geoffrey bawa architecture tour

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The Geoffrey Bawa Tour

• The Geoffrey Bawa Trail
• Fusion Sri Lanka
• The Colonial Trail

Be enthralled by the masterworks of Geoffrey Bawa, the most celebrated architect of Sri Lanka during an unforgettable tour that will include visits to ancient architectural sites. Treat yourself to an experience of a lifetime on this truly captivating Geoffrey Bawa tour.

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Sri Lanka is an island that is teeming with flora and fauna with a large number of endemic species. This island will truly delight nature lovers. There are currently 61 sanctuaries which include Maduganga, Wilpattu North, Yala, Minneriya, Udawatta Kele and Rummassala.

The Kandy Esela Perahera, which is also known as The Festival of the Tooth is a unique religious and cultural event that takes place every year in July. The procession features many dancers, drummers and elephants, who parade through the streets paying homage to the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha which is housed in the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa is in the sacred city of Kandy. It houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is an important shrine of Buddhist worship. The annual procession known as the Kandy Esala Perahera marks an important day in the Sri Lankan calendar.

Polonnaruwa became the capital of the island after the fall of the Anuradhapura kingdom. The kingdom prevailed from the 11th century till 1310 CE. Many famous ruins can still be found near Polonnaruwa that date back to its glory days. The Hindu influence on the island started taking prominence during this period.

Built by King Kasyapa (477 to 495 CE), the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress stands as a testament to the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s glorious past. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it features stunning boulder and water gardens and world-famous frescoes. At the summit, you’ll find the ruins of the king’s palace and a breath-taking view of the surroundings.

Visit the Suriyakantha Centre for Art and Culture, and delve deep into the fascinating annals of European and Sri Lankan history. Housed in the Naranwala Walawwa, an 18th century Dutch-style colonial manor house, the centre represents a unique effort between a Frenchman and Sri Lankan, to showcase talent from eras past.

Explore the vast repository of local and European works over the course of two to three hours and understand the richness of Kandyan culture. Observe the various manuscripts, furniture, handicrafts, artworks and photographs on display. Located near the town of Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Suriyakantha is open to visits between 08:00am and 04:00pm, throughout the year.

Discover the rich architectural heritage of Kandy, the last Sri Lankan Kingdom to fall to the invading British. Today, it is one of the island’s major cities and home to an array of renowned attractions such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Palace and National Museum.

Begin your tour at the lively town centre, and observe the diverse mix of neo-colonial and colonial-style buildings. Enjoy quality time with celebrated architect Ruchira Wickremasinghe, a recipient of the Geoffrey Bawa Travel Award, as she walks you through the intricacies of Kandy’s architectural landscape. The 2.5 hour tour can begin at any time; however, the late hours of the afternoon are ideal.

Spend half a day exploring four of Kandy’s famed medieval temples. Join your personal archaeologist on an informative, 3.5 hour coach tour of the Degaldoruwa, Embekka, Lankatilaka and Gadaladeniya Buddhist temples. Feast your eyes on the magnificent Kandyan murals on the ceiling of Degaldoruwa Temple. Witness the wonderful fusion of Buddhist and Hindu culture at Gadaladeniya Temple.

Take in the exquisite craftsmanship of the woodwork at Embekka Temple. Observe the traditional Sinhalese design of the Lankatilaka Temple, and discover the inscriptions carved into the rocks. Setting off in the morning is ideal, as the tour involves approximately 1.5 hours of travel to / from your hotel.

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A warm welcome to Sri Lanka! Your chauffeur from Holidays by Design will be present at the arrivals hall to greet and assist you to your vehicle.

You could change your currency before departing the airport as this may come in handy during your holiday.

You will then drive to Kandalama (four hours). Settle into the Heritance Kandalama hotel.

One of Geoffrey Bawa’s most famed masterpieces, the Heritance Kandalama is an award winning hotel, which seamlessly blends into the surrounding natural landscapes. Constructed between two rocks, the hotel is more like an extension of the mountain landscape with walls of vegetation, rock and wildlife, especially monkeys that sit right outside your window. It truly embodies a getaway that is one with nature, right in the heart of the Cultural Triangle.

Relax and unwind after your journey.

Heritance Kandalama | Meals: Breakfast

This morning you will have an early start to make the most of the day. An early breakfast could be arranged or the hotel will be delighted to prepare a picnic breakfast.

Your first stop will be the historic sites in Polonnaruwa (50 minutes), a UNESCO World Heritage City. You could either choose to cycle to these sites or your guide will be happy to accompany you.

This morning after breakfast, set out on an exhilarating climb up Sigiriya - an ancient palace fortress, which sits atop a granite outcrop. It is arguably the most extraordinary of all Sri Lanka’s medieval capitals dating back to the fifth century. Coconut water and cold towels will be provided on your return.

Kandy House | Meals: Breakfast

Local attractions : Esala Perahera (17 - 27 August 2018, tickets should be booked in advance) / cookery lesson with a visit to the local market / tea at Helga’s Folly / local spirits and beers at the Royal Bar, mojito’s and margarita’s at the Bamboo Garden Restaurant and cocktails at the Empire Café.

Breakfast will be arranged on the veranda this morning. You will proceed to Bentota (four and a half hours). Your chauffeur will make pit stops en route for photographs. Settle into the Lunuganga Estate and unwind after your journey.

A stay at Lunuganga offers one a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the design and architectural elements of the country’s most celebrated architect, Geoffrey Bawa. The five distinctive suites feature both antiques as well as contemporary and traditional works of art. Additional highlights include the Garden Room and the Sitting Room, while amongst the Lunuganga Estate’s other well known attractions are its idyllic gardens along with the Blue Pavilion and the Roman Pavilion.

This evening you will take a tour around the Lunuganga Gardens – a refreshing cup of tea will be served at the end of the experience.

Dinner at the Estate

Breakfast will be served on the veranda this morning.

Your first stop will be the busy streets of Galle Fort, absorbing its history. We recommend you stop for tea at the Fort Bazaar hotel – an experience you are sure to enjoy.

Breakfast will be served at the main dining area.

