Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at your hotel after a good night’s rest. Then, at around 1000 hours, we’ll make our way through Colombo for an experience that showcases the life and work of the island’s most loved architect, Geoffrey Bawa. We’ll visit his home and several other Bawa-inspired buildings in this city.
Bawa in Colombo: This novel experience starts at Number 11. You might be left thinking what that is. It is none other than Geoffrey Bawa’s home in the heart of Colombo. This was his base when in the city. As you navigate the beautiful environs of his residence and the structure itself, you’ll get a firsthand glimpse into his life. Into what he drew inspiration from and one of the settings from where he developed his world-renowned architectural style. Your host for this one knows everything-Bawa. The tidbits of information he provides make the experience that much richer. What’s interesting is that some of the individuals who worked for him, back in the day, still look after the house today. Ah, the stories they have for you! You’ll begin to see the legend that was Bawa in many different ways. We’ll make our way to the Gallery Café next and take in the inimitable Bawa influence it displays, over a drink. The final part of this experience features a visit to the Seema Malaka Temple. From afar, it appears as though it floats atop the Beira Lake. Bawa was responsible for redesigning it in the 1970s.
This novel experience draws to a close with a spot of lunch at Paradise Road The Gallery Café. The food here is exquisite. You’ll savour it more, knowing you are right where the former offices of Geoffrey Bawa were located.
You’ll head to the hotel, thereafter, and you can rest and unwind a bit before the next experience. The memory of Bawa and his work will stay with you for a lifetime.
Towards evening, you’ll get to experience the island’s world-class varieties of tea firsthand. The experience is guided by several professional tea tasters who make regular visits to the island’s famed tea auction. They’ll take you through the intricacies of tasting, grading, blending and brewing tea.
Essence of Tea – Over the centuries, the island has gained world recognition for producing some of the best varieties of tea. Tea grown in Sri Lanka, or ‘Ceylon Tea’ as it is better known, is in high demand globally. The island’s tea culture is ancient and it is closely tied to its colonial history. You’ll get to visit one of the oldest tea producers in the country and receive a masterclass in the production process; the machinery and technology used in refining, blending and packaging the tea; and the one-of-a-kind ‘tea leaf grading’ process. The experience allows you to further your understanding of Ceylon Tea by absorbing the subtle differences in grain, texture, colour, strength and flavour across high, mid and low grown teas. Later, you’ll find out how different types of tea are blended to cater to the demand of the tea market globally. There are distinct taste and brew based preferences originating from the various regions of the world. We’ll take a close look at them as the experience winds up.
Make your way to the hotel, thereafter, and engage in a bit of rest and relaxation. The day’s experiences still close at hand, you’ll feel quenched for having absorbed the unique stories that make up this island.
Includes : Host, drink (Gallery Cafe), No.11, Tea tasting, factory visit.
Times : Starts at 1000 hours & ends at 1700 hours.
Children : Advised to be cautious due to open machinery.
To wear/bring : Light, cool clothing, comfortable clothing & camera.
