Snapshot
Brief Gardens are the architectural landscaping masterpiece of Bevis Bawa, the brother of iconic Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Although often overshadowed by Lunuganga, the country house and gardens designed by Geoffrey, Brief Gardens are spectacular and are a wonderful place to spend a morning or afternoon if you fancy a change from the beach.
Duration: 2 hours
Best Time: Year-round
Additional Information
Brief Gardens are just 10km inland from Bentota. Visit the old house, which has an eclectic range of artwork on display, including a mural of traditional Sri Lankan life in the style of Marc Chagall and a variety of pieces painted by local artists. After seeing the house, explore the beautiful Japanese-style gardens, a mesmerising, barely-controlled riot of tropical splendour which spreads across two acres. Australian artist Donald Friend famously came to Brief for one week, but stayed for six years as he believed he had discovered paradise.
Related Activities
Bawa Architecture
Sri Lanka
The late Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most influential architect, was responsible for linking the ancient architecture of this island with that of the modern world.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
Bogoda Wooden Bridge
Badulla, Sri Lanka
Bogoda Wooden Bridge is the oldest surviving wooden bridge in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 16th century. Of particular note are the striking roof tiles which have Kandyan artistic influence.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
Dhowa Rock Temple
Dowa Rajamaha Viharaya දෝව රජමහා විහාරය, A16, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka
Believed to have been the refuge for King Walagama in the 1st century BC, Dhowa Rock Temple is a lesser-known hill country attraction which boasts a stupendous, albeit incomplete, statue of Buddha.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
Dutch Reformed Church
Dutch Reformed Church, Galle, Sri Lanka
The Dutch Reformed Church was finished in 1755, built on the site of a destroyed Portuguese convent. It has interesting architectural features, such as a gabled roof on the eastern and western walls.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
Geoffrey Bawa's Lunuganga
Lunuganga Geoffrey Bawa’s Country Estate, Bentota, Sri Lanka
The late Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most influential architect, came up with his own style of ‘tropical modernism’ to create unconventional living spaces.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
Kandy City Walking Tour
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Discover Kandy’s rich history which includes incredible art and architecture, Buddhism, British colonial rule, and its vibrant multicultural present.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
Kandy Temple and City Walk
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Delve into the most revered temple in the island as your host takes you through the Kandy city and the Temple of the Tooth, then head to the local market for a final feast for your senses.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
Nine Arch Bridge
Nine Arch Bridge, Ella - Passara Road, Ella, Sri Lanka
Located in Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in Sri Lanka and is a stunning example of the incredible engineering prowess behind the island’s railway system.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
The Life of Geoffrey Bawa
Number 11 - Geoffery Bawa’s Home, 33rd Lane, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Geoffrey Bawa is Sri Lanka’s most iconic architect. Go on a guided tour of his Colombo house and studio and browse through some of his old designs before visiting the beautiful floating temple at Beira Lake.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
Colombo Fort and Pettah Architecture
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Now the commercial centre of Sri Lanka, Colombo’s Fort was first built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, before being further changed by the Dutch and British colonisers.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
Colombo's Hidden History
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Walk through the city of Colombo, the commercial hub of Sri Lanka, with an expert guide and find out about the history hidden within these streets.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
Guided Walk of Galle Fort History and Architecture
Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka
Explore the enchanting streets of 17th century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a guide who has a deep knowledge of the Fort’s complex colonial past and the architecture which remains.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round