This morning you may choose to set out on a whale watching expedition (please note that an early start will be required in this case) or have a relaxed leisurely start to the day.

You will be heading back to Colombo today (three and a half hours).

Settle into Tintagel, once the home of the first lady Prime Minister in the world. Spend your afternoon at leisure.

Featuring a traditional design that takes one back to colonial times, Tintagel has a rich history and can be found in the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood. It was home to three of the country’s former political heads including the first female Prime Minister in the world, Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Apart from its classical exterior, this heritage residence boasts lavish interiors with striking decor that exude stylish sophistication.

Stroll around the busy streets of Colombo with your chauffeur in the evening.

We will take you to the airport, to arrive two to three hours before your flight home.

If time permits, we recommend a massage; either ayurvedic or spa – a perfect finale to your holiday before your flight!

A list of a few activities you may want to add to your experience.

In and around Colombo – Visit the fish market / tea tasting in Colombo / night cycling tour of the city with a street food dinner / diving to explore shipwrecks in Mount Lavinia.

In and around Kandalama – Visit the Monkey Kingdom / Visit the Ritigala Forest Monastery / birding at Kaludiya Pokuna / visit Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site / safari at the Wilpattu National Park.

In and around Kandy – Visit a spice garden / visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens / a hike in the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary / visit the Garrison Cemetery / Knuckles Mountain trek.

In and around Galle – Mask making at the Art Village / a hike in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve / Rumassala walk / cycling by the paddy fields.

What to Pack!

Socks – as footwear have to be removed when visiting places of worship. You could be walking on heated paving, gravel or cement. Also, shoulders and knees should be covered. Footwear – choose comfy shoes - sneakers, sandals or similar Shawl – to cover your shoulders or dress up! A sweater or light jacket if you plan to visit the hill country Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, travel umbrella or lightweight raincoat

All drive times are approximate and subject to road conditions. Alcohol is not served on “poya days” (full moon) and other days prohibited by the government. The standard check-in time is 02:00pm at hotels. The standard check-out time is 11:00am from hotels. Gratuity: tour guides & drivers are tipped at the end of the tour. Online visa application link: http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ Purposeful Tourism: Your support: www.hbdasia.com one USD from every booking supports a cause. Holidays by Design terms and conditions. (www.hbdasia.com/terms.html) Connect with us via FB: www.facebook.com/hbdasia or Twitter on https://twitter.com/hbd_asia.

Geoffrey Bawa; An Architectural Tour of Sri Lanka

13 days from £6,600 for 2023 per person

This luxury tour is purely a suggested itinerary. It can be booked as it is or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own perfect bespoke holiday to  Sri Lanka .  If 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

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Summary of Geoffrey Bawa Tour

Day 1 –  Arrival and overnight stay at Tharu Villa Lake Lodge

Day 2 –  Tour of Colombo to visit Bawa’s Town House, New Parliament and Seema Malakaya

Day 3 –  Tour of Kandalama Hotel in Dambulla

Day 4 –  Visit to Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura with an overnight stay at Kandalama Hotel

Day 5 –  Viewing of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy

Day 6 –  Tour of Kandy, Bandarawela and Tangalle with a visit to Good Shepherd Convent and check into The Last House

Day 7 –  Exploring The Last House and Claughton House in the Southern Coast

Day 8 –  Visiting Ruhuna University, Matara Office Building and Jetwing Lighthouse

Day 9 –  Visiting Heritance Ahungalla, Club Villa and afternoon tea at Lunuganga with overnight stay at Bentota Beach

Day 10 –  Visiting Blue Water Hotel, Raffle House, Steel Corporation Office and Jetwing Lagoon

Day 11 –  Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Upon your arrival to Sri Lanka, you will be picked up from the airport and driven by one of our chauffeurs to Tharu Villa Lake Lodge. Although this hotel is not a design of Bawa himself, this former family home of Nayantara “Taru” Fonseka, pays ho09mage to his unique style of architecture. Once you are refreshed and relaxed at the villa, you will be taken for an exclusive dinner at Paradise Road The Gallery Café, the former office of Bawa. After the  property was bought over by Shanth Fernando, the now owner of the property who is also the brainchild behind the exclusive lifestyle brand Paradise Road, Shanth too made his office at the café premises until recent times.

After a refreshed night, wake up to have an adventurous ride around Colombo to visit some of Bawa’s work in the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. First stop is the Town House of Geoffrey Bawa down Bagatale Road, second visit is to the New Parliament Building in Kotte, which is the official capital of the country. The parliament is built on a 12 acre island in the midst of Diyawannawa Lake at a cost of over $25.4 million and was completed on schedule.  Your final stop for the day is the infamous Seema Malaka temple – a Buddhist temple originally built during the late 19 th century. The temple is used mainly for meditation and rest rather than for worship and is situated in the Beira Lake and is part of the Gangaramaya Temple which is situated a few hundred meters away.

On the third day you will leave Colombo for Dambulla to visit and stay at the Kandalama Hotel. The Heritance Kandalama Hotel was commissioned by the Aitken Spence Hotel Group to accommodate tourists visiting the nearby Sigiriya also known as the Lion Rock Fortress.  Aitken Spence originally intended to build the hotel adjacent to Sigiriya, but Bawa insistence for the hotel to be built eleven kilometers southeast of the fortress helped protect the immediate surroundings of the cultural site and allow for picturesque views of the monument across the horizon of the Kandalama Lake.

After enjoying the breathtaking views of Sigiriya from the confines of the hotel, the 4 th day takes you on a tour of Cultural Triangle beginning with the Sigiriya  Rock Fortress. This is an ancient Sinhalese royal complex built during the 5 th century AD with an architectural genius not even found today and caused the site to be considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. Afterwards, you will be taken to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, both former kingdoms of Sri Lanka, each with their own style of architecture and history of losses and triumphs. After an educational tour, you will be brought back to Heritance Kandalama Hotel for your final night at Dambulla.

