Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka most influential architect, was responsible
for linking the ancient architecture of this island with that
of the modern world. Bawa had a deep understanding and appreciation
of the country’s cultural heritage – the ancient
kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, to the influences
of the Portuguese and Dutch periods. His travels worldwide
also ensured an appreciation of more contemporary styles.
Bawa also had a passion for the island’s varying natural
landscapes, which he used as the focal points around which
he created. The end result was a unique architectural style
that erased boundaries between the `outside’ and 'inside'
of living and working spaces. The skilful positioning of the
building environment and the clever use of natural elements
– the tropical sun, ocean breeze, lush greenery and
flowing water, which were made an integral part of daily life
through courtyards, walkways, and open verandas – contributed
to a unique architectural style – a legacy, in fact
– that will continue to influence, educate and inspire
Sri Lankan architects for many generations to come. This specialist
holiday has been put together to enable those interested in
architectural design to experience the works of Bawa, as well
as this island’s ancient architectural heritage and
natural landscapes that influenced his creations.
Holiday highlights
• Stays in a home and hotels created by Geoffrey
Bawa
• Visit some of Bawa’s public buildings such as
the Parliament and a University
• Sri Lanka’s architectural heritage as seen in
the ancient kingdoms and the Dutch
and Portuguese influences along the south coast
• Experiencing Colonial bungalow architecture
• Bawa’s lifelong project – the Lunuganga
Gardens
• Lush tea plantations of the central hills
• Beautiful beaches of the south coast
• Wildlife at the Yala wildlife sanctuary
Itinerary:
Day 1: Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer to Horathapola
Estate, a small planter’s bungalow set in a fruit and
spice estate a short 45-minute drive from the airport. This
is an ideal haven for acclimatizing to Sri Lanka’s tropical
climes and relaxing after the long flight.
Accommodation profile:Horathopala
is a small five bedroom British planter's bungalow that was
built in the 1920's. The building design follows the traditional
architectural style of columns and verandas. Ancestral Dutch
period furniture, including four-poster beds lined with handmade
lace, gives a glimpse of this idyllic Planter’s lifestyle.
Surrounded by well-clipped lawns and breathtaking hardwood trees,
ample bird song and butterflies, all contribute to a calm and
peaceful atmosphere that can be best enjoyed just relaxing in
a Planter’s chair in the veranda with a good book and
a cup of tea. The estate, which produces coconut, mango, pineapple
and spices, is still run by the Fernando family, Javanah and
Pia, who add a friendly, laid-back but efficient air. The Sri
Lankan rice and curries cooked in traditional clay pots over
a firewood flame are mouth-wateringly delicious with many of
the ingredients grown on the state.
Day 2, 3 to 4: Travel to Dambulla in the North central region where
you will experience your first Geoffrey Bawa creation: the Kandalama
Hotel designed in 1994. Bawa conceived the hotel `as an austere
jungle palace’ located on the bund of an ancient 3rd century
tank (reservoir) and captures the surrounding magical views
from every angle. Kandalama is a naturalist’s dream hidden
within the edge of a jungle filled with numerous species of
birds, butterflies and plenty of monkeys. During the next three
days, you will also experience Sri Lanka's ancient architectural
heritage – ruins of cities, palaces and temples built
by kings of the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods dating
back to the 3rd century BC. In Dambulla, visit the ancient Buddhist
cave temples and the Sigiriya Rock fortress. You also have the
option of visiting Yapahuwa, an ancient temple and palace built
on a rock described by the Insight Guide to Sri Lanka as "one
of the great architectural wonders of the island”, and
Aukana, where the Buddha stands 42 feet high, the best-preserved
statue in Sri Lanka. If you wish, climb 1,840 steps, high above
the palm trees, with the pilgrims to the summit of Mihantale
rock. Minihtale is the cradle of Buddhism. Thereafter, visit
the fabulous 'Mahakanadarawa' stone bridge, which dates back
to the 7th century and is situated in the midst of the forest.
Within the cultural triangle, you will also see Sri Lanka’s
ancient hydraulic heritage: irrigation works consisting of tanks
(reservoirs), sluices, and canals built by Kings 2,500 years
ago. These hydraulic wanders still remain and continue to serve
the surrounding villages.
Accommodation profile:Kandalama
is a minimalist contemporary hotel cleverly designed by Geoffrey
Bawa, providing panoramic views of the surrounding reservoir
and the wilderness. Kandalama has 152 rooms split between two
wings; the Sigiriya wing and the Dambulla wing spread out over
a long extent that lets the guests enjoy nature at its best.
Stroll along its restful, atmospheric corridors and you may
spot a tame monkey, or some of the 160 resident bird species
and you can experience it all in the finest comfort. Tasteful
bedrooms with telephone, satellite TV, and ensuit luxurious
bathrooms - all facilities meeting the highest standards in
Sri Lanka. The hotel was refurbished in 2005.
Day 5:
The journey from the cultural triangle to Sri Lanka's hill capital
- the small lakeside city of Kandy will occupy most of the morning.
