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Architecture in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka boasts a rich architectural heritage shaped by its diverse history, culture, and influences from various civilizations.

Sri Lanka has an impressive architectural legacy that dates back to the 3rd century B.C. Ruins of ancient kingdoms provide evidence of a sophisticated civilization on the island which possessed advanced knowledge of science and technology, town planning and design, and valued the aesthetic beauty of the arts: marvel at the remarkable engineering of 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress; admire the spectacular paintings and statues at Dambulla Cave Temple, and see the towering dagobas at Anuradhapura, which were once some of the largest man-made structures in the world, second only to the pyramids of Egypt.

The later influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and British during their periods of colonial rule can be seen most prominently in the architecture of the churches, forts and homes in the coastal areas, especially the UNESCO World Heritage Site Galle Fort, as well as in the hill country’s tea planter bungalows and the railway line that connects the Sri Lanka’s tea country with Kandy and Colombo, the main sea port.

Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most influential modern architect, was responsible for linking the ancient architecture of this island with that of the modern world and is also renowned as the creator of the architectural style ‘tropical modernism’. Discover his spectacular works through our Bawa Gems tour: explore Lunuganga, his country home and gardens; stay at a hotel he designed, such as Heritance Kandalama which he envisioned as ‘an austere jungle palace’, and visit Paradise Road in Colombo, Bawa’s old design studio which now sells a range of arts and crafts and houses The Gallery Café, one of the capital’s best restaurants.

Our

Architecture

Island-wide

The late Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most influential architect, was responsible for linking the ancient architecture of this island with that of the modern world.

Duration: 2 hours

Best time: Year-round

Badulla, Hill Country

Bogoda Wooden Bridge is the oldest surviving wooden bridge in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 16th century. Of particular note are the striking roof tiles which have Kandyan artistic influence.

Duration: 1 hour

Best time: Year-round

Bentota, West Coast

Brief Gardens are the architectural landscaping masterpiece of Bevis Bawa, the brother of iconic Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.

Duration: 2 hours

Best time: Year-round

Ella, Hill Country

Believed to have been the refuge for King Walagama in the 1st century BC, Dhowa Rock Temple is a lesser-known hill country attraction which boasts a stupendous, albeit incomplete, statue of Buddha.

Duration: 1 hour

Best time: Year-round

Galle Fort, Galle Coast

The Dutch Reformed Church was finished in 1755, built on the site of a destroyed Portuguese convent. It has interesting architectural features, such as a gabled roof on the eastern and western walls.

Duration: 1 hour

Best time: Year-round

Bentota, West Coast

The late Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most influential architect, came up with his own style of ‘tropical modernism’ to create unconventional living spaces.

Duration: 3 hours

Best time: Year-round

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