Sri Lanka: From Beaches to Bawa, A Journey Through Design, Nature & Adventure

Sri Lanka is much larger than I expected, and, even after five days, I left feeling like I had barely scratched the surface. Despite arriving during the heart of monsoon season, I was able to explore Colombo, Galle, and the southern coast near Kurulu Bay and Kayaam House. What struck me most was how dramatically the experience changes from place to place. One moment you are weaving through bustling streets filled with tuk-tuks and markets, and an hour later you can find yourself on a nearly empty beach with almost complete stillness.

For design lovers, do not underestimate the influence of Geoffrey Bawa and his brother, Bevis Bawa. Their impact on Sri Lanka can be felt everywhere, from architecture and landscaping to the way hotels interact with nature. Visiting both Lunuganga and Brief Garden felt almost dreamlike. The gardens are layered, mysterious, and intimate, blending tropical landscapes with Dutch and British influences and a distinctly Sri Lankan interpretation of modernism. Even for travelers without a design background, they are worth prioritizing.

Kurulu Bay was one of the highlights of the trip. The food was exceptional, monkeys moved through the trees surrounding the property, and the rooms felt beautifully designed without appearing overly polished or forced. What I loved most was the philosophy behind the hotel itself: not a single tree was cut during construction; instead, the property was designed around the landscape. Even the main house carries a strong Bawa influence, designed by one of Geoffrey Bawa's pupils, with rich artwork and clean Sri Lankan modernist elements throughout.

For a different atmosphere, Kayaam House offered a serene, wellness-focused experience with earthy textures, thoughtful design details, and a beautiful beach just beyond the pool. In Colombo, we stayed at a former Bawa residence converted into a hotel. The rooms were relatively simple, but the experience was really about the architecture itself. We also visited Gallery Café, formerly Geoffrey Bawa's workspace and now a warm and welcoming restaurant. With limited time in Colombo, we booked a tuk-tuk tour that took us through Pettah Market, temples, mosques, and some of the city's colonial landmarks. For roughly $40, it was one of the best values of the trip and provided a fantastic introduction to the energy and diversity of Colombo.

We also spent an evening walking through the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, which was beautiful during golden hour, even on a rainy day. The colonial architecture, ocean views, and small shops and cafés created an atmosphere that felt both lively and relaxed, and it quickly became one of my favorite moments of the trip.

I only just scratched the surface of Sri Lanka. Next on my list: exploring the Ella region, visiting Kandy, hiking Sigiriya Rock, and diving deeper into Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, the historic heart of the country connecting the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla, with temples, ruins, cave complexes, and UNESCO sites that tell the story of Sri Lanka's early kingdoms and Buddhist heritage.

Do not try to rent a car! Hire a driver—they are so cheap for American travelers. In cities and for short rides, take tuk-tuk rides.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Sri Lanka page.