Exploring Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga Estate Garden- A Masterpiece of Tropical Design

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Aug 7
3 min read

Hidden among the gentle hills of Bentota, just inland from Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, lies a place where architecture, landscape, and serenity blend seamlessly. The Lunuganga Estate, once the private country home of the late Geoffrey Bawa — Sri Lanka’s most celebrated architect — is not just a garden. It’s a living canvas. A place where every tree, pathway, and view has been carefully curated to evoke reflection, beauty, and balance.

For travelers with an eye for design, history, or quiet inspiration, a visit to Lunuganga Garden Estate is an essential stop — an immersive walk through the visionary world of one of Asia’s architectural giants.

Who Was Geoffrey Bawa?

Often referred to as the father of tropical modernism, Geoffrey Bawa is known worldwide for his ability to blend modern architectural principles with natural landscapes and Sri Lankan culture. His legacy lives on in iconic buildings such as the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Kandalama Hotel, and several boutique villas and resorts scattered across the island.

But Lunuganga was his personal sanctuary — a lifelong project he transformed over nearly 50 years. Originally a run-down rubber estate, he shaped it into an estate that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, architecture and nature, art and ecology.

What to Expect at Lunuganga Estate

Visitors to Lunuganga can expect a peaceful, curated experience — part garden tour, part artistic immersion. The estate spans about 15 acres, and walking through it feels like stepping into a dreamscape of sculpted lawns, lily ponds, colonial-style pavilions, and framed views of the lake and beyond.

1. The Garden Rooms

Unlike a typical botanical garden, Lunuganga’s layout is inspired by the idea of ‘garden rooms’ — different areas with distinct moods, focal points, and plantings. Each space feels like its own universe, whether it’s a shaded grove, a sunlit terrace, or a quiet bench overlooking the Dedduwa Lake.

2. Sculptures and Sightlines

Throughout the estate, visitors will find classical sculptures, urns, and decorative elements, often placed asymmetrically to surprise the eye. Bawa was known for manipulating perspective and framing, guiding visitors subtly from one view to another, with each angle offering something new.

3. Bawa’s Home and Studio

The main bungalow — once Bawa’s weekend retreat — is open to visitors. Inside, the house remains preserved with original furniture, art collections, and personal artifacts, offering a glimpse into the mind of the man behind the vision. The atmosphere is both grand and intimate, with verandas opening directly to garden vistas.

4. The Lake and Lawns

Lunuganga borders the Dedduwa Lake, and many of its most memorable views are directed toward the water. A walk along the lawn toward the lake edge is a moment of stillness — one of Bawa’s signature design traits, encouraging quiet contemplation through simplicity.

Tour Details and Visitor Information

Guided tours are available daily and are typically led by knowledgeable local guides familiar with Bawa’s work and philosophy. Visitors can explore the estate on foot during a 60–90 minute walk, with time to stop, ask questions, and absorb the details.

Opening Hours:Usually from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with the last tour starting around 4:00 PM).It’s recommended to check availability ahead, especially during weekends or holiday seasons.

Entrance Fee:A modest entrance fee is charged to support the preservation of the estate. Discounts may be available for students or local residents.

Tips for Your Visit

Wear comfortable shoes — the estate has uneven paths and grassy slopes.
Bring a camera or sketchbook if you enjoy capturing textures, views, or design inspiration.
The garden is best enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon, when the light softens and temperatures are cooler.
Consider pairing your visit with a stop at Brief Garden nearby, the estate of Bawa’s mentor Bevis Bawa — offering a different but equally fascinating experience.

Your Southern Escape Awaits..

A visit to Lunuganga Estate isn’t just for architecture enthusiasts. It’s for anyone drawn to beauty, silence, and the deep connection between people and place. Geoffrey Bawa didn’t just design buildings — he designed experiences, and at Lunuganga, that vision still lingers in every breeze, every shadow, every carefully placed tree.

This is not a typical garden. It’s a retreat. A poem. A piece of living art.Step inside, and let it speak to you.