A mere sixty kilometres from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, lies the coastal town of Kalutara. Properties like the Mermaid Hotel & Club and many others are evidence that the town is fast becoming a popular resort destination. The small town has several cultural attractions, in addition to being home to a scenic beach. If you are planning a trip to this part of the island, things to do in Kalutara include: visiting Gangatilake Stupa, a key symbol of Buddhism in the country, watching the Kalutara basket weavers at work, exploring Richmond Castle, dating back to the British colonial period or taking a boat trip on the Bentota River.
One of the key attractions in Bentota is the Lunuganga Estate, which once belonged to world renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. A country home stands in a sprawling estate bordering the Bentota Lake. The late architect passed away in 2003, following which, the property was opened as a guesthouse by the Geoffrey Bawa Trust. The gardens are open to the public between 9am and 5pm and there is a separate fee to be paid at the entrance.
The gardens served as a canvas for Bawa during his career and his creations and design experiments still stand in the garden today. The vast garden is one of the most beautifully landscaped spaces in the country. Views of the lake in the distance have been elevated with well-positioned stone figurines. The interior of buildings has been maintained in the same minimalistic style that was used by Bawa himself. You can take a guided tour of the gardens and also enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan picnic lunch if you book in advance. Lunuganga can be booked for functions with a maximum of seventy guests and the gardens provide a spectacular backdrop for photographs.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
