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Geoffrey Bawa; An Architectural Tour of Sri Lanka

13 days from £3,400 for 2025 per person

Geoffrey Bawa... An Architectural Tour of Sri Lanka is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Winter Sun Trips.

This tailor-made tour is an homage to the legendary Geoffrey Bawa, the master architect who shaped the modern design narrative of Sri Lanka. While the island may be synonymous with sun-soaked beaches and lush, tropical allure, it is also a canvas of striking architectural heritage - an aspect that deserves to be celebrated. Geoffrey Bawa helped give Sri Lanka an individual and sophisticated sense of style, and produced sustainable architecture long before it became a global trend. On this exciting and curated itinerary, you’ll explore the places that inspired him, the spaces he crafted, and the legacy he left behind.

Your journey begins at the heart of Bawa’s creative world, at his country house estate Lunuganga close to Bentota. This masterpiece was a true labour of love, a 50-year project which documented his ability to tame wild tropics and turn them into a cultivated vision. Stroll through the enchanting gardens and discover the interplay of architecture and landscape in Bawa’s design philosophy. From Bentota travel to The Lighthouse, just three miles from Galle’s 17th-century fort, and one of Bawa’s last major projects, before continuing on to Tangalle to experience The Last House, which, as the name suggests, was Bawa’s final architectural creation.

Next, head to Sri Lanka’s capital city of Colombo, and visit No. 11, Geoffrey Bawa’s home and architectural studio, which has been transformed into Colombo’s most loved restaurant, The Gallery Café. The former office has been transformed into an inviting bar with an open courtyard and a reflecting pool, offering a sense of Bawa’s personal world to every visitor.

Venture north to the Cultural Triangle where you will visit ancient wonders such as Sigiriya and Dambulla, as well as the ruined city of Anuradhapura. Whilst you discover Sri Lanka’s ancient past, stay at perhaps Bawa’s most dramatic architectural creation. Built into a cliff face and overlooking the Kandalama reservoir, Heritance Kandalama showcases the perfect harmony of sustainable design and natural beauty. With multiple layers and about a kilometre in length, over the years the hotel has been enveloped by the jungle as if it has always been part of the landscape.

This is purely a suggested itinerary, so it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday to Sri LankaIf you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of Epic Journeys; as well as our favourite Active, Beach, Wildlife and Family Holiday itineraries.


Itinerary details

13 days from £3,400 for 2025 per person

Heritance Kandalama, Kandalama, Sri Lanka.jpg Heritance Kandalama, Kandalama, Sri Lanka.jpg
SRI LANKA - Lunuganga Sri Lanka SRI LANKA - Lunuganga Sri Lanka
SRI LANKA - Statue In Lunuganga Sri Lanka SRI LANKA - Statue In Lunuganga Sri Lanka
SRI LANKA - Flowerpot By Bevis Bawa Lunuganga Sri Lanka SRI LANKA - Flowerpot By Bevis Bawa Lunuganga Sri Lanka
SRI LANKA - Lunuganga Sri Lanka 2 SRI LANKA - Lunuganga Sri Lanka 2
SRI LANKA - Club Villa SRI LANKA - Club Villa
Club Villa Bentota Sri Lanka 1  (1) Club Villa Bentota Sri Lanka 1  (1)
Club Villa Bentota Sri Lanka 9 Club Villa Bentota Sri Lanka 9
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SRI LANKA - Kids at Dambulla SRI LANKA - Kids at Dambulla
The Last House Tangalle Sri Lanka 2  (1) The Last House Tangalle Sri Lanka 2  (1)
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Heritance Kandalama Kandalama Sri Lanka 1 Heritance Kandalama Kandalama Sri Lanka 1
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Heritance Kandalama, Kandalama, Sri Lanka 2.jpg Heritance Kandalama, Kandalama, Sri Lanka 2.jpg
Heritance Kandalama, Kandalama, Sri Lanka 3.jpg Heritance Kandalama, Kandalama, Sri Lanka 3.jpg
Dambulla Rock temple (2019) 3.jpg Dambulla Rock temple (2019) 3.jpg
Sri Lanka -Dambulla Caves Sri Lanka -Dambulla Caves
Sigiriya or the Lion Rock in Dambulla, Sri Lanka Sigiriya or the Lion Rock in Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Geoffrey Bawa An Architectural Tour Of Sri Lanka Itinerary 1  (1) Geoffrey Bawa An Architectural Tour Of Sri Lanka Itinerary 1  (1)
Geoffrey Bawa An Architectural Tour Of Sri Lanka Itinerary 2  (1) Geoffrey Bawa An Architectural Tour Of Sri Lanka Itinerary 2  (1)
The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G. K. Chesterton

Client Testimonials

Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

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