Brief Garden: Bevis Bawa's Surreal Tropical Paradise

Where Art, Nature & Eccentric Genius Collide

Created by Bevis Bawa (elder brother of famed architect Geoffrey Bawa), this 200-acre fantasy garden near Beruwala is:

• Sri Lanka’s first conceptual landscape art installation (1930s-1990s)
• An open-air museum of whimsical sculptures and mosaics
• The birthplace of tropical modernist gardening

Why This Garden is Unlike Any Other

Bevis Bawa’s Legacy

• Rubber estate transformed into a living artwork
• Celebrity playground – Visited by Pablo Neruda, Laurence Olivier
• "Brief" refers to Bawa’s military rank (Brigadier)

Magical Features

• "Adam & Eve" statues – With cheeky hidden details
• Folly towers offering ocean views
• Secret pathways lined with erotic carvings

Visitor Experience

1. Must-See Highlights

• The Studio: Bevis’ original art and furniture designs
• Mermaid Pool: Surrounded by ceramic sea creatures
• Giant Buddha Head: Emerging from the jungle

2. Unique Activities

• BBQ picnics (BYO food, book grills in advance)
• Sculpture scavenger hunts for kids
• Sunset cocktails at the viewpoint

3. Nearby Attractions

• Bentota Beach (15-min drive)
• Lunuganga (Geoffrey Bawa’s garden, 30-min drive)

Visitor Tips

Booking Essential: Call +94 345 676298 (Limited daily entries)

Hours: 8 AM–5 PM (Closed Mondays)

Entry: ~LKR 2,000 (Includes guide)

Parking: Ample space under rubber trees

Local Insights

Hidden Gem: The "Rum Bar" – Bevis’ personal drinks cabinet

Best Time: Weekday mornings for solitude

Book a Bawa Brothers Architecture Tour!

Compare Bevis’ and Geoffrey’s gardens: srilankatourhelp.org

Did You Know? Bevis designed garden elements using WWII scrap metal!