On the 5 th day, you will leave Dambulla to go to the sacred hill capital Kandy, the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka, that is rich with influences of the of both Sinhalese as well as Indian influences as the final ruler of Sri Lanka was of Indian origin. You will be visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, situated in the royal complex of the former kingdom. The which houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is visited every year by devout Buddhists to pay their respect. After paying homage to this World Heritage Site, you will be taken to the Suisse Hotel in Kandy which is situated right beside the historic and picturesque Kandy lake.

On the 6 th day you will leave for Bandarawela to visit the chapel of the Good Shepherd convent, a collaborative design of Bawa with Ulrik Plesner which was commissioned to him by the nuns of the convent in 1961. The chapel sits on a ridge above the town and consists of a solid hulk of rubble masonry in a square tower which acts as the skylight for the altar. The north side of the nave is fully glazed, its window frames forming the three crucifixes of the Calvary. The altar crucifix was designed by Laki Senanayake and the terra cotta Stations of the Cross by Barbara Sansoni., the founder of Barefoot Ceylon. You will end the day with an overnight stay at The Last House, by Bawa a 6 bedroom open and luxurious expanse with his quintessential touch sure to add that relaxing touch after much sightseeing.

You will be given a tour of The Last so-called because it was his architectural swansong, is positioned on an idyllic strip of land – lagoon on one side, beach on the other – on the outskirts of Tangalle with large open spaces, courtyards, and verandas letting you relax and take in this tropical oasis. Afterwards, you will be taken on a tour to visit the Claughton House in the surf of Kaduwela Bay, in the town of Dickwella in the south of Sri Lanka. The property was built by Bawa to appreciate and compliment the stunning coastline whilst blending space, elegance and luxury to create a truly stunning beach house. After a relaxing time at Claughton House, you will be brought back to The Last House before leaving for Tangalle the following day.

The 8 th day of your vacation begins with a visit to the Ruhuna University, built by Geoffrey Bawa to celebrate the landscape of the south. Covering an area of 74 acres, and spanning across two hills with views across a lake towards the southern ocean, the university consists of pavilions and courtyards with breathtaking ocean views. Afterwards you will be visiting the public office building designed by Bawa in Matara and head over to the Galle Fort to the Jetwing Lighthouse boutique hotel, another architectural genius of Geoffrey Bawa. The lighthouse hotels conveys history with the Portuguese landing in Galle with the use of brass and bronze as well as batik demonstrating his skill at integrating architecture and history with landscape.

After a relaxing night at Jetwing Lighthouse, you will be leaving for Bentota, first visiting Heritance Ahungalla for morning tea. With a long driveway, for a dramatic entrance coupled with views across the infinity pool edging the sea; Bawa uses his signature architectural style using plenty of the natural elements - the tropical sun, ocean breeze, lush greenery and flowing water to create a beautiful vista. You will be next taken to visit Club Villa, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Bentota with magnificent views. Next, you will visit Lunuganga for afternoon tea; an old rubber plantation transformed by Bawa into a haven of peace and tranquility which was also his country home and the first property designed by him which lead him to follow architecture. You will be calling it a day at the Bentota Beach Hotel, which is the first purpose built resort hotel in the island. Bawa’s style of architecture of the property aims to create a resemblance with the lost world of the ancient Sri Lankan kingdoms.

The 10 th day of the Bawa architecture tour first takes you to Blue Water Hotel in Wadduwa to witness his command interior design, landscape and architecture paired with terracotta tiles, frangipani trees, open space and lengthy corridors. Your next stop will be at the Raffle House, a former private residence of Chris and Carmen Raffle, was created with the functions of a small concert place in mind as the patron’s wife was a musician – with the ground floor to accommodate performances. Your third stop will be at the Steel Corporation Office in Oruwela, built in in 1966. The final stop will be at Jetwing Lagoon, another space designed by Bawa in Negombo where you will be spending your final night before departing Sri Lanka.

After an exciting 10 days you will be driven back to the airport to catch your flight back home. Whilst the past few days would have flown with new knowledge and sites, we hope to have left you with fond memories and longing to return back to Sri Lanka to enjoy another one of our specially curated vacations.

Hotline : (+94) 70 222 8 222 Office Address : 20/63, Fairfield Garden, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka Geoffrey Bawa Architecture & Design Tour

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• Introduction
• Day 1 Colombo / Gangaramaya Temple by Bawa / Old Parliament Building by Bawa
• Day 2 Colombo / Kandalama by Bawa / Sigiriya
• Day 3 Sigiriya / Dambulla Cave Temple / Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic / Kandy
• Day 4 Kandy / Gadaladeniya Maha Vidyalaya / Bentota / Bawa Hotel
• Day 5 Bentota / Ruhuna University by Bawa / Galle l Unawatuna / Lighthouse Hotel by Bawa / Bentota
• Day 6 Bentota / Bentota Beach Hotel by Bawa / Lunuganga by Bawa / Colombo
• Day 7 Transfer back to the airport or your next destination on Sri Lanka's West Coast

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What's Included

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Where You'll Stay

Operated by sri holidays.

SRI HOLIDAYS TRAVEL SERVICE (Private) Ltd. is one of Sri Lanka's leading agents in the travel and tourism industry, priding itself in over 20 years of professional experience. Consistency of high quality services, offering the best products and services at competitive rates and unmatched professionalism make SRI HOLIDAYS the first choice for both individuals and corporate clients worldwide.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Good 3.5
• Itinerary Excellent 5.0
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 5.0
• Accommodation Average 3.0
• Food Average 3.0
• Tour Operator Sri Holidays 4.5

• SC Siat Fong · 20th March 2020 Sri Holidays provided us a driver who just dropped us at the tour site where we were left to explore the buildings/Hotels at our own pace. Except Sigiriya Fortress and Temple of Tooth Relic where Sri Holidays provided paid tour guide. Lunuganga... Show more Trip date: March 2020

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• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Sri Lanka. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 6th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 6th July 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Sri Holidays. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
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• Architecture News

Spotlight: Geoffrey Bawa

• Written by Patrick Kunkel
• Published on July 23, 2019

Despite his late entry into architecture, Geoffrey Manning Bawa FRIBA, (July 23, 1919 – May 27, 2003), explored modernism and its cultural implications and created a unique, recognizable style of design which had a lasting impact on architects across the world. Well versed in Modernist theory, Bawa was one of the original proponents of Tropical Modernism , a design movement in which sensitivity for local context combines with the form-making principles of modernism. Bawa’s architecture led to the formation of a new architectural identity and aesthetic for many tropical environments, and won him recognition and awards, including the Chairman’s Award of the Aga Kahn Special Chairman’s Award for Architecture (2001) and the title Deshamanya , in recognition of his contributions to his country by the government of Sri Lanka .

