Although Sri Lanka is known for its ancient civilisation and fascinating surviving ruins, centuries old traditions and techniques have created new waves in the country’s art and architecture scene. The better-known UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Sigiriya and the Dambulla Cave Temples exhibit the brilliance of ancient Sri Lankan artists with their famous frescos and murals; clever techniques and natural materials were used to create these stunning marvels. In addition, carvings were an essential part of everyday life as artists created massive stone statues for worship and more delicate stone carvings to adorn buildings and Buddhist temples. The remains of these are to be found throughout the area known as the ‘Cultural Triangle’. Craft making in Sri Lanka has been handed down from generation to generation. Today families continue to carry out traditional craft making, although it is in rapid decline.

Colourful and intricate weaving is traditional in the mid country and the hills of the Kandyan region. The south, especially Galle, is well known for delicate lace making, a craft that has been passed down from the Portuguese and Dutch. Jewellery making is another craft that has successfully endured through many ancestral lines, along with brass creations that are very much a niche now confined to small communities in the Kandyan region. One of Sri Lanka’s best practitioners on the country’s architecture scene was Geoffrey Bawa, the world-renowned architect whose work is spread from Colombo to the south. He was one of the pioneers of Tropical Modernism that is much revered today throughout the Asian region. Our tours provide opportunities to see and experience Bawa’s creations along with the chance to visit and stay at his former homes or in places designed by him, most now sensitively restored into upmarket boutique accommodations.

The upcoming art scene in Sri Lanka has evoked the interest of many, with more and more local artist engaging in contemporary art and showcasing their creations - mostly in Colombo – providing opportunities to purchase some unique works. Our art and architectural tours provide in-depth and insightful experiences. They operate throughout the year and enable travellers to view a diverse range of arts, crafts and architecture from ancient civilizations to the colonial era to modern times. They are coupled with many other wonderful highlights – cultural, scenic and culinary - that Sri Lanka has to offer.