Colombo's Hidden History

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. 

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.

Discover Kandy’s rich history which includes incredible art and architecture, Buddhism, British colonial rule, and its vibrant multicultural present.

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

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.

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.

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

It was the Dutch who expanded Jaffna Fort in 1680 and, more than three centuries later, they are financially supporting its renovation.

Delve into the most revered temple in the island as your host takes you through the Kandy city and the Temple of the Tooth, then head to the local market for a final feast for your senses.

Located in Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in Sri Lanka and is a stunning example of the incredible engineering prowess behind the island’s railway system.

Geoffrey Bawa is Sri Lanka’s most iconic architect. Go on a guided tour of his Colombo house and studio and browse through some of his old designs before visiting the beautiful floating temple at Beira Lake.

Aluvihara Cave Temple, which can be visited easily from Kandy and the Cultural Triangle, is where the oral teachings of Lord Buddha were first put into writing in the 3rd century AD.

Discover the majestic remains of Sri Lanka’s first capital, originally built in the 4th century BC, the ruling place for over 100 Sri Lankan kings. You can explore these extensive ruins by bike.

Located just three kilometres from Colombo’s city limits, Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka’s capital, and it has a long and hallowed history.

The ancient rock carvings at Buduruwagala date back to the 8th century. Seven gigantic Buddhist figures are sculpted into a 70ft cliff, including a colossal image of Lord Buddha spanning over 50ft.

Now the commercial centre of Sri Lanka, Colombo’s Fort was first built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, before being further changed by the Dutch and British colonisers.

Explore Colombo’s fascinating religious and cultural diversity on this dynamic guided walking tour, which takes you to iconic religious buildings and through the lively streets of Pettah.

The most famous cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple boasts the largest number of Buddha statues to be housed in one place, as well as stunning ceiling paintings.

Serene and beautiful, the Degaldoruwa temple in Amunugama has stood as a place of spirituality while one century gave way to the next since the late 1770s, when it was first built.

Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built by the Portuguese before it was further developed by the Dutch and British, covers nearly 4sqkm and houses a range of old colonial buildings.

This relatively-modern Buddhist temple boasts a gigantic white dagoba, believed to contain sacred relics, as well as fascinating murals that depict the life story of Lord Buddha.

Explore the enchanting streets of 17th century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a guide who has a deep knowledge of the Fort’s complex colonial past and the architecture which remains.

Your host will take you on an architectural journey through the fort’s colonial history, from the spot where the first Portuguese boats landed to the moment the English departed.

Stemming from various ancient dance rituals, Kandyan dancing became widespread across the island and is now a core part of Sri Lankan culture. It is a highly-theatrical, thrilling show to see.

An ancient pilgrimage site visited by Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. It is believed that King Dutugemunu built a shrine here for the worship of the Kataragama God in the 2nd century BC.

Thought to have been visited by Lord Buddha in 523 BC, the ancient Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya is renowned for its glorious paintings, which show the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

The newly-restored Koneswaram Kovil, the original of which was built in 205 BC, is poised on a sheer cliff which stands 350ft above sea level and offers stunning views over Trinco’s natural harbour.

Sri Lanka’s capital has several Hindu Kovils, decorated with colourful statues and which house shrines dedicated to different gods and deities.

The favourite viewing point of Sir Thomas Lipton, Lipton’s Seat offers one of the most spectacular views of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Drive to the top, or walk up through the surrounding plantations.

The Maligawila statue, the largest freestanding image of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka, dates back to the 7th century BC. It stands at 14 metres tall and is carved out of a single block of limestone.

Mihintale was recorded as being the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 3rd century BC. The peak is home to magnificent pieces of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and a majestic 40ft dagoba.

Situated 30 minutes inland from Tangalle, the ancient Mulgirigala temple complex is perched on an enormous boulder more than 200m high which provides magnificent coastal views.

One of Sri Lanka’s most prominent Hindu temples, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil was originally built over 1,000 years ago. It boasts many beautiful pieces of colourful and dramatic architectue.

Sri Lanka’s medieval capital from 1073 until the late 1200s, the ruins of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa are incredibly well-preserved and include magnificant granite sculptures of Lord Buddha.