Bawa was born in Ceylon (which would become Sri Lanka in 1972), and began his professional career in the legal field after studying at St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge. He worked in law in England for several years, but left to travel the world after the death of his mother. In 1948, Bawa purchased the Lunuganga rubber plantation, and developed an interest in gardening and architectural design.

Bawa had a strong desire to design, and apprenticed himself to HH Reid, an architecture firm in Colombo, Ceylon. Filled with aspirations higher than apprenticeship, Bawa studied at the Architectural Association , and graduated in 1957, at 38 years old. When he returned home, Bawa became a partner at Edwards, Reid, and Begg, and took over the practice shortly thereafter.

In his practice, Bawa tried to achieve what The Guardian has called “a new, vital—and yet essentially Sri Lankan—architecture.” [1] Bawa’s search for a way to combine the traditional and the modern attracted the attention of other artists and architects, most notably Ulrik Plesner, who worked with Bawa from 1961 to 1967.

Even in his early work, Bawa's buildings had a Tropical Modernist flair. In the Ena de Silva House (1960), he combined the Modernist tendencies for open floor plans and stark decoration with iconic elements of Colombo manor houses. Similarly, the Batujimbar Estate (1973) adapts modernist principles to local Bali traditions. Bawa’s ideas continued over a variety of projects; in particular, his designs for hotels were embraced for their ability to create location-specific housing, which at the time was a dramatic departure from the trend of designing hotels to fit anywhere in the world. In the Bentota Beach Hotel (1970), Bawa created a resort that referenced its surroundings while allowing for a modern lifestyle.

After the social and governmental changes of the 1960s and '70s that ultimately led Ceylon to become Sri Lanka , Bawa received commissions for even larger projects. Bawa’s design for the Sri Lanka Parliament Building (1982) was a continuation of the investigations he began earlier in his career; it uses pitched roofs and other examples of elements from local architecture to embody the government’s lineage. At the time, the Parliament building was the largest of Bawa’s projects, and brought even more international attention to his approach. Around this time, Bawa designed several new buildings for the University of Ruhuna (1988). His use of traditional building materials and architectural elements adapted to the local climate proved to be useful, as it helped keep costs down in addition to referencing local context.

Bawa closed his firm when he was seventy years old, but did not stop practicing architecture. Much of his work from these later years was conceptual, and he also produced some of the most interesting built projects of his career during this period. The Kandalama Hotel (1991) and the Blue Water Hotel (1997) represent a slightly more minimalistic approach to his architectural design informed by his earlier work.

Find out more about Bawa’s architecture via the link below.

References:

• David Robson, " Geoffrey Bawa ," The Guardian , May 29, 2003, accessed May 18, 2015.
• David Robson, " Remembering Bawa ," ArchDaily , December 19, 2013, accessed May 18, 2015.

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• Off The Beaten Path

The Geoffrey Bawa Inspiration

8 Nights 9 Days | Private Guided Tour | 1 – 4 Persons

This tour is designed for true architecture enthusiasts. Late Geoffrey Bawa’s thoughtful designs based on the island’s culture remains the finest architects of Sri Lanka. This vacation rejoices the works of Geoffrey Bawa and cultural and heritage wonders of Sri Lanka. It is an insight into the minimalist Asian Architecture and its beginnings.

What to Expect

Today, Geoffrey Bawa’s work is somewhat a benchmark for luxury minimalist architecture all around Sri Lanka, adapted by many hotels, resorts, private villa’s and even residences. Learn what it is like to live in and walk through some of the best work done by Late Geoffrey Bawa himself.

Chat up Laki Senanayake, a name less heard of but a man with sheer passion for architecture and art. Walk through Heritance Kandalama one of Bawa’s last pieces of complete work. Stay in a property designed by Channa Daswatte, Late Geoffrey Bawa’s closest protege. Reconnect with Bawa’s earlier works at the uniquely designed country house; Number 87 in Bentota and visit his renowned brothers’ landscape work at the Brief Garden just a few minutes away. Finally stay in Bawa’s very own town house in Colombo the Number 11.

To make your journey more exciting, you will go on a Safari to see elephants in the wild in Minneriya / Kaudulla National Park. Tour of Handungoda Tea Factory in Ahangama and experience Virgin White Tea. Explore more about Sri Lankan culture and heritage by vising Dambulla Cave Temple; an old monastery built over a rock in Diggala, Temple of the Tooth; a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth, Gadaladeniya Temple, Lankatilaka is Buddhist temple, Embekke Temple made almost entirely of wood.  Discover the architectural roots of prestigious Cities of Sri Lanka including Kandy, Galle and Commercial capital Colombo while enjoying your splendid holiday with bunch of beautiful memories.

Day 01 - Airport - Negombo

As you land, you will arrive in Negombo 30 mins away from the International Airport and check in to the hotel. Later that evening take a stroll down Negombo beach and finally sit down for dinner where your chauffer/national guide will brief you about your tour.

Hotel : Jetwing Beach • Meals : Dinner

Day 02 - Negombo - Kandalama

Leave Negombo after breakfast to the amazing cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Settle down in one of the most unique lesser known retreats; Diyabubula. Its unique architecture will mark the amazing beginning of this unique architectural tour. If you are lucky, sit with the artist-in-resident Laki Senanyake who once worked with the Late Geoffrey Bawa and other renowned personalities such as Ulrik Plesner, artist Donald Friend and landscape designer Bevis Bawa.

That evening, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple.

