Architectural Tour

Enjoy an inspiring architectural journey across Sri Lanka’s rich and varied landscapes. Start your experience in a rural village, where you can soak in the warmth and simplicity of traditional tropical village architecture. Travel back in time as you explore ancient ruins and impressive stupas that reveal the beauty of 10th-century medieval design. In Kandy, discover iconic landmarks such as the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, the last king’s palace, the council chamber, and other historic buildings that showcase the island’s royal heritage. Your journey ends on a contemporary note with visits to stunning modern creations by celebrated architects Geoffrey Bawa and Ulrik Plesner, offering a perfect blend of past and present.

Tour Duration

Tour Information

Sri Lankan architecture, both modern and historic truly comes to life when you walk through it, admire it up close, and feel the beauty of its design. Join us on a fascinating journey exploring the works of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, and step back in time to experience the masterpieces created by the island’s ancient royal architects.

Who is it for?

The work of these talented artisans is best experienced up close, making this tour a must for architecture enthusiasts, students, or even casual visitors. From world-renowned architects to junior architecture students, people from all backgrounds have enjoyed this journey. We’re also happy to customize tours for university groups and other interested visitors, ensuring a truly memorable architectural experience.

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.

map of architectural tour package from magical isle holidays, a travel agency based in new south wales australia with hassle free booking
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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