Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.
The Lunuganga Estate was the country house of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.
The estate had been used as a cinnamon estate during the Dutch era and then a rubber plantation under the British. In 1949, the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa bought it from its owner and named the estate Lunuganga, which in Sinhala means Salt River.
This soulful, authentic artist’s retreat sits on the banks of Dedduwa Lake, a 10-minute drive from the laid-back beach resort of Bentota.
Bawa continued to develop the house and gardens at Lunuganga for forty years, until his death in May 2003
The estate’s unique name was derived from the fact it was purchased by Bevis Bawa (who is a major of the Ceylon Light Infantry, a horticulturalist, and a landscaper), Benjamin, with funds from a successful legal brief.
This legendary garden has played host to Sir Lawrence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Agatha Christie and to many more.
The garden was open to the public in 1969 by which time it was already famous. One must visit the garden to really experience the aesthetic considerations and architectural mastery of the gardens’ creators.
The estate was inherited by his employees, with Doohlan de Silva, currently managing the property
Welcome to Beruwala a laid-back little town on Sri Lanka’s south west coast which also hosts the main fishery harbors to be found in the western coast of Sri Lanka.
Indulge in this pure local experience. The Beruwala Fish Harbor experience will amaze you with the variety of fresh seafood catches that arrives straight from the harbor waters itself.
The fishery harbor was destroyed during the 2004 Asian Tsunami and reconstructed by CFHC Awakening of Fishery Harbor project.
It’s recommended to visit the Beruwala Fish Harbor in the morning prime hours where the catch is brought to shore and you will see the eagerly waiting buyers are right there to bid on the choicest catches, and the understand the process from sea to plate.
Experience the market-to-table culture at the Monday Market.
Jump into a tuk-tuk and make paths for the market of Aluthgama separated from Bentota by just a bridge.
These traditional markets are best places to experience the coexistence of modernism and tradition all at one place.
You can see the locals and visitors enjoying their share of bargains and chats whilst making their purchases from the available variety of fruits and vegetables to other local produces.
Going beyond local food and beverage specialties you can also browse through the stationary shop or check the small handicraft or pottery shops.
In this market, you got to remember there is no fixed prices. You decide your purchase, the vendor quotes a rate and it’s in your basket to bargain or not and that’s the fun in it all.
The Sea Turtle Hatchery is a prime nesting ground for several endangered turtle species from the Olive Ridley to the Leatherback turtle.
These species are often the victim of illegal poachers even before they were hatched and born.
If you’re eager to learn how to protect Sri Lanka’s turtle community, you can join this tour of Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery from Bentota. Here, you’ll learn the group’s effort in protecting the eggs of various sea turtles, increasing the rate of hatching, and ensuring their overall survival.
The Turtle Care Centre at Kosgoda beach is one of 18 turtle hatcheries along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The center is located in the South Western coastal village of Kosgoda and was established in 1981. It is also very popular as all five species of turtles that visit Sri Lanka nest in Kosgoda.
Slowly sail into the labyrinths of the mangrove while you hail a boat ride from the Bentota River. As you move along you can appreciate the green and lush vegetation and be nudged by a gentle reminder that this is not a zoo visit so spotting a bird or some wriggling water-snake, jumpy frogs or water monitor lizards or the actual crocs is a sight one cannot really guarantee with you.
In 2015, Sri Lanka became the first country in the world to implement a nationwide plan to protect all its mangrove forests. So, while you paddle along remember this is a living landscape ecosystem which houses diverse wildlife and sea life.
Madu River is one of the very fragile and important ecosystems in Sri Lanka. It is located just south of Bentota and about 70 KM from Colombo
Bentota is best known for its thrilling water sports activities.
Get an adrenaline kick with water sports activities such as water skiing, windsurfing, banana ride, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, tube rides, sea diving, snorkeling and surfing or simply sight see in a boat- cruise on the river or just stand by or simply just fish for fun and if you are lucky you can enjoy a catch.