Hotel : Diyabubula • Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 03 - Kandalama

Today, after a relaxed morning, visit Heritance Kandalama. Being one of Bawa’s earlier moves toward minimalism in building detailing, the design of the Kandalama Hotel was shocking to admirers of the vernacular influence visible in his previous projects. You can have lunch at Heritance Kandalama and there after in the evening, engage in a safari in Minneriya / Kaudulla National Park experiencing the Sri Lankan Elephants in the wild. (Note that based on the movement of Elephants from one location to the other in search of water, the local tracker will point out which is the best national park to visit).

Day 04 - Kandalama - Kandy

After breakfast at Diyabubula, you will check out and proceed to Kandy. Kandy is home to some very unique colonial architecture. Check in to The Hermitage designed by Channa Daswatte; one of Sri Lanka’s leading architects who was confidant and personal assistant to Geoffrey Bawa. Later that evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic the symbol of identity of the Kandyan Architecture and was built in 1802 A.D. Apart from it’s Architectural significance, it is also one of the most sought Buddhist temples in the world renowned for possessing the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha.

Hotel : The Hermitage • Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 05 - Kandy - Bentota

Today you will learn about Kandy. Kandy is one of the most architecturally unique cities in Sri Lanka. Maintaining its British heritage, colonial pathways and buildings. During your time in Kandy this morning, you will visit 3 off the beaten path temples that has local craftmanship that incorporates historic Sri Lankan Architecture. Thereafter, check out of the hotel and proceed to Bentota.

Hotel : Boutique 87 • Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 06 - Bentota

Today, take a stroll along the river and learn about the History of Boutique 87, its 18th century pavilion, it is also one of the most beautiful and enigmatic properties on the southern coast. Later that afternoon, visit the Lunuganga Estate which was Late Geoffrey Bawa’s country home along with Bewis Bawa’s Brief Garden.

Day 07 - Bentota - Galle - Bentota

Today, after a relaxed morning, visit a renowned tea factory in Ahangama and learn about the production of Tea in Sri Lanka. Later that evening, go on a walking tour in Galle Fort experiencing 15th Century British and Dutch architecture. High Tea will be served at 3:30 pm at Amangalla.

Day 08 - Bentota - Colombo

After a relaxed morning, check out and proceed to Colombo. History of Colombo City is nothing new, the blend of architecture here is phenomenal. You will reside in Late Geoffrey Bawa’s town house of 40 years – Number 11. Much of the house remains intact with his personal collection of art and artifacts. Take the 2:00pm tour around the house and later visit Barefoot to browse through an amazing collection of books and handlooms. Settle for Dinner at the Paradise Road Gallery Cafe which was Late Geoffrey Bawa’s office now converted to an exclusive restaurant.

Hotel : Number 11 Residence • Meals : Breakfast & Dinner (@ Gallery Cafe)

Day 09 - Colombo - Airport

Today’s activities will depend on your departure flight time. We recommend choosing an evening flight out of Colombo so you can experience a bit more of Colombo today. If time permits, visit the National Museum designed in the 19th Century based on Italian Architecture by J.G. Smither. You can also do a bit of shopping or try out a few restaurants which we could happily recommend.

Meals : Breakfast

Best time to Travel

This is an all-year-round trip. You can indulge in the sheer brilliance of the Geoffrey Bawa Architecture any time of the year.

Book This Tour

Book this tour as it is or tweak it so it fits your requirement. Our experts are ready to help.

• Group of Friends (Adults)
• Group of Students
• All Girls (Adults)

It is with great delight that we inform you that Esna Holidays has commenced operations once more!

In the past two months, we’re certain you would have faced immense difficulty in being unable to conduct your business and family lives as normal. We hope this finds you safe and sound.

As the entire globe slowly emerges from the current health crisis, it is heartening to see the measures that have been taken by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) as well as the country’s major travel companies. We’ve described in detail how Esna Holidays ensures safe tours during this period, in a shared link “ Esna Holidays Health and Safety Procedures & Guidelines “ . We would appreciate it if you can go through the brief procedures and guidelines and get back to us if there are any clarifications required.

A lot of effort has been put in country-wide, from the airports, transportation facilities, hotels, tourist sites, police and forces, medical personnel, sites and attractions, to tour operators and travel agencies,to ensure the country can be opened to the outside world in a safe manner, to display the island’s distinct charm once more. Travel has tremendous potential to heal lives, as it can revive the livelihoods of our country’s people while lifting the spirits of all our guests to the island. Therefore, we’re taking our responsibility even more seriously.

We look forward in delivering a healthy & safe travel plans and tours!

KEY POINTS TO NOTE

No minimum number of days is required for a stay.

All facilities of the hotel would be made available to the guests.

No restrictive quarantine required.

Tourists may visit up to 14 approved tourist sites under the safety of a bio-bubble.

Tourists must stay at a certified ‘Safe and Secure’ Level 1 hotel for upto 14 days of their stay.

Pay for PCR Tests ( 40 USD per PCR test depending on the number of days of the stay) when applying for visa online and for insurance (12 USD) with one month cover of 50,000 USD.

Currently no exceptions would be made for vaccinations taken; all safety protocols should be adhered to regardless.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories

Sri Lanka: Explore the country through Geoffrey Bawa’s iconic designs

By Jasreen Mayal Khanna

Sri Lanka's most notable architect, Geoffrey Bawa passed away in 2003 but this year marks his 100th birthday. The country is celebrating the occasion by hosting a slew of meaningful events and with good reason. Bawa's style of architecture was simple yet revolutionary for its time. Today, we can't imagine what Asia would look like without his influences scattered across Colombo, Bali and Singapore. Heralded as the father of the tropical modernist movement, Bawa essentially created a new vernacular style of architecture that was suited to the hot, humid climate of Sri Lanka (and most of Asia).

Geoffrey Bawa's designs still inspire young architects the world over

Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka | Design Influences

Bawa was born to Bertha Marianne Schrader who was of German, Scottish and Sinhalese descent and Justice BW Bawa who was of Sri Lankan, Muslim and French descent. It is perhaps these multiple influences that were instrumental in his profession and life choices. Like his father and grandfather, Bawa initially studied and practised law but after his parents' early demise, he decided to quit his job and travel across Asia, Europe and the United States. Upon returning home, he began designing spaces starting with his own rubber plantation called Lunuganga. He used traditional building materials and factored in local climate in his designs which also kept costs low.

