The former country home of Geoffrey Bawa, a world-renowned architect from Sri Lanka, the Lunuganga Estate offers much to experience amidst the tranquillity of nature.
Humble Beginnings
The estate on which this site can be found was once a rubber plantation before being purchased by Geoffrey Bawa in 1948. Considered the pioneer of “tropical modernism”, he began transforming this site into an enchanting garden which evolved over time as he added and changed elements and spaces to create a truly idyllic sanctuary.
Planning Your Visit
The Lunuganga Estate is in Bentota and is around a two-hour drive from Colombo. For those looking to stay at a nearby hotel, Ahungalla makes an ideal destination; properties like Heritance Ahungalla are just 25 minutes away by car. Parking is available at the gate entrance, while garden tours (fee charged) are at 11:00am and 3:30pm.
Diverse Elements
Amongst the notable elements here is the fact that each area of the garden differs from the other, blending both traditional and western influences. Geoffrey Bawa has thus created a space that contains features of Sri Lanka’s ancient water gardens, English-style landscaping and Italian Renaissance gardens.
More Highlights
The site may not be that large, but there’s much to discover at each turn be it a butterfly-shaped pond, a sundial, fascinating sculptures and Greco-Roman statues amidst the foliage. From the point known as Cinnamon Hill, you can take in picturesque views of Dedduwa Lake, the perfect spot to enjoy the sublime serenity of Lunuganga.
