Depart your home country for your flight to Sri Lanka.
Most suited for
Couples
Ideal time to visit
December - September
Discover Sri Lanka through the lens of its most renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa, and the rich cultural heritage that inspired him.
Immerse yourself in Bawa’s work by staying in properties he designed, where traditional Sri Lankan and Dutch Colonial influences fuse together in his signature style, tropical modernism. Along the way, you’ll also explore the breadth of Sri Lanka’s architectural legacy, from ancient civilisations to the Kandyan Kingdom.
There’s time, too, to take in the island’s wider cultural highlights, including the Sigiriya rock fortress. And since many of Bawa’s creations are found on the southern coastline, you’ll venture there and round off the trip with a dose of relaxation on palm-fringed beaches. It is a holiday, after all.
The Architecture of Geoffrey Bawa & Beyond
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Day 2
Negombo
Your chauffeur-guide will welcome you to Sri Lanka and whisk you to your first hotel, Jetwing Lagoon. The hotel was one of Bawa’s early hotel projects and is conveniently close to the airport for a first-night stop. Availability permitting, you’ll stay in The Bawa Room.
Days 3 - 5
Cultural Triangle
This morning, head to the Cultural Triangle with your chauffeur-guide. You’ll spend three days exploring the sights while based at Bawa’s terrific Kandalama hotel, which is his most iconic hotel design.
During your time in the Cultural Triangle, you’ll experience the spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress with an early start to beat the crowds. Explore the Pidurangala Rock Temple, its ancient Sanskrit carvings, and hike to its summit for spectacular views of Sigiriya. There’s space and time to be flexible and a few ETG twists weaved in!
Days 6 - 7
Kandy
It’s on to Kandy, where you’ll spend two days in and around Sri Lanka’s second-largest city. Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth and admire some of the city’s beautiful but less visited temples. Kandy is surrounded by lush countryside and makes an excellent base for some outdoor adventures. Your accommodation here will be at Hiyarapitiya House, designed by Bawa’s foremost protege and student, Channa Daswatta.
Days 8 - 9
Colombo
Time to explore the capital, an excellent city, and there is no better way to do so than with a Colombo City Walk. The engaging local guide will bring the city’s heart to life, and you’ll feel the influences that have shaped Colombo over the years. While in the capital city, there is a chance to visit No. 11, Geoffrey Bawa’s Colombo Residence, and we’ll also try to obtain special permission for you to explore the parliament complex he designed (NB: this permission is only very occasionally granted currently). Finish the day with dinner at Paradise Road Café, not just a great spot for a meal, but also Bawa’s old office. Overnight in a Bawa townhouse, converted into a hotel, the Jetwing Ratnam Residence.
Days 10 - 11
Bentota
Journey with your guide along the coast to Bentota, where you’ll check into the extraordinary Lunuganga for a two-night stay. During your time here, you can explore Lunaganga, Bawa’s garden home, and the place that inspired him to study architecture. There is also a chance to visit his brother’s home, which has beautifully landscaped gardens.
While in Bentota, we suggest stopping for lunch at the Bentota Beach Resort. Not only was it one of Bawa’s major hotel projects, but it also features beautiful ceiling work by Ena de Silva and lift doors by Lucky Senanayaka (two of Bawa’s close artistic collaborators).
Days 12-15
Tangalle
En route from Bentota to Tangalle on the South coast, we’ll arrange a private tour of the old Dutch-built Galle Fort before stopping for lunch at Atapattu Walawwa, a 260-year-old ancestral manor house and a monument to Sri Lanka’s architectural heritage. After lunch, we’ll take an in-depth architectural tour of the property.
Of course, his last house was called ‘The Last House’, where you’ll spend your last four nights in Sri Lanka. Your time here is free to relax, enjoy the beautiful coastal setting, and reflect on your holiday and adventure.
Day 16
Fly home
Your driver will transfer you to Colombo airport for your flight back home.
Sri Lanka made (very) easy!
Sri Lanka was a delight. The unique experiences ETG provided really brought the country to life. From the planning through to booking, and all the arragements, we really didn't have to think about a thing thanks to ETG's expertise and care.
Telma & James
7 April 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Sri Lanka Experts
Holly is a true Sri Lanka enthusiast, with a talent for designing holidays that blend the must-see highlights with the hidden corners of the country. Whether it’s a family-friendly wildlife encounter, a romantic retreat in the tea hills, or an off-the-beaten-track adventure, Holly loves curating trips that surprise and delight ETG travellers.
“If you appreciate architecture, our Geoffrey Bawa tour offers an unparalleled journey through Sri Lanka’s rich design heritage. You’ll stay in celebrated Bawa-designed properties like the tranquil Lunuganga Estate and the gorgeous Kandalama Hotel, which seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.”
Holly
Sri Lanka Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Sri Lanka. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you.. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences of Sri Lanka
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about Sri Lanka
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been curating immersive Sri Lanka holidays since 2006 long before the island became a mainstream destination. Our deep-rooted local knowledge, trusted partnerships, and passion for meaningful travel make us the ideal choice for discovering Sri Lanka beyond the ordinary.
Over nearly two decades, we’ve developed unique experiences that blend cultural depth, comfort, and flexibility. Whether it’s staying in boutique hotels hidden in tea country, meeting local artisans, or exploring UNESCO heritage sites with expert guides, we design every journey to reveal the real heart of Sri Lanka, not just the tourist highlights.
With our thoughtful planning and in-country support, you’ll have peace of mind while enjoying a tailored adventure that suits your interests and travel style. We don’t do off-the-shelf holidays — we create personalised journeys that capture what’s truly special about Sri Lanka.
Let us show you the Sri Lanka we know and love.
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on where you’re going. One of the best times to visit is between December and March. The summer month and September is also a great all-round option, with good weather and fewer crowds.
Every ETG holiday to Sri Lanka is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), chauffeur guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Sri Lanka specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka
Wondering when to visit Sri Lanka? Our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka will give you a more detailed breakdown of the best time of year to book a holiday, as well as tips on the best beaches, unmissable sites, and much more.