In the afternoon, a city tour includes the fabulous Botanical
Gardens and the Temple of the Tooth, in which a sacred relic
of the Lord Buddha is enshrined. We recommend spending one night
at the Kandy House, a small boutique hotel located in the outskirts
of the city.
Accommodation profile: The Kandy House
is a brilliant small boutique hotel capable of offering stylish
and private accommodation, personal service, delicious food
- all in a stunningly beautiful natural setting. Typical of
the old `walauwa’ – manor house architectural style,
the Kandy House has been refurbished to blend the old with the
new- light white interiors, polished hardwood floorboards, Jack
wood staircase, Dutch style antique furniture and careful injections
of colour. The bedrooms are the finest in Kandy, with four-poster
beds, soft white linen, concrete-washed bathrooms and Victorian
bathtubs. The freshwater infinity pool in the garden provides
an irresistible opportunity to unwind and relax under the shade
of tropical trees.
Day 6 & 7:
Travel on into Sri Lanka’s tea-growing highlands. A two-night
stay at Ceylon Tea Trails, a wonderful collection of refurbished
tea planter’s bungalows in the southwest corner of the
hills, an area renowned for its fine tea and beautiful countryside.
You might like to enjoy the “Tea Experience”, which
involves a visit to a plantation to observe first hand the process,
starting from the plucking field where it all begins with the
picking of “two leaves and a bud” to the factory
where the processing begins. The Tea Trails also provides an
excellent base for a variety of adventure activities. There
are a number of mountain bike trails that loop through the surrounding
tea estates and guides are available on-demand. The reservoirs
of Castlereagh and Maskeliya offer a pristine lake environment
for kayaking. Maps, guides and safety gear are all provided.
A number of treks and scenic walks are also available.
Accommodation profile: Travelers
approaching Castlereagh from the road can glimpse at tantalizing
views across the lake. Nestled in a wooded dell close to the
water, this century-old bungalow offers unrivalled water views
and superb garden suites. Elegant parquet floors with open fireplaces
in the dining and drawing rooms evoke recollections of a bygone
colonial era. Castlereagh is a private bungalow: delicious meals
will be served up by a butler in your room, in the dining room,
or on the terrace overlooking the pool.
Day 8 & 9:
You now travel out of the hills and head southwest to Tangalle
for a two night stay in the `Last House’, Geoffrey Bawa’s
final creation designed in 1997. The Last House is positioned
on an idyllic strip of land – lagoon on one side, beach
on the other. The beach is fabulously long – perhaps one
of the best for villa sites in the island – and offers
safe swimming for much of the year. For wildlife enthusiasts,
a jeep safari to the Yala wildlife park with 400 sq. miles of
jungle with herds of elephants, sloth bear, deer, wild boar,
monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, is an interesting
day’s excursion.
We also recommend a visit to the
Ruhuna University in Matara, an inspiring creation by Bawa for
the younger generation of Sri Lanka. This project enabled him
to explore his style of integrating working spaces into a natural
landscape. Built between two hills, this university campus consists
of pavilions and courtyards with breath taking views of the
Indian Ocean.
Accommodation profile: As one
would expect from Sri Lanka’s most respected architect,
a man that mixed Sri Lanka’s rich cultural past with a
clean modernity, the Last House is very special. Essentially,
the layout is shaped like a horseshoe, with kitchen, living
rooms and courtyard bedrooms surrounding the 10-meter swimming
pool on three sides. At the back of the main building there
is a lovingly tended garden with an expansive stretch of lawn
leading down to the beach. There are four well proportioned,
airy and light double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, as well
as a twin and a single that share a bathroom.
Day 10, 11 & 12: Leave early next
morning and travel along the coast to the Heritance Hotel in
Ahungalla another exquisite Bawa creation, where you will be
staying for the next three nights. A day’s excursion to
the city of Galle, an hour’s drive from Ahungalla, will
enable you to explore Portuguese and Dutch period architecture
within the 18th century Galle Fort – a UNESCO protected
world heritage site. Several hours can be spent wandering along
narrow streets and well-preserved ramparts. There are several
newly-renovated interesting boutique hotels with excellent cafes
and restaurants within the Fort or stop for lunch at the Lighthouse
Hotel designed by Geoffrey Bawa in 1994. Located on a rocky
headland overlooking the Indian Ocean, this elegant hotel conveys
an immediate sense of history. The Portuguese landing at Galle
is re-enacted in brass and bronze on the impressive main staircase
and an ambitious batik of ancient coats of arms fills the ceiling
of the restful main bar. Light House hotel, like Kandalama,
demonstrates Bawa’s skill at `integrating architecture
and landscape, and his scenographic manipulation of space.’
Neptune hotel, located close to the Heritance is also an early
Bawa design, which is worth a visit.
Accommodation profile: Heritance
hotel is a five star property that is designed keeping the beautiful
ocean landscape in full view from every angle. The hotel is
approached through a long stretch of roadway off the main Galle
Road, which provides for a dramatic entrance with views across
the infinity pool edging the sea. The main areas on the ground
as well as upper floors are designed as linked open pavilions
all with continuous views of the sea. The deluxe rooms reflect
a contemporary design while maintaining an image of elegance
and sophistication with clean modern lines. Elegant bathrooms
complete the look, with amenities in all rooms.