An old photo of the late architect in his office in Sri Lanka

By Pallavi Pasricha

By Sridevi Nambiar

By Sunil Sethi

Eventually, his signature became a combination of modernist architectural elements and traditional Sri Lankan building style. He won the Chairman's Award of the Aga Khan Special Chairman's Award for Architecture in 2001 and the Sri Lankan government also gave him the title of Deshamanya, the second highest civilian honour in the country.

Here's a guide on how to explore Geoffrey Bawa's Sri Lanka, and an impressive list of events being curated by the Bawa100 Foundation.

Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka | Where to Stay

Located in Tangalle, Claughton House is a Bawa-designed villa which sits on top of a hilly coconut plantation and has private access to Kudawella Beach. This magnificent structure is a feather in the late architect's cap—the house has open communal areas built on various levels and the estate includes a yoga pavilion and an infinity pool built around rocks.

The main structure boasts of five bedrooms and tiered living areas with alfresco dining at the top and various lounging areas in descending order. Bawa's genius comes through in the natural airflow that glides up the hill and keeps the open areas of the house cool. Bedrooms have secluded courtyards for privacy and the dining area, yoga pavilion and pool terrace all maximise the stunning views of Sri Lanka's southern coastline. For those looking to experience luxury, Claughton House is the apt choice as the scale of the property creates a feeling of larger-than-life grandeur.

Bawa's various hotel designs were also revolutionary for their location-specific ethos in a time when hotels were being designed in cookie-cutter style to fit anywhere in the world. Anantara Kalutara was commissioned in early 1995 on a unique site that sat between the Kalu Ganga River and the Indian Ocean. In late 1995, work stopped because of the ongoing civil war. Bawa passed away in 2003 and the project got severely damaged in the 2004 tsunami disaster. Eventually, Channa Daswatte, a student of Bawa, took over the project and created a world class resort while keeping the original vision alive and the hotel finally opened doors in 2016.

The main building has been created in the colonial Dutch style with a traditional terracotta roof, high ceilings and a view of the Kalu Ganga Lagoon. Other design features include a spa surrounded by a lotus pool, murals by artists like Adil Writer and colonial style furniture. A Bawa-inspired library houses pieces designed or collected by him.

Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka | Where to Eat

While you're in Colombo, Paradise Road, The Gallery Café is a great spot to spend an afternoon. Bawa had initially designed the space as a residence but converted it into his offices when the client cancelled the commission just before completion. Bawa divided the space into three courtyards using waterbodies, trees and a play of air and light to come together as a tropical haven. Today, the space hosts monthly rotating exhibitions by established and emerging local artists and has a delectable menu of local and international dishes (their black pork curry is famous). The Gallery Cafe also serves 30 different desserts and has a special focus on chocolate.

Barefoot is a Colombo institution with a quality home store, quaint café and indie bookstore all part of its premises. You can sample a tuna sandwich or a traditional Sri Lankan thaali along with wine, beer or Ceylon tea. You'll find a multitude of books on Bawa here.

Barefoot has a number of books on Geoffrey Bawa. Photo courtesy: Barefoot

Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka | What to See

The second president of Sri Lanka, JR Jayewardene commissioned Bawa to build the country's parliament building in 1979 at Kotte. The site was originally a marsh and dredged to form an island where Bawa created a group of colonnaded pavilions with striking copper roofs. The completed parliament gave the illusion of a palace floating on an unbroken surface of water and it is this work that first got him international recognition. Taking a tour of this building is a must for any traveller because it allows them to engage with his widespread influence in the country.

The Bawa100 Foundation is hosting an Open Buildings Day on October 5, 2019 where they will showcase Bawa-designed residences like the de Saram house, number 11, the Raffel house and the de Soysa house. The tour is being conducted by Channa Daswatte who is the principal architect at MICD Associates and trustee of the Lunuganga and Geoffrey Bawa trusts. Daswatte was a student of Bawa as well as his confidante and is considered his “spiritual successor”.

Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka | What to Do

The Bawa100 Foundation has launched a year-long programme starting this July to commemorate Geoffrey Bawa and his work in Sri Lanka. The first event of the series is called The Decorative Arts Installation and will run from July 14 to 21. On display will be special decorative objects collected by the late architect.

On the first day of the event, Ayesha Rahman of Lanka Decorative Arts will be giving a talk on the Burgomeister Chair and its cultural and historical significance. The venue for the event is Bawa's Lunuganga estate which took 40 years to complete and is considered the original inspiration for all his work.

By Divya Mishra

By Alisha Lad

By Aishwarya Khurana

By AD Staff

Geoffrey Bawa Works in Sri Lanka

Discover the precious gemstones that sri lanka is renowned for…, places you will visit.

Parliament of Sri Lanka

Paradise Road Gallery Café

The Ratnasivaratnam House

Steel Corporation Offices and Housing, 1966–1969

Number 11 Colombo Residence

Lunuganga – Bentota

Not to miss in this tour.

• Visit New Parliament Building
• Explore Office of Geoffrey Bawa – Gallery Cafe
• Visit Beautiful Garden – Lunuganga
• Visit The residence of Geoffrey Bawa

Things you will do

• Capture the works of world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa on your camera!
• Opt for a night at his residence in Colombo or Lunuganga – Bentota to experience the real feel of staying in a Bawa designed property.

Q. Is this day tour for me?

If you are interested in a career in architecture or have already begun seeking one, this day tour is just the right one for you. Apart from that, anyone who is a fan of Geoffrey Bawa will be intrigued by visiting his tremendous works and achievements.

Q. Can it be tailor-made?

This tour can be customized to your requirements. If you want to make any additional stops, simply inform us in advance and we will make the arrangements.

Q. When to go?

A day tour of the works of Sir Geoffrey Bawa can be taken at any time of the year because you will be transported in a comfortable and luxury vehicle from place to place. External environmental factors such as the weather conditions will not affect this tour.

