Architecture Tour

Early Sri Lankan peoples were every clever for architecture buildings, They have built huge water reservoirs, Island wide irrigations system, cannels, and water dams. Not only that they have built world highest bricks stupas and palaces with many facilities. Even in first, second centuries, they had technologies to work with rocks and granites. So lot of creations where long lasting and many monuments we can see still with good conditions. People who interesting and doing experiments about world olden architecture designs, Sri lanka is a one of best place for them. Not only ancient designs, Sri lanka has many world famous iconic modern architectural designs with famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and many famous architects. Because of this advantage, many clients who interesting with this field and an architecture enthusiast, students of architecture or junior architecture students always prefer to travel in sri lanka with this itinerary. So we would like to invite to you, take a walk through the works of our ancient royal architects and modern architects.

Expectations of this itinerary ?

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.

Location Covered
  • Negombo
  • Anuradhapura
  • Wilpattu
  • Ritigala
  • Polonnaruwa
  • Aukana
  • Sigiriya
  • Dambulla
  • Kandy
  • Bentota
  • Galle

Full Details of Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrival and Transfer to Negombo

When you land to the island, you will get a higher welcome by our views lanka representative and will get a comfortable car or van with an experienced chauffer guide for your whole tour. According to this tour plan you will transfer to Negombo beach area. It’s about 15 Km away from Airport and it will take 30 minutes. According to your arrive time, if you prefer we can arrange a Negombo city tour, Negombo is located approximately 37 km north of the commercial capital of Colombo in Sri Lanka. It is located at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon. The major beach resort in the West Coast is Negombo. The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the main attractions of Negombo and it is perfectly located within 15 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, Sri Lanka. Negombo has a small port, and its economy is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry. Negombo is a traditional fishing town in Sri Lanka, and no wonder the town is a gourmet food lover’s paradise with seafood available in plenty. Negombo also produces spices, ceramics and brassware. The town has a majority of Roman Catholics along with Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims while it has been given the name “Little Rome” due to the highly ornate Portuguese-era Roman Catholic churches found within the township. The town has several buildings that date back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial era. Attractions in the city include the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 now a part of the prison, the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route to the Dutch administration, old churches and fishing villages. The 100km long canal running through the town is still being used and is an attraction for those who want to see the country from a different perspective. Overnight you will satay at Negomo

Day 02 - Anuradhapura Viva wilpattu

After breakfast, you will Transfer From Negombo to Wilpattu is around 115 km journey and it will take two and half hours. You can take your lunch from leopard restaurant at wilpattu junction. After lunch, around 2.00 clock you can start the safai at Wilpattu National park. Wilpattu national park is the biggest national park in the sri lanka, The unique feature of this park is the existence of "Willus" (Natural lakes) - Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The park is 1,317 square kilometers (131, 693 hectares) and ranges from 0 to 152 meters above sea level. Nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world-renowned for its leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population. A remote camera survey was conducted in Wilpattu from July to October 2015 by the Wilderness & Wildlife Conservation Trust. A sample of forty nine individual leopards were photo-captured in the surveyed area and the core area density was between that of Yala National Park's Block I and Horton Plains National Park. varying natural habitats; coastal belt, natural lakes (villus), rocky outcrops, scrublands, open grasslands and dense forest provide for numerous species of animals. Among the species are 31 mammals. The biggest draws in Wilpattu are Leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) and Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus). Apart from those two mammals are Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, jackals, sambhur, barking deer, mouse deer Wild Pig, Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and Mugger Crocodiles After safari, you will transfer to Anuradhapura area and in evening hours you can stay leisurely with hotel swimming pool. Overnight at Anuradhapura