Day 13 & 14: Travel along the west
coast to Lunuganga, a garden retreat that was originally an
old rubber plantation that Geoffrey Bawa transformed into a
haven of peace. Here you will stay for the next two nights experiencing
Bawa’s personal space, a retreat that inspired him and
was closest to his heart. The Lunuganga gardens were a lifelong
project cherished by Bawa and designed with numerous varieties
of foliage, many pavilions and statues. Bawa continued to develop
the gardens or almost 50 years – a personal journey which
helped to inspire his creativity.
Accommodation profile: Lunuganga,
opened as an exclusive boutique hotel in December 2005, offers
guests a rare opportunity to step inside the private life of
one of the world’s most celebrated architects. After decades
of careful, exquisite, creative thought and design Bawa’s
legacy and perhaps most personal life’s work is today
a wondrous and inspiring place to visit and savour. With astonishing
views and beautiful interiors, with many original Bawa artwork
and blueprints on the walls, a stay in one of Lunuganga’s
six fine suites is guaranteed to be a highlight of any holiday.
The property is only available from Dec to April each year.
For the rest of the year it is handed back to the Bawa Trust
who invite artists each year to use it as an inspired retreat.
The GQ Magazine in the UK recently judged it "The world’s
most stylish resort". Accommodation at Lunuganga comprises
of four beautiful suites in the main plantation house, each
varied in design and sporting a number of characteristic Bawa
designs and touches. In addition, there is a wonderful two-bedroom
studio set at the edge of a cinnamon plantation, which was originally
planted in the 18th Century. All suites are airconditioned and
have ensuite bathrooms. The furnishings and interior décor
are beautiful, unique and inspiring.
Day 15: Travel north to the capital city,
Colombo for your final night. We recommend the Galle Face Hotel
(Regency wing), located on the beach and in front of the famous
Galle Face Green. Centrally located, the hotel is a short ride
away from several public buildings designed by Geoffrey Bawa
including Sri Lanka’s Parliament building in Kotte, which
the President at the time commissioned Bawa to design in 1979.
Bawa created the Parliament building in the center of a vast
man made lake. The building incorporates traditional Sri Lankan
and South Indian architectural features with a series of pavilions
with copper roofs. The Seema Malakaya, which is a part of the
Gangarama Buddhist temple in Colombo, is also a similar creation
by Bawa built on the Beira Lake with a pavilion in the middle
where priests are ordained, a shrine room and a sacred Bo tree
on either side. For your final night, we recommend dinner at
the Paradise Road Gallery Café, which housed Bawa’s
office. The current owner has ensured that much of the old building
remains the same. The entire workspace lies between two courtyards
with columns, walkways and open pavilions – hallways that
inspired a creative genius. The Gallery – as it is locally
known – now provides for a memorable dining experience
that also serves as an art gallery that promotes the creative
talents of young artists. Books on Bawa can be purchased in
Colombo from the Barefoot bookshop, ODEL bookshop and Paradise
Road Studio.
Accommodation profile: The Galle
Face Hotel, hailed as a masterpiece of Victorian architecture,
retains the dignified and polite atmosphere that gave it such
fame in the colonial age. We recommend the newly refurbished
Southern Wing of Galle Face Hotel - The Regency, which has just
been opened after a complete renovation. Modern day luxuries
have been tastefully incorporated into the Victorian design
and architecture of years gone by. 82 rooms consisting of a
multitude of suites cater to both business and leisure travelers
with a perfect combination... the ambience of the past and the
superior facilities and comforts of today. The Seaspray restaurant,
specializing in fish, is blessed by an ocean frontage. There
is nowhere better to watch a Colombo sunset than from its immaculate
terrace and gardens.
Day 16: Depart in good time for your flight
home.
Cost: TBC
Package price includes:
• 15
night’s accommodation on twin-sharing BB
basis (FB basis at Tea Trails)
• Airconditioned car and English-speaking
driver for tour and transfers
• Entrance fees: Anuradhapura, Dambulla
Cave Temples, Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa,
Temple of the Tooth , Botanic Gardens
• Colombo architecture and shopping tour
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Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka most influential architect, was responsible
for linking the ancient architecture of this island with that
of the modern world. Bawa had a deep understanding and appreciation
of the country’s cultural heritage – the ancient
kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, to the influences
of the Portuguese and Dutch periods. His travels worldwide
also ensured an appreciation of more contemporary styles.
Bawa also had a passion for the island’s varying natural
landscapes, which he used as the focal points around which
he created. The end result was a unique architectural style
that erased boundaries between the `outside’ and 'inside'
of living and working spaces. The skilful positioning of the
building environment and the clever use of natural elements
– the tropical sun, ocean breeze, lush greenery and
flowing water, which were made an integral part of daily life
through courtyards, walkways, and open verandas – contributed
to a unique architectural style – a legacy, in fact
– that will continue to influence, educate and inspire
Sri Lankan architects for many generations to come. This specialist
holiday has been put together to enable those interested in
architectural design to experience the works of Bawa, as well
as this island’s ancient architectural heritage and
natural landscapes that influenced his creations.
