the 1920s colonial planter’s Kirchhayn Bungalow for two nights.
Visit the granite-built Bandarawela Chapel of the Good Shepherd’s Convent, designed by Geoffrey Bawa and Ulrik Plesner. The chapel sits on a ridge above the town and consists of a solid hulk of rubble masonry culminating in a square tower which acts as the skylight for the altar. Spend the rest of the day at leisure doing some trekking around the area and enjoying the views.
From the hills of Bandarawela descend to Tangalle on the coast (approximately 6 hours). En route admire one of Sri Lanka’s finest views and visit the Rawana Ella Falls. The dramatic Rawana Ella Falls are 49 metres high with water cascading down the mountainside in a series of mini waterfalls. On arrival in Tangalle, check in to the Last House, which is the last property built by Geoffrey Bawa in Sri Lanka. You will stay here for two nights. This luxury seaside escape’s airy, antique-filled interiors spill into al fresco spaces as if no boundaries exist.
Visit Fitzherbert House, which is now known as Claughton House, in Dickwella (approximately 30 minutes). This too is a great work of Bawa’s. Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying some time at the beach and the hotel facilities.
Drive this morning to the colonial city of Galle (approximately 2 hours). En route, drive by two other Bawa works – the Ruhunu University Campus and the Matara Office building. Check-in to the Jetwing Lighthouse, an architectural triumph of Geoffrey Bawa, where you will be spending one night. In the afternoon, enjoy some sightseeing in Galle Fort. Its rich heritage is derived from the colonial influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British respectively, spanning four centuries. The town’s centrepiece is the Dutch Fort, around which the city is built. The Fort remains a hive of activity and is one of the few World Heritage listed sites in which a bustling population continues to thrive.
After breakfast, drive to Bentota (approximately 2 hours), visiting Heritance Ahungalla en route, where Bawa created features such as interconnecting expanses of water leading the guest into the hotel. Spend two nights at boutique hotel, Villa Bentota.
Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps with some time on the beach enjoying the water sports on offer. For afternoon tea, visit Geoffrey Bawa’s country residence Lunuganga where you will find that nature has been incorporated in the very design of the house. Return to your hotel for the night.
In the morning drive to the commercial capital of Colombo (approximately 2 hours). En route stop at Blue Waters in Wadduwa, designed by Geoffrey Bawa. Check-in to Uga Residence for one night. Spend the rest of your day at leisure in Colombo, enjoying some sightseeing and shopping. It may be possible to visit one of the world’s leading tea auctions, an 18-hole Golf Course or seasonal Buddhist and Hindu pageants. In the evening visit Number 11, the residence of Geoffrey Bawa.
After breakfast, leave for the airport for your onward flight.
Our choice of the Geoffrey Bawa tour could not have been a better one.Mr and Mrs C, April 2016
Holiday price guide From £3,590 per person based on two people sharing a double room.
Holiday Code SLDG01
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury touring holiday with driver-guide staying in and visiting the hotels and buildings designed by world-famous Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa
Arrive in Colombo and meet your personal chauffeur guide who will be your travelling companion throughout your tour of Sri Lanka. Drive to the chic and contemporary Jetwing Beach for one night in Negombo (approximately 20-minutes’ drive). This hotel was originally designed by Geoffrey Bawa and since renovated. Negombo, set amid lush groves of coconut palms, breathes the spirit of the sea. The town itself shows its interesting colonial past with many historical buildings.
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the Heritance Kandalama in Dambulla (approximately 5 hours), another great work by Geoffrey Bawa in the Cultural Triangle. The hotel is built into a mountainside, surrounded by jungle and overlooking the Kandalama tank (lake). The simple geometry and lack of decoration of the building helps to identify the natural environment. When Bawa first built the hotel, he said that one day it would peer out from under a canopy of lush vegetation, which is exactly how it appears today. Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying your surroundings, where you will stay for two nights.
In the morning, visit Sigiriya rock fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sigiriya was built in the 5th century during the reign of King Kasyapa and is probably the most fantastic wonder of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot rock.
After breakfast, drive to Bandarawela (approximately 6 hours). En route you could opt to do some sightseeing in the hill capital city of Kandy. During the drive, enjoy the endless views of tea-carpeted valleys, processing factories and the bright flash of female ‘tea pluckers’ in their saris picking their way through the plantations. Stop at a tea factory where the process of tea production and grading will be explained. You will also be able to taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory. Check-in to the 1920s colonial planter’s Kirchhayn Bungalow for two nights.