Day 03 -Anuradhpura

After breakfast, around 8.30 AM will start the tour to visit Anuradhapura world heritage site. Renowned as one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world, Anuradhapura was founded in the year 380 BC and was the island’s first ancient capital. The ancient Sinhala civilisation’s irrigation and architectural expertise was the reason behind the thriving history of this kingdom while it was one of the foremost sacred cities of Buddhism making it an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for the “Atamasthana” which is venerated by many devotees throughout the year. The Eight Great Places of Veneration in Anuradhapura include the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Jetawanarama, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Mirisaveti Stupa and Lankarama. There are many more structures such as the Queen’s Palace, Isurumuniya, Kuttam Pokuna etc which depict the greatness of the ancient Kingdom and its honour for Buddhism. To visit the whole site it will take at least seven hours. So during the visit you can get your lunch from simple local rice and curry restaurant. To visit this grate site you can go by your vehicle Overnight stay at Anuradhapura

Day 04 -Transfer to Dambulla

After breakfast, you will transfer to Habaran, But on the way to Habarana, you can visit another wonderful ancient site of Ritigala Buddhist monastery. Ritigala is an ancient Buddhist monastery and mountain in Sri Lanka. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BCE. It is located 43 km (27 mi) away from the ancient monastic city of Anuradhapura. The ruins of Ritigala monastery are located on the eastern side of the mountain at the foot of the gorge which separates the main peak from the northern ridge of the range. The ruins cover an area of 24 hectares (59 acres). The monastery precinct begins at the office of the on-site branch of Department of Archeology of Sri Lanka close to the foot of the reservoir named Banda Pokuna. The ancient man-made reservoir is a feat of engineering with a bund of polygonal plan completing a circumference of 366 meters. The construction of the reservoir is credited to King Pandukabhaya (437 -367 BC). The reservoir possibly served a ritual bathing purpose, with visitors bathing there before entering the monastery. The order of ritual bathing tank, ruins of entrance complex and a pedestrian path seem to indicate devotees in large numbers visiting the monastery the edge of the reservoir is followed in a clockwise direction to arrive at the other bank, and cross the bed of the stream feeding the reservoir. The steep steps here onwards lead up to a beautifully constructed pavement, a stone path 1.5 meters wide that meander upwards through the forest, linking the major buildings of the monastery. The stone cut path is laid with interlocking four-sided slabs of hewn stone. Three large circular platforms at intervals along the pavement allow for rest. After visit the site, you will transfer to Habarana and you can stay leisurely in evening hours at hotel swimming pool. Overnight will stay at Dambulla.

Day 05 -Dambulla

After breakfast, you can visit Polonnaruwa ancient city. First you can visit Polonnaruwa museum. If you comfortable to ride push bicycles, we can arrange it. Some Clients like to visit the site by Bicycles This city is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s Kingdoms while it was declared as the capital after defeating “Chola Invaders” in 1070. King Parakramabahu’s reign bought a new dawn to the island while far more superior irrigation systems than Anuradhapura were used for paddy cultivation. The ancient city boasts of many archaeological relics and monuments and is one of the best planned sites in the country. The city is also populated by ‘toque macaques’ which are a species of monkeys and has been used as the back drop of the nature documentary “Monkey Kingdom”. Some of the well-known attractions of this stately city include the Statue of King Parakramabahu, the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, the Rankoth Vehera, the Gal Viharaya and its statues, the Sathmahal Prasada etc. After the site visit, you can get your lunch from a local rice and curry restaurant. It is the most famous resturent in polonnaruwa area which has a beautiful view in middle of the rice paddies. Then you can visit another wonderful cultural site, Aukana Buddha’s statue. The Avukana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet (12 m), was carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved. Constructed during the reign of Dhatusena, it may have been made as a result of a competition between a master and a pupil. The Avukana statue is one of the best examples of a standing statue constructed in ancient Sri Lanka. It is now a popular tourist attraction. Overnight you will stay at Dambulla.