Q. What will transfers cover?

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Geoffrey Bawa Architecture Day Tour

Geoffrey Bawa Architecture Day Tour. Perfect for architecture and art enthusiasts. Discover Sri Lanka’s design heritage

At a Glance

Geoffrey manning bawa.

Discover the architectural legacy of Deshamanya Geoffrey Manning Bawa, a renowned Sri Lankan architect, on this day tour. Influenced by colonial and traditional Ceylonese architecture, Bawa’s designs embraced the essence of modernism and cultural integration. Collaborating with Danish architect Ulrik Plesner, he created iconic structures that showcased his belief in site-specific design and indigenous materials. Notably, Bawa’s influence extended beyond Sri Lanka, leaving an indelible mark on the global architectural landscape. From his famous designs like Sri Lanka’s Parliament building to houses, hotels, and offices, explore the essence of ‘tropical modernism’ that he pioneered. Join us as we guide you through his lasting creations along the southern coast and in Colombo, celebrating the visionary architect’s profound impact.

Places to Visit:

• Seema Malakaya Temple
• Parliament of Sri Lanka (Exterior Visit Only)
• Lunuganga Country Estate
• Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa (Cousin of Geoffrey Bawa)
• Heritance Ahungalla
• Jetwing Lighthouse
• Start the journey early morning.
• Snacks on the way 
• Visit Architecture places
• Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Package includes:

• English-speaking guide (or guide in specific language upon client request)
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
• 2 × 500ml water bottles per person
• Authentic Sri Lankan fruit tasting experience

Not included:

• Entrance tickets
• Lunch or any meals

Please be aware that these tours are currently primarily available for departure and return from Colombo and Negombo only. If you are located in other areas, kindly inform our operators during your conversation. Tour Price:

• The listed price on Google is for each person sharing the tour with another participant.
• Each tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to proceed.

Published Rates:

• The rates on Google are based on tours starting and ending in Colombo city.
• If the starting and ending points differ, the price may vary accordingly.

Inclusions and Exclusions:

• Make sure to thoroughly read about what is included and excluded in each tour package. This will help you have a clear understanding of what to expect during your adventure.

How to book this tour ?

You can get in touch with one of our operators through WhatsApp or by filling out the ‘Contact Us’ form by clicking the buttons below.

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Window to a Legend’s Soul

A s a result of managing all of Geoffrey Bawa’s properties, the Geoffrey Bawa Trust is very much at the forefront of the conservation of modern art and architecture. But what makes No. 11 so special? Why is it key to understanding the work of the Trust?

Throughout history there have always been those who have been drawn to certain places that have a certain mystique. These places may contain objects associated with those who are still remembered even after death. Also, places connected to those who have acquired a legendary reputation during their lifetime still draw many visitors. The King, Elvis Presley’s home Graceland draws huge crowds each year. The well- known Occultist Aleister Crowley’s famous night inside the Great Pyramid of Egypt is still spoken about. Crowley reported a strange event that night, that can only be described as supernatural!

Aneesha Mustachi, Shanika Perera, Shayari De Silva and Thilini Perera Pictures by Sudath Malaweera

No.11, 33rd Lane, Bagatelle Road, Colombo 03, is one of the most famous houses in Sri Lanka, because it is the house where the legend Geoffrey Bawa once called ‘home’. Though it is extremely unlikely that you will find anything supernatural here, what you will find are art and artifacts that have historical value. Bawa was a prodigious architect, because he had insight into the minds of men. He understood exactly what they wanted and he knew how to perform the task.

Why visit No. 11? Because even after his death, being at No. 11 allows you to partially experience the mind of the great architect Geoffrey Bawa. Inside the house, in a room, you will also see a fantastic hand hammered aluminum door that is a creation/design of the architect Ismeth Raheem who worked with Bawa in the 70s. Bawa did some work in Bali, and he picked up many pieces of art as he traveled, and you can see them all over the house.

Inner feelings

There is something magical about houses. Maybe because they reveal a lot about the inner feelings or emotions of a person. Could they be windows to the soul? Here is what one needs to understand about No. 11. Just because Bawa transformed it into what it is today, it does not mean that it is the best house in the whole world. Bawa made it the way he made it, because Bawa wanted his own spaces. No one needed to teach Bawa how to build a house. Bawa was a master of his game.

Bawa had many close friends and colleagues. Ismeth Raheem’s signature is not the only one in the house. Laki Senanayake also left his mark on the house.  He started his career with Bawa as a draftsman. The house is actually quite unique in a way. It is a combination of many styles that have actually harmonized into something that seems to make perfect sense. Even Ena De Silva has added something of her own to the house. There is also a Ganesh Statue by Ena De Silva there.

Inside the garage there is also a car used by Geoffrey Bawa. A 1934 Rolls Royce. Now it is also a historical artefact. It was last taken out in 1982 for the state opening of the Parliament. What is missing is a 1953 Mercedes Benz.

Colonial past

Light and ventilation play an important role in the house. The first courtyard also has a door that opens up into Geoffrey Bawa’s bedroom. And that further opens up into a secondary courtyard on the other side. Bawa’s bedroom was always naturally ventilated. It also gave Bawa a view of who was coming into the house and going out. So there was the security aspect of it as well.

The ladies pointed out that due to the import restrictions in the 60’s and 70’s Bawa lived during a time that required him to be innovative and creative with the limited but local resources. There were many interesting designs coming out of that period. There is a chair that is a copy of the Barcelona Chair, but Bawa localizes it by using a handloom fabric to upholster it by Barbara Sansoni. There is also a sample chair from the Bentota beach hotel, one of Asia’s first resorts in the late 60’s. One of Bawa’s favorite pieces is by Laki Senanayake, which is a sculpture called the “Sunken Cathedral”, made of lead and glass. Bawa liked it so much that it was on his work table when he was based at the gallery café, which was his former office.

