ARCHITECTURAL TOUR $ 1950.00 PP

Day 1 - NEGOMBO

Arrival in Colombo International Airport and meet with our representative at the arrival lounge Take an overnight flight to Colombo. After your flight, you make the short 20 minute transfer to your first night’s accommodation in Negombo. Here you can relax after your long flight and acclimatize near the pool or in the gardens of your hotel. Please meet your tour leader in the hotel reception for a tour briefing at 6pm. OVERNIGHT STAY IN NEGOMBO RANIHOTEL/ TOPAZHOTEL/ GLGISANDHOTEL

Day 2 - NEGOMBO TO DAMBULLA

After breakfast transfer directly Dambulla En Route visit Pinnawala elephant Orphnage Leave to Heritance Kandalama Hotel in Dambulla Check into hotel and explore the hotel. a famous creation of Geoffrey Bawa. OVERNIGHT STAY AT HERITANCE KANDALAMA IN DAMBULLA

Day 3 - DAMBULLA / SIGIRIYA / POLONNARUWA

After breakfast visit and climb the 5th Century Rock Fortress in Sigiriya (UNESCO World Heritage Site) considered by some as the 8th wonder of the world for its architectural marvels and the advanced water management system. The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster. Thereafter proceed to Polonnaruwa, (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and which is a world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, king Parakramabahu’s statue, and the Parakrama Samudraya Lake built by King Parakramabahu the great. OVERNIGHT STAY AT HERITANCE KANDALAMA IN DAMBULLA

Day 4 - KANDY

After breakfast transfer to Kandy (UNESCO World Heritage Site) the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka before being colonized by the British. Enroute visit the Matale Heritage Centre, which draws on the rich craft traditions of the area, producing quality batik, embroidery, carpentry and brasswork. It occupies a sprawling compound of bungalows, workshops and gardens. On arrival in Kandy visit the Temple of the Tooth, the ancient King’s Palace building, council chamber and other buildings still preserved in its original form, dating back to the 15th century. OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL SUISSE HOTEL, KANDY

Day 5/6 - NUWARAELIYA

Today we drive about 80km (approx 3hrs) along winding roads lined by green slopes of tea plantations. There is plenty of interests along the way, including a stop at some waterfalls. You'll reach Nuwara Eliya, heart of the tea growing industry and full of colonial charm. Built entirely during the 19th century, it's quirky architecture reflects what you'd normally expect to find in an English country town, which will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. On the way we will visit Devon and St Clare's waterfalls. This afternoon we make a visit to a tea factory to see the process of making one of our favourite drinks in action. You’ll see every step of the tea making process, from bush to cup. OVERNIGHT STAY AT HILPRIDE HOTEL / ROCK HOTEL /ASHFORD HOTEL

Day 7 - TANGALLA

Thereafter visit Fitz Herbert House, which is now known as Claughton House, in Dickwella (approximately 3hour ). This too is a great work of Bawa’s. Drive this morning to the colonial city of Galle (approximately 2 hours). En route, drop by another of Bawa’s works – the Ruhunu University Campus and the Matara Office building. In the afternoon, enjoy some sightseeing in Galle Fort. Its rich heritage is derived from the colonial influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British respectively, spanning four centuries. The town’s centerpiece is the Dutch Fort, around which the city is built. The Fort remains a hive of activity and is one of the few World Heritage listed sites in which a bustling population continues to thrive OVERNIGHT STAY AT DICKWELLA RESORT

Day 8 - GALLE

DAY 08 After breakfast, drive to Galle(approximately 1.30 hours), Also visit the boutique hotel, Club Villa, a 19th century Dutch Colonial villa re-designed by Bawa in 1980 For afternoon tea, visit Geoffrey Bawa’s country residence Lunuganga where you will find that nature has been incorporated in the very design of the house. Experience Lunuganga the local residence and lifetime creation of Mr. Bawa. Guided tour will be conducted in the property. Then proceed to Ibbankatuwa a Megalithic Burial site, spread in an area of more than 10 acres. See more than 10 graves excavated and conserved. OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE BALAPIYA HOTEL BEACH

Day 9 - BENTOTA

visiting Heritance Ahungalla en route, where Bawa created features such as interconnecting expanses of water leading the guest into the hotel. Maduganga River Safari Balpitiya Overnight stay at Bentota beach hotel

Day 10 - COLOMBO

The morning drive to the commercial capital of Colombo (approximately 3 hours). En route stop at Blue Waters in Wadduwa, designed by Geoffrey Bawa. In the evening visit Number 11, the residence of Geoffrey Bawa. And Parliament building designed by Mr. Bawa OVERNIGHT SATY COLOMBO. OCEANHOTEL/ MIRAGE HOTEL /CITY OF COLOMBO

Day 11 - COLOMBO / DEPARTURE TRANSFER

After breakfast leave in time for the airport