Day 06 -Dambulla

Early morning, around 7.00 Clock, you can climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then you can get some nice photos around the area with sun rise on eastern sky. Famed as the Lion Rock, Sigiriya is located in the Matale District. This structure is a natural yet massive column of rock which is close to 200 meters in height. The site which was chosen by King Kasyapa (447 – 495 CE) now consists of the remains of his palace on the top of the rock while halfway up the rock is the gateway to higher ground through a structure depicting an enormous lion. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is considered to be one of the best preserved examples for ancient urban planning. The Lion Rock is well known for its frescoes, the mirror wall, the Gardens (the water gardens, the boulder gardens and the terraced gardens) and its overall magnificence which is quite visible to the surrounding areas miles away. After come down from rock, you can attend to a village tour, to get a idea about sri Lankan traditional life and their life related with agricultural farming. With a farmer’s house you can get your lunch. with this activity you can go on a bull carta and boat ride on a lake and visit a vegetable gardens and rice fades. In evening you can get a hearable body massage from a most famous Ayurveda spa center, after that you will feel more relax and late evening, you can satay leisurely at swimming pool in your hotel. Overnight you will stay at Dambulla..

Day 07 - Kandy

Today you can visit three famous Temples in Kandy area Embekka Devalaya (Embekka Temple) was built by the King Vikramabahu III of Gampola Era (AD 1357 - 1374) in Sri Lanka. The devalaya is dedicated to the worship of Mahasen, popularly known as Kataragama deviyo. A local deity called Devatha Bandara is also worshiped at this site. The shrine consists of three sections, the "Sanctum of Garagha", the "Digge" or "Dancing Hall" and the "Hevisi Mandapaya" or the "Drummers' Hall". The Drummers' Hall that has drawn the attention of visitors to the site, due to the splendid wood carvings of its ornate pillars and its high pitched roof It is said that some of the wood work utilized for the "Drummers' Hall" came from an abandoned "Royal Audience Hall" at Gampola. There is every possibility the hall has seen repairs during the reigns of the Sinhalese Kings of Kandy. The carvings, which adorn the wooden pillars of the drummers' hall, as well as the "Vahalkada" (the entrance porch of the devala, which is said to be older) are some of the best examples of Sinhalese art. The roof itself has significant features. The rafters all slant from above towards the incoming visitor are fixed together and kept in position by a "Madol Kurupawa", a kind of a giant catch pin the like of which we do not find elsewhere. Gadaladenyia Vihara (also known as Saddharmatilaka Vihara or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya) is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pilimathalawa, The history of the temple goes back to the 14th century. According to historical reports this temple was built in 1344, under the patronage of King Bhuvanekabahu IV, who reigned from 1341 to 1351 A. D. by the Ven. Seelavamsa Dharmakirti. The architecture of the temple was designed following Hindu artistic styles by, Ganesvarachari, a South Indian architect. On the rock outcrop, upon which the temple stands Lankatilaka Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Udunuwara of Kandy, The history of the temple goes back to the 14th century. According to historical reports this temple was built by King Bhuvanekabahu IV, who reigned from 1341 to 1351 A. D. He entrusted the construction of this temple to his Chief Minister named Senalankadhikara, who successfully finished the works of this temple. The architecture of the temple was designed by a South Indian architect named Sathapati Rayar. Then you can visit Royal Botanic Gardens, attracts 2 million visitors annually. It is near the Mahaweli river (the longest in Sri Lanka). It is renowned for its collection of orchids. The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. The total area of the botanical garden is 147 acres (0.59 km2), at 460 meters above sea level, and with a 200-day annual rainfall. The origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli river. Overnight you will stay at Kandy

Day 08 -Galle

After Breakfast, will transfer to Galle, then you can visit another world heritage site. That is world famous Galle Dutch fort. Spend a few interesting hours exploring beautiful Galle a coast city situated in the southwestern tip of the island. It boasts of being an important historical landmark with its fortified city, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later developed in the 17th century, during the Dutch Colonial period. The Dutch Fort in Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Take an exciting walk through this heritage site that boasts of a colorful history. Observe the many sites such as the Old Gate with the British Coat-of-Arms inscribed on it, the Old Dutch Hospital, the ramparts that run around the fortress with its excellent view of the ocean, the clock tower built in 1882, the light house built in 1939,the many bastions - each made for a specific purpose, Dutch colonial style houses with gables and verandahs, the Dutch Reformed Church built in 1640, the New Oriental Hotel, originally built in 1694, the National Maritime Museum and more. During the visit you can get your lunch from famous restaurant in Galle fort, and after lunch you can visit Explore the bold House Hotel, which is a unique design of Mr. Bawa Overnight you will stay at Galle beach area.

Day 09 - Bentota

After breakfast, you will transfer to Bentota Beach area. En root you can visit Heritance Ahungalla Hotel, a luxury beach hotel at the fishing village of Ahungalla, close to Galle is a five star luxury property designed by Geoffrey Bawa, the master architect of Sri Lanka. Arrival at the luxury hotel to the open-plan lobby presents you all with a stunning long view of the infinity pool reaching all the way to the sea. The airy and spacious hotel is designed in such a way as to make the maximum off the natural light of the sunny beach at Heritance Ahungalla. The expansive wooded gardens of the hotel are well shaded from the tropical sun. After that you can Visit and experience Lunuganga Estate, was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Started in 1947, the garden led Bawa, a lawyer called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1940, to decide to become an architect. As he went on to become Sri Lanka's and one of Asia's most prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas. He continued to change and experiment with its spaces and structures throughout his life until his final illness in 1998. Left to the Lunuganga Trust on his demise in 2003, the gardens are now open to the public and the buildings on the estate are run as a country house hotel.. On completion visit Club Villa and Avani Bentota (former Hotel Serendib) both designed by Geoffrey Bawa. Following this visit you can also visit Brief Gardens, the private estate of Geoffrey’s brother Bevis Bawa, who was celebrated landscape architect. Overnight you will stay at Bentota.

Day 10 - Bentota

In morning hours, you will get a opportunity to visit some other Bawa designed hotels along the coast such as, Avani Bentota, Club Villa and Blue Water. In completions these events, you can stay at leisurely in sandy beach.

Day 11 - Bentota

You will wake up with worm sun rise. After the breakfast, you can go for a boat safari at Madu river. Definitely this activity would be the best funny activity in your tour. Explore the Bentota Mangrove and its diverse wildlife on a 2-hour river cruise. Hop aboard and cruise along the third largest river in Sri Lanka as you observe water monitor lizards, river birds, and maybe even a rare crocodile in their natural habitats. Spend the day relaxing in nature and exploring these diverse mangroves. Learn about how the mangroves play a huge part in preventing erosion and acted as a natural barrier from the devastating tsunami in 2004. Discover how the fertile soil makes this region a treasure trove for biologists and ecologists with many undiscovered species in the unreachable depths of the mangrove forests. you can visit a sea turtles conservation center and if there a enough time we can arrange water sports events in Bentota river Overnight you will stay at Bentota.

Day 12/13 - Beach stay at Bentota

Feel the free and to be relax, you can stay leisurely at beautiful Bentota beach.

Day 14 - Colombo

After checkout from your hotel, will transfer to the main commercial city Colombo through costal way. you can do a Colombo city tour with your guide. There are several important places worth to visit. Even a busy commercial city, you will wonder about greenery natural environment and clean, well-arranged urban plan. Colombo is the commercial capital city of Sri Lanka. It comprises both the old and the new cultures of this country. Colombo and eighth-century port houses different financial, administrative, and other types of offices of relevance to the visitor. In short, this city is a piece of different offices of importance, which will attract the visitors. Through many stages, the city has developed into a modern and great city. With this city tour, you can do shopping and take your lunch at a famous modern restaurant. In the afternoon visit Gallery CafĂ© & Paradise Road, Geoffrey Bawa’s former office and you can get your dinner from Gallery CafĂ©.

Day 15 - Airport transfer

According to your departure time, you will transfer to the Airport. The journey about 35 Km and it will take 45 minutes.

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