Architectural Tour

An enriching architectural tour that takes you through Sri Lanka’s diverse and historic landscapes. Begin with a visit to a rural village, where you’ll immerse yourself in the charm of traditional tropical village architecture. Explore the ruins of ancient buildings and grand stupas, offering a glimpse into the medieval architecture of the 10th century. In Kandy, marvel at the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic of Buddha, the last king’s palace, the council chamber, and other iconic buildings that reflect the island’s regal past. The journey concludes with a visit to modern masterpieces designed by renowned architects Geoffrey Bawa and Mr. Ulrik Plesner.

Tour Duration

Tour Information

Sri Lankan architecture, both modern and historical, can only be understood when you stand beside, walk through, look over and touch and feel the splendour of real architectural marvels. Join us on an architectural discovery of the work of famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and take a walk through the works of our ancient royal architects.

Who is it for?

The work of such true artisans is best appreciated on site and that makes this tour indispensible whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a student of architecture or just a casual visitor. World renowned architects to junior architecture students alike, have experienced various versions of this tour. As always we would be glad to customise tours for student groups from universities and other interested parties.

Optional Activities

Here are some optional activities you can include in your tour itinerary in Sri Lanka. Please discuss with our tour guide on how and when you’d like to incorporate them into your custom designed tour package.

Customise This Tour Package

Day 1 - Anamaduwa

Transfer to The Mudhouse in Anamaduwa, a rural village in the wilderness. Experience traditional, tropical village architecture, staying in houses built of clay with thatched roofs done with woven coconut leaves.

Day 2

In the morning, demonstration on how mud houses are built using ancient local techniques. Rest of the day, at leisure or explore the surroundings or swim in the large pond.

Day 3 - Dambulla

Visit Anuradhapura enroute to Dambulla. Anuradhapura is the 1st historical capital of Sri Lanka and hidden away in dense jungle for many years is now accessible to see ruins of buildings and large stupas (pagodas) built with brick and granite, dating back to 3rd century.

Day 4

Early morning climb the 5th Century Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. On completion, visit Polonnaruwa, the second historical capital of Sri Lanka with remains of many ancient buildings, reflecting aspects of Medieval Architecture from 10th century AD.

Day 5 - Kandy

Transfer to Kandy, the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka. Visit the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic of Buddha, the last king’s palace, council chamber and other buildings still preserved in its original form, dating back to the 15th century.

Day 6 - Nuwara Eliya

Transfer to Nuwara Eliya the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya was the home for British during the colonial period. Visit old colonial mansions, some over 150 years old and are now used as hotels.

Day 7 - Tangalle

Visit the Chapel of the Good Shepherd’s Convent in Bandarawela, designed by renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa and Mr. Ulrik Plesner. On Completion transfer to The Last House in Tangalle which designed by Geoffrey Bawa.

Day 8 - Galle

Proceed to Galle. En route, visit the Ruhuna University Campus and office building in Matara, designed by Bawa. Prior permission required to visit the premises. In the afternoon visit the famous Dutch Fort in Galle, constructed in 1792.

Day 9

Visit Geoffrey Bawa’s country estate and lifelong passion project, Lunuganga. A guided tour will be conducted in the property. Following this visit you can also visit Brief Gardens, the private estate of Geoffrey’s brother Bevis Bawa, who was celebrated landscape architect.

Day 10 - Colombo

Visit some other Bawa designed hotels along the coast such as Heritance Ahungalla, Avani Bentota, Club Villa and Blue Water. Then transfer to Colombo.

Day 11

Visit some of the Bawa designed land marks like the parliament building, the Gangarama temple and a guided tour of his town house, No. 11. In the afternoon, guided tour in Colombo. Dinner will be at Gallery Café by Paradise Road, Geoffrey Bawa’s former office.