There are many such examples. There are so many pieces he has sourced from India or North of Sri Lanka, mixed up with all these modern pieces. In the house you will find that there are no hierarchies between religions or ethnicities, possibly because Bawa himself was from a mixed background, his father being Moor and his mother being Burgher. All through the house there are Christian statues alongside Hindu and Buddhist ones. So diversity is celebrated here.

It is a melting pot of cultures that highlights Bawa’s interest in travel. In the house there are also so many little glimpses of the projects he was a part of – e.g. a lamp that was done for a Kandalama hotel which you will see at Kandalama hotel.

At the house you will also see some drawings from Barbara Sansoni, and a chess set from Ena De Silva’s workshop (she also worked with wood and brass as well as the Batik and Embroidery). There are also features from the Embekka Dewalaya in Kandy in the dining room. They are in the proportions necessary for the space. So there is a mix of ancient and modern. Past and present. There is also a drawing by Laki Senanayake, titled “the Portuguese arriving in Ceylon”. This was actually the inspiration for the staircase done by Laki Senanayake for the Light House Hotel in Galle.

Visits and stays

Chief Curator Shayari De Silva, added that through visits and stays, they support the preservation and maintenance of these properties, the objects and public programmes that they do. “The trust also looks after these objects. There are over 1700 art works, over 4000 drawings, over 1260 archival documents and over 1000 books. All of these are there for the public and scholarly community to access, engage and research. The objects are very much connected to the spaces. As a result of managing all these properties, the trust has been at the forefront of conservation of modern art and architecture. We work with many different bodies,” said De Silva.

What the Trust is doing is nothing short of amazing. If you take the Ena De Silva house, it was relocated stone by stone in Bentota, because it was faced with demolition. That shows their commitment and passion. “You can now stay there. We have events there and an exhibition in July.  As the Trust we are committed to ensure that we as a collective are not only looking at our antiquities and our archaeological heritage but also our modern architecture.”

This endeavor attempts to answer some of the biggest questions about our existence. What is the relevance of the past? How relevant is it to our present day?  As Sri Lankans how do we try and understand all of this? “We need to build up a community that is interested in Bawa. The world must know about Bawa and his legacy and what he has done for this country.”

What De Silva say is true. In his homeland Bawa is famous and recognised, but not so much beyond the shores of Sri Lanka. Geoffrey Bawa was an inspiration to all aspiring architects. After all this is a person who built the parliament.

“We have done a ton of workshops and we had programmes every day. We are also very excited, because from this August to December we are going to the Yale University, architecture gallery in the University premises. It is an amazing way for us to talk about Sri Lanka. How do we portray ourselves to the rest of the world? We need to create new academic and cultural appetites for what we are doing,” pointed out De Silva.

GEOFFREY BAWA TRUST

The Geoffrey Bawa Trust was established in 1982.  It has an amazing mandate of fostering Art, Architecture and Ecology. When Bawa passed away in 2003, the trust inherited his estate which comprised four properties including his Colombo House No. 11, his garden in Bentota, Lunuganga, the former architecture office which is now the gallery café and the Ena de Silva house which was moved from Colombo and now sits adjoining Lunuganga.

The Trust which

is a non-profit,

manages these four

properties. It is a gazetted charitable organisation that works in the culture sphere in the country. Funding for arts and culture is not easy in Sri Lanka, and the Trust does not receive government support.

The house is open every single day.

WHAT THE TRUST HAS BEEN DOING SINCE ITS INCEPTION

* Maintained Geoffrey Bawa’s historic residences at Lunuganga and No. 11, and their collections of fine and decorative arts.

* Made Lunuganga and No. 11 accessible to the public through daily guided tours and other avenues.

* Restored and reconstructed No. 5 at Lunuganga, the house designed by Geoffrey Bawa for Ena De Silva, by physically relocating the house from Colombo and reassembling it at its new location.

* Overseen the renovation of the Druvi De Saram house in Colombo 7 and undertaken its management and public programmes.

* Organised the triennial Geoffrey Bawa Awards, now in its 6th cycle, celebrating excellence in contemporary Sri Lankan Architecture.

* Hosted the annual Geoffrey Bawa Memorial lecture, now in its 21st cycle.

* Established a sanctuary for the endangered Hog Deer Species on Honduwa island, Lunuganga in partnership with the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

* Curated the Bawa 100 Centenary programme, a 2- year programme centered on Bawa’s legacy and collections comprising exhibitions, talks and tours.

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Tour Details

Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.

Duration: 2 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.

Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.

Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.

Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.

Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

For those who like to travel in comfort

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon

Moscow Metro International Competition

Go to the competition

• Vista – Design a nature observatory December 6, 2021
• Competition Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes in Barcelona April 16, 2013
• Competition Piazza Martiri della Libertà March 20, 2014

Submission:  July 31, 2014 Registration: July 31, 2014 Language:  English or Russian Location:  Moscow, Russia Prizes:  2 Prizes of (RUB 3.500.000) ($102.000) each.  and a total of RUB 3.890.000 ($114.000) spread in ten prizes for the finalists. Type:  Open competition for architects.

We are happy to announce the launch of online registration for those wishing to take part in the Architectural and Design Competition for Moscow Metro Stations Solntsevo and Novoperedelkino. The aim of the Competition is to create an inimitable, one of a kind profile for the two Moscow Metropolitan underground railway stations of Solntsevo and Novoperedelkino. The prize fund for the Competition stands at 3,890,000 rubles (including VAT) and is to be divided between the 10 Participants who pass through to the second stage of the Competition. Each of the two winners will be invited to settle a contract for the implementation of their architectural and design concept to a sum no larger than 3 500 000 rubles. Should you be able to make any news article or feature on this, thereby giving foreign architects the opportunity to participate in the Competition, we would be very grateful and willing to provide any assistance necessary.

Urban Transformations Competition: Designing the Symbiotic City

Competition [milan] world expo pavilion, this might interest you...., int interior design awards, architecture masterprize (amp), feeel design world prize ‘ 3rd season, the top door stopper – viefe design competiton, bci interior design awards 2024: tone x texture, architecture competition + course: adaptive reuse x placemaking, ai x biomimicry: architecture competition + course, hybrid coworking competition.

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