Day 1
Enjoy a city tour of Negombo
At the airport you will be greeted by our Jetwing Representative and your chauffeur guide who will take you to the beach resort town of Negombo. Rest and recoup from any jet lag. Negombo is a buzzing hub of contrasts and cultures. If you feel like exploring, your chauffeur guide will show you around some of the most interesting sights and landmarks and perhaps take a boat ride along the Dutch canal. Or, you can relax on the most famous golden sands of Negombo beach.
Day 2
‘Lellama’ Fish Market
Pay an early morning visit to a ‘lellama’ - Negombo’s bustling fish market. Watch the fishermen bring in their night’s catch for sale. Leave the coast and head inland. Break your journey at Anuradhapura - the first capital of ancient Ceylon, reigning for over a thousand years. Take a walking tour with your chauffeur guide visiting the Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweli seya and Mihintale. Later, arrive at Bawa’s iconic landmark, Heritance Kandalama. A tranquil haven built into the rockface and surrounded by jungle, blending in perfectly.
Day 3
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Early morning, climb the amazing Sigiriya rock fortress - a World Heritage Site. This 5th Century marvel is an architectural masterpiece carved from a massive rock. In the afternoon, learn about the better kept ruins of ancient Ceylon at the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa - the medieval capital of ancient Lanka from the 11th to 13th century A.D. Take a walking tour of the ruins at Lankathilaka, Thuparamaya, Royal Palace, Rankoth Vehera and Gal Viharaya and Vatadage and be awed by their lasting grandeur.
Day 4
Matale Heritage Centre
En route to Kandy, visit the Matale Heritage Centre to see the designs of Mrs. Ena de Silva - a close friend and collaborator of Geoffrey Bawa who contributed many pieces to his projects. Arrive in Kandy - eminent centre of Buddhism and the last stronghold of the Sinhalese kingdom. Pay homage to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic - a tooth of the Lord Buddha. Visit the bustling streets and market places. Take in the views from upper Lake drive.
Day 5
Demodara Nine Arch Bridge
Enjoy a scenic drive to the hills of Bandarawela through lush tea plantations. Drop by the Chapel of the Good Shepherd’s Convent - designed by Geoffrey Bawa and Ulrik Plesner. Continue to Ella - a small but popular town nestled high in the mountains and famed for its breathtaking views. Stop to admire the cascading Ravana Ella waterfall and the iconic Demodara Nine Arch Bridge. Continue to your stay for the night - the 98 Acres Resort & Spa; an elegant, chic hotel set amidst a sprawling tea estate.
Day 6
Ruhuna University , Matara Post Office , Galle Fort
On the way to Galle, visit two lesser known Bawa creations: the Ruhunu University Campus and the Matara Post Office. Stop for lunch at Heritance Ahungalla - another Bawa inspired design. Continue to Galle - Sri Lanka’s oldest living city dotted with historic sites. A hive of activity, arts and culture it’s one of the few World Heritage sites where a bustling population continues to thrive with alleys lined with restaurants, art galleries and shops selling jewellery and antiques. Overnight stay at Jetwing Lighthouse - Bawa’s architectural masterpiece.
Day 7
Lunuganga , Bawa House , Paradise Road Gallery
On your way to Colombo, take a break for an alfresco lunch at the Lunuganga Estate - Bawa’s country home. Explore Colombo with your chauffeur guide: visit the Pettah market, the colonial side of Fort, the Hindu Temple at Sea Street, the Dutch Church at Wolfendal or head for the shopping malls for some bargains. Visit Bawa’s residence at No. 11 for a tour and continue the evening with dinner at his former office - the Gallery Cafe, perhaps in the company of Channa Daswatte, Bawa’s protege.
Day 8
flight home
As all good things must come to an end, we bid you farewell as our chauffeur guide takes you to the Airport to meet your departure flight home.
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