Taj Honours Geoffrey Bawa’s Legacy on his Centenary

Celebrating his Architectural Influences in Chennai and Colombo

Mumbai, July 25, 2019: Taj commemorates the centenary of Sri Lanka’s leading architect, with a journey through Geoffrey Bawa’s distinctive ‘Tropical Modernist’ architecture and design influences in Chennai and Colombo. Rejecting ornamentation, embracing minimalism, and drawing from the environment around him, Bawa showed generations of Southeast Asian designers how to stay local, indigenous and yet offer an international hallmark of design.

Experience his work first hand with a visit to Taj Connemara, Chennai. Dating back to 1854, the hotel is a proud relic of the colonial era and is named after Lord Connemara, the then Governor of Madras. Bawa updated the classic architecture of the hotel with a striking grand staircase and an impressive swimming pool. Known for combining modernity with traditional architectural features, Bawa used wooden carvings sourced from the 16th and 17th century temples of Mahabalipuram and combined it with the clean lines of the 1970’s. Guests can imbibe the hotel’s eclectic architectural element as the stories unfold on the Connemara Heritage Walk.

After a short direct flight to Colombo, guests can check-in to Taj Samudra which overlooks the historic Galle Face Green with enchanting views of the Indian Ocean. The world-renowned Golden Keys Concierge will take guests on a specially curated ‘Art and Architecture’ tour to showcase Bawa’s No. 11 Residence. A short-drive away, guests can explore the Lunuganga Country Estate through guided walking and boat tours. Guests will be regaled with fascinating stories of the legend as they spend the day in the tropical version of the European Renaissance garden; considered as Bawa’s first muse.

To know more and to make your booking, please visit www.tajhotels.com.

About Taj

Established in 1903, Taj is The Indian Hotels Company Limited’s (IHCL) iconic brand for the world’s most discerning travellers seeking authentic experiences in luxury. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.

The unique portfolio comprises hotels across the globe including presence in India, North America, United Kingdom, Africa, Middle East, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal.