Lunuganga Estate

One of the most notable architectural legacies of Geoffrey Bawa

A true testament to the prolific Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, Lunuganga Estate was once his elegant country home that continues to embody his renowned aesthetics of tropical living that inspired many of Sri Lanka’s finest spaces. Located on the banks of the Dedduwa Lake, the name Lunuganga translates to ‘salt river’ in Sinhala, despite serving as a cinnamon plantation during the Dutch period, and then a rubber plantation during the British period. Bawa later acquired the 15-acre estate in 1949 and designed a rustic bungalow adorned with enchanting gardens – the grounds of which were often considered an experimental ground for him to explore a number of architectural charms which are characteristic of the estate.

The Lunuganga Estate is easily accessible via a gentle 15-minute walk from the Dedduwa Boat House. A must-visit on any holiday in Bentota, the estate is open between 9 AM and 5 PM every day, and charges Rs. 1500 as an entrance fee. Guided tours of the surrounding gardens are also available at an additional cost, however you may also opt to simply enjoy the serenity of the estate with a quiet weekend meal by the lake.