Visit the granite-built Bandarawela Chapel of the Good Shepherd’s Convent, designed by Geoffrey Bawa and Ulrik Plesner. The chapel sits on a ridge above the town and consists of a solid hulk of rubble masonry culminating in a square tower which acts as the skylight for the altar. Spend the rest of the day at leisure doing some trekking around the area and enjoying the views.
From the hills of Bandarawela descend to Tangalle on the coast (approximately 6 hours). En route admire one of Sri Lanka’s finest views and visit the Rawana Ella Falls. The dramatic Rawana Ella Falls are 49 metres high with water cascading down the mountainside in a series of mini waterfalls. On arrival in Tangalle, check in to the Last House, which is the last property built by Geoffrey Bawa in Sri Lanka. You will stay here for two nights. This luxury seaside escape’s airy, antique-filled interiors spill into al fresco spaces as if no boundaries exist.
Visit Fitzherbert House, which is now known as Claughton House, in Dickwella (approximately 30 minutes). This too is a great work of Bawa’s. Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying some time at the beach and the hotel facilities.
Drive this morning to the colonial city of Galle (approximately 2 hours). En route, drive by two other Bawa works – the Ruhunu University Campus and the Matara Office building. Check-in to the Jetwing Lighthouse, an architectural triumph of Geoffrey Bawa, where you will be spending one night. In the afternoon, enjoy some sightseeing in Galle Fort. Its rich heritage is derived from the colonial influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British respectively, spanning four centuries. The town’s centrepiece is the Dutch Fort, around which the city is built. The Fort remains a hive of activity and is one of the few World Heritage listed sites in which a bustling population continues to thrive.
After breakfast, drive to Bentota (approximately 2 hours), visiting Heritance Ahungalla en route, where Bawa created features such as interconnecting expanses of water leading the guest into the hotel. Spend two nights at boutique hotel, Villa Bentota.
Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps with some time on the beach enjoying the water sports on offer. For afternoon tea, visit Geoffrey Bawa’s country residence Lunuganga where you will find that nature has been incorporated in the very design of the house. Return to your hotel for the night.
In the morning drive to the commercial capital of Colombo (approximately 2 hours). En route stop at Blue Waters in Wadduwa, designed by Geoffrey Bawa. Check-in to Uga Residence for one night. Spend the rest of your day at leisure in Colombo, enjoying some sightseeing and shopping. It may be possible to visit one of the world’s leading tea auctions, an 18-hole Golf Course or seasonal Buddhist and Hindu pageants. In the evening visit Number 11, the residence of Geoffrey Bawa.
After breakfast, leave for the airport for your onward flight.
Our choice of the Geoffrey Bawa tour could not have been a better one.Mr and Mrs C, April 2016
Holiday price guide From £3,590 per person based on two people sharing a double room.
Holiday Code SLDG01
Our prices include
● Return scheduled flights with British Airways or Sri Lankan Airlines to Colombo in economy class
● 1 night’s bed and breakfast in Negombo
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in Dambulla
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in Bandarawela
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in Tangalle
● 1 night’s bed and breakfast in Galle
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in Bentota
● 1 night’s bed and breakfast in Colombo
● Private English-speaking chauffeur-guide in an air-conditioned Japanese car throughout the itinerary
● Entrance fees to the monuments listed in the itinerary
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Our prices do not include
● Visas (A visa is a requirement for entry to Sri Lanka and can be obtained on line from www.eta.gov.lk)
● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except breakfast at hotels
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Local tourist tax, payable locally to the hotel
● Camera fees where applicable
● Optional excursions – to be pre-booked and at a supplement
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury touring holiday with driver-guide staying in and visiting the hotels and buildings designed by world-famous Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa
Jetwing Beach is a luxury 4-star boutique hotel in a beautiful coastal location. Excellent spa facilities and a wide variety of dining facilities - including the unmissable signature dining experiences - afford guests a relaxing and idyllic experience.
Deluxe room
Heritance Kandalama Hotel is an award winning, 5-star hotel which offers a unique eco-cultural experience. Guests can enjoy exquisite nature, delicious cuisine and excellent spa facilities in this idyllic, secluded retreat.
Superior room
Kirchhayn Bungalow is an exclusive 3-star boutique hotel in a beautiful rural location among tea plantations. Cosy and comfortable accommodation and immaculate grounds afford guests a serene and secluded hilltop retreat.
Standard room
The Last House is an exclusive, vibrant small luxury boutique hotel with traditional charm, character, and colourful, eclectic interiors in a superb beachfront location. An excellent example of Bawan design, this property offers a luxury home-from-home on the Indian Ocean.
Atteriya room
Jetwing Lighthouse near Galle is a wonderful 5-star resort hotel by the sea with excellent facilities. Excellent cuisine and extensive, luxury spa facilities nestled among lush gardens with beautiful coastal views afford guests an intimate, idyllic experience.
