The magnum opus of the late Geoffrey Bawa, the Lunuganga Estate is a wondrous display of Asian architecture and is an absolute must visit If you’re ever in Bentota.
The Estate’s History
Originally, Lunuganga was just another rubber estate, but all that changed when it inspired Bawa, a budding lawyer at the time to change career paths and become an architect. While Bawa would go on to be one of the most prolific architects of the entire Asia Pacific region, he’d always return to Lunuganga, constantly reshaping and adding to the property to turn it into the architectural marvel it is today.
The Highlights
There’s an array of interesting sights to see at the estate. Consider taking a guided tour of the gardens and view exotic plants and tree outcrops. You can also venture into the Bawa household – an abode that’s full of classical paintings and iconic architectural designs.
Come Prepared
Before you leave your Bentota resort and head over to Lunuganga, make sure you’re wearing some cool, light clothing as the temperatures can get a little hot during midday. Also, pack yourself a pair of trainers as some parts of the property are quite muddy. Remember to consult your hotel too, resorts like the AVANI Bentota Resort might give you some expert advice on what you need to tour the estate.
Authentic Dining
The estate itself is a hotel of sorts under the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, and they operate their own restaurant at the property. This establishment specialises in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and would make for an excellent lunch stop after a bout of exploration around Lunuganga.
