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The World of Geoffrey Bawa: A Tour of Lunuganga Estate

The World of Geoffrey Bawa: A Tour of Lunuganga Estate

Art, Culture & Heritage

Tucked away behind a steep dirt road in Bentota, Lunuganga—Geoffrey Bawa’s “garden within a larger garden”—is an oasis for Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife and a haven for local and international visitors alike. This remarkable estate represents the personal paradise of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated architect, where tropical modernism meets landscape artistry in perfect harmony. Lunuganga has always been a site of transformation. Bawa acquired the former rubber and cinnamon plantation in 1948, on the cusp of his thirtieth birthday and Sri Lanka’s independence from Britain. In doing so, he affirmed his intent to create “something that would be shaped by my present and future dreams and imaginary.” Converting the land from a plantation into a garden was a key step; replacing an extractive practice of colonial occupation, the garden blossomed into a rich ecosystem of mostly endemic flora and fauna. Lunuganga directly translates to “Salt River” in Sinhala. Indicated by numerous artistic renderings and Bawa’s own recounts, he felt the space possessed a sort of magical, boundless quality, writing, “The area one was dealing with was about twenty-five acres but with its surrounding lakes the land beyond seems to go on forever.” Each visitor discovers Lunuganga on their own terms, with its myriad walkways and sanctums for pause. In Bawa’s own words, “…it seems to me to be almost inevitable that it should be there.”

Your journey into Bawa’s world begins as you enter through the estate’s understated entrance, immediately transported into a realm where architecture and nature exist in exquisite balance. Your expert guide leads you along carefully designed pathways that reveal Lunuganga’s secrets gradually, each turn offering new perspectives and unexpected vistas. You’ll explore the main house where Bawa lived and entertained, filled with carefully curated art, furniture, and personal artifacts that reflect his sophisticated aesthetic and global influences. The architecture demonstrates his signature style—open pavilions, fluid indoor-outdoor spaces, and clever framing of landscape views that turn nature into living art. As you wander through the terraced gardens, your guide explains Bawa’s design philosophy and the decades-long evolution of this personal laboratory where he experimented with ideas later applied to his famous architectural commissions. You’ll discover hidden sculptures, contemplative water features, and intimate garden rooms, each revealing Bawa’s genius for creating spaces that feel simultaneously ancient and contemporary. The estate’s elevated position offers breathtaking views across Dedduwa Lake, and you’ll understand why Bawa felt the landscape extended infinitely. Native birds call from the canopy while butterflies dance through the gardens—a testament to the thriving ecosystem Bawa nurtured. Throughout the tour, you’ll gain insight into the man behind the legend, his creative process, and his profound influence on tropical architecture worldwide, making this a pilgrimage for design enthusiasts and a revelation for those discovering Bawa’s magic for the first time.

What's Included?

  • Expert local guide
  • Photography opportunities
  • Water bottle
  • Entrance fees

What to Wear?

  • Comfortable walking shoes (terrain includes steps and uneven paths)
  • Light, breathable clothing
  • Long pants recommended
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat for sun protection

Gallery

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