Ritigala is nestled deep inside a jungle-covered nature reserve, the ruins of an extensive Buddhist monasty which was abandoned during the invasions of the 10th and 11th centuries.

Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most majestic, awe-inspiring and stunning historical locations in the world, built in the 5th century AD by ‘mad’ King Kasyapa.

This hosted walking tour takes you from historic Galle Face Hotel to Beira Lake, wiggling through the vibrant streets of Slave Island which relfect Sri Lanka’s multiculturalism.

Go on a guided tour of a scenic, modern tea plantation located just outside of Galle and explore one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic industries. A great option if you are not visiting the hill country.

Tradition relates that a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in 4th century A.D. and has been enshrined in the Dalanda Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth, since the late 1500s.

Join an expert in exploring one of the most revered temples in the island, housing a relic of the Lord Buddha. Witness rituals performed daily and learn about the history behind this place of worship that is a haven to many a Buddhist.

Hop into a bullock cart and explore the village life of the island. Walk through lush paddy fields, take a boat ride along Hiriwaduna Wewa and finally, savour a traditional Sri Lankan meal to wrap up your sojourn in the village.

The Veddas, the aboriginal people of Sri Lanka, live in small communities in utter isolation from the outside world. Discover their ancient traditions as you walk with them through the forest.

Yapahuwa, a shortlived Sri Lankan medieval capital, is an enormous yet little-visited rock fortress built in the 13th century around a vast granite rock which rises 100m above the surrounding plains.

Little-visited Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya is a small Buddhist temple just inland from Galle.

Walk through a cinnamon plantation in the South and be enlightened on the process of cinnamon peeling, quilling and oil extraction. Don’t forget to enjoy the views while you try your hand at some cinnamon peeling.

Whilst building Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the 5th century AD, King Kasyapa moved the monks who lived around Sigiriya to Pidurangala Rock, and an ancient cave temple still remains here.

Trek through the tranquil Kaludiya Pokuna Forest near Kandalama in search of a ruined ancient Buddhist temple abandoned over 1,200 years ago. Absorb the peaceful atmosphere.

The Jaffna islands are fascinating to explore. Spend a day out at Delft Island with its small village homes, wild horses that roam the plains, and ruins of a Portuguese Fort.

The National Museum of Colombo is the largest in the country. Opened in 1877 by Sir William Gregory, it houses many precious relics including the throne and crown of the last Kandyan monarchs.

Located in Jaffna, the Keerimalai hot springs is a renowned mineral water spring that is shrouded in folklore, believed to have healing properties. Separate entrances for women and men.

The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka and the finest in Asia. Explore the beautiful surroundings with an expert, or simple enjoy a relaxed stroll in the sun.

Tissamaharama is a sacred town scattered with lakes and Buddhist temples that was the capital of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom in the 2nd century BC. 

Point Pedro, also known as Sakkotai Cape, is the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka. An unpretentious spot replete with significance, it was once a trading port.

A `Perehara’ is a cultural procession, an ancient historic ritual where tradition, religion, and the arts all come together. The annual Kandy Perahera is an astonishing spectacle.

Explore a vast estate in the foothills of Kandy with a highly-engaging and knowledgeable host, before enjoying a mouth-watering traditional rice and curry lunch afterwards in your host’s ancestral home.

One of the most spectacular statues in Sri Lanka, the Aukana Buddha has stood 12m high since it was made in the 5th century. It is free-standing, carved from a single rock.

Red Dot's Tea Estate experience takes place in one of the most beautiful organic tea estates in the Sri Lanka hill country, hidden above Ravana-Ella Falls and with breathtaking views of Ella Rock and Lipton's Seat.

The Kande Vihara in Aluthgama and the Galgoda Sailatalaramaya Maha Vihara Temple and Sunandaramaya Mahavihara in Ambalangoda attract devotees from all parts of the island.

Experience tea, glorious treks and total tranquillity during this four-night stay at Amba Estate, an organic farm on the outskirts of Ella in Sri Lanka’s hills. One of our Extended Activities.