Deluxe room
The Villa Bentota by KK Collection is an exclusive, small luxury boutique hotel in a serene beachfront location. Delicious cuisine and excellent accommodation, designed by famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, afford guests a relaxing and indulgent experience.
Standard room
The Uga Residence is an exclusive boutique hotel in an excellent central location, that oozes character, opulence and a sense of history. Delicious cuisine and luxurious accommodation make this an excellent haven from the bustle of Colombo.
Park suite
Special offers
Call to make your booking and save an extra £50 per adult Call us instead of emailing us when you are thinking of booking a holiday and save an extra £50 per adult (in addition to any special offers that might be available). We want to talk to you to discuss your requirements and a phone call is usually the best way for you to define what you want enabling us to respond more accurately. We want to talk to you and you save an extra £50 per adult.
Our choice of the Geoffrey Bawa tour could not have been a better one.Mr and Mrs C, April 2016
Holiday price guide From £3,590 per person based on two people sharing a double room.
Holiday Code SLDG01
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury touring holiday with driver-guide staying in and visiting the hotels and buildings designed by world-famous Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa
About Colombo
Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, has gradually grown from humble beginnings as a tiny 5th century trading post for gems to become Sri Lanka’s largest city and its most important port. The island’s commercial capital is a hectic mix of old and new, colonial architecture sitting next to modern glass and tree-lined residential suburbs bordered by shacks. Nifty 3-wheelers and the occasional bullock cart vie with noisy buses and 4-wheel drives for supremacy on the streets. There is a lot to see and explore during your stay in Colombo. To the north of the city is Fort, a business area with shops and offices and touches of residual colonial charm. The fort which gave the district its name has long since gone, though the Lighthouse Clock Tower in North Chatham Street and the 18th century ‘Queen’s House’, now the president’s official residence, still exist. To the south is Galle Face Green, a sea-front expanse of green lawn beside an esplanade which is used to host race meetings and sports events and is a popular gathering place, especially for kite-flying or a sunset stroll. At its south end stands the colonial Galle Face Hotel, the oldest hotel in Colombo which was built in 1864. Further south is Cinnamon Gardens, the city’s most fashionable neighbourhood with tree-lined streets and colonial mansions. A small national art gallery borders the pleasant Viharamahadevi Park. The National Museum, on Albert Crescent, has a collection ranging from religious bronzes to possessions of the last Kandyan kings. All around the city, Buddhist temples, Hindu Kovils, mosques and churches give a glimpse into the spiritual vibrancy of Sri Lankan life, especially during religious festivals. Gangaramaya Buddhist temple, in particular, is fascinating for any visitor, as well as the Hindu Temple at Sea Street which is lined with goldsmith's shops, the Dutch Church at Wolfendal, dating back to 1749 and the historic Davatagaha Mosque. Colombo also offers some excellent shopping opportunities: the lively Pettah Bazaar competes with shopping malls and fashion stores and you can buy anything from gems to cricket bats. Stores such as Barefoot, Paradise Road, Gandhara and Odel have a designer-chic range of home ware, fabrics, arts & crafts and clothes.
Highlights of Colombo
Fashion, jewellery, art, trendy homeware and Sri Lankan arts and crafts; Golf at Royal Colombo golf course; National Museum; Variety of restaurants; Afternoon tea or cocktails on the Ocean terrace of the Galle Face Hotel; Walking along the seafront at Galle Face Green; Pettah Bazaar; Buddhist temples (Gangaramaya, Bellanwilla); Colourful Hindu Kovils (Sri Subramaniam and Kailawasanthan Swamidevasthanam, the oldest); Dutch period museum. Near Colombo – Kelaniya Raja Maha Temple; Nightclubs and musical entertainment e.g. jazz, Asian pop bands, calypso, (mainly in the hotels).
Festivals in Colombo
Navam Perahera held in February is a 3-day pageant ending on Poya day (full moon), with dance troupes and decorated elephants, at Gangaramaya temple and along neighbouring streets.
Climate in Colombo
Colombo has an average temperature of 27° C, often reaching above 30° C during the day, slightly cooler in the evenings and during the monsoon season (May to August). It is hot and sticky, less so on the seafront with the sea breezes.
Travel around Colombo and Sri Lanka
We include private transfers with all our holidays to Sri Lanka, and a personal chauffer with all our touring holidays. Driving Distances: Colombo to Colombo International airport: 1 hour Colombo to Bentota: 2 hours, Colombo to Galle: 2 hours, Colombo to Kandy: 3.5 hours, Colombo to Dambulla: 4 hours.
