Lunuganga Country Estate is the country home of the world-famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. It is a living monument to his way of designing tropical modernism. It is located in Bentota on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. This amazing estate was a project that Bawa worked on for years. He changed a rubber plantation into a beautiful Italian-style water garden. The name means Salt River in the Sinhala language. This is because it is near the waters of Dedduwa Lake. For people who want to experience art, nature and architecture history together this place is a place. It is a place where the inside and outside spaces mix completely. 

Exploring the Magical Grounds in lunuganga country estate

The land of the estate acts like a series of rooms. Each one is carefully made to show views and use light and shadows. The Broad Walk takes visitors down to the water. The Field of Jars has old terracotta jars placed to make points of interest against the bright green grass. At the part of the property is the Cinnamon Hill. Bawa is buried under a tree there. It gives a view of the lake and a faraway hilltop temple. The water garden has lily ponds, calm canals and hidden houses where people can think quietly. People can see this place by booking a tour to learn the design history or by staying overnight in one of the guest rooms in the main house. 

Getting to the Bawa Estate

Getting to this place is not hard. It is not far from the coastal road. If you are coming from Colombo the best way is to take the Southern Expressway. Exit at the Welipenna interchange. Go toward Aluthgama and Bentota. When you get to the part of Bentota a small road goes through villages and coconut trees for about five kilometers. It ends at the gates of the estate. If you are using transport, trains and buses go from Colombo to the Aluthgama station. From there a local three-wheeler or a private taxi takes ten minutes to get to the estate.

Rules for Visitors. How to Go to lunuganga country estate

Because the estate keeps a special balance between history and nature visitors need to plan their visit and pack for the warm and wet weather. Clothes made of cotton protection from the sun and good insect repellent are important for walking on the shaded paths. The place  run as a hotel, by Teardrop Hotels. This means that people who come during the day need to buy a ticket and follow the tour times. This is to make sure the people who stay there  not disturbed. Taking pictures is allowed in outdoor areas but not inside the private homes. Visitors can  a Sri Lankan lunch or tea at the garden restaurant. It is best to book a table in advance to make sure you get a place.