Designed and cultivated by the celebrated Sri Lankan artist and landscape designer Bevis Bawa, Brief Garden is an enchanting open-air sanctuary located ten kilometers inland from Bentota. Spanning a lush estate of tropical greenery, the garden presents a harmonious blend of intimate outdoor living rooms, exotic botanical varieties, classical verandas, and whimsical sculptures tucked beneath leafy jungle canopies.
Opened to the public in 1970, Brief Garden has long stood out as one of the premier cultural attractions and best things to do in Bentota. With over 106 documented species of trees across the estate alongside an abundance of tropical birds, butterflies, and wildlife, the property is an unmissable destination for landscape architecture enthusiasts, romantic couples, and travelers seeking tranquility.
The Legacy of Bevis Bawa
Bevis Bawa (1909–1992), elder brother of renowned tropical modernist architect Geoffrey Bawa, inherited this former rubber plantation in 1929 after serving as an aide-de-camp to several governors of British Ceylon. Over the course of more than four decades, Bevis painstakingly cleared the rubber groves and transformed the rugged contours into an eccentric personal paradise.
During the mid-20th century, the estate became a vibrant salon for international luminaries, writers, and artists. Renowned actors Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh stayed at Brief in 1953 while filming Elephant Walk, while Australian artist Donald Friend lived on the estate for nearly five years, producing intricate homoerotic sculptures, brass reliefs, and a famous tiled mural that remains on display in the manor.
Exploring the Garden Rooms and Sculptures
What sets Brief Garden apart is its intimate, human-scale geometry. Unlike the sweeping, Italianate vistas of his brother’s nearby estate at Lunuganga, Bevis created a maze of dense, leafy corridors that evoke walking through a sheltered jungle kingdom:
- Narrow flagstone paths wander beneath canopies of towering bamboo, nutmeg, and ancient ficus trees.
- Cloaked archways and foliage-draped stairways reveal hidden courtyards, quiet lily ponds, and secluded verandas.
- Eccentric artworks and stone sculptures—including carved stone faces, a headstrong horse statue, and playful gargoyles—peek out from behind hanging vines and flowering shrubs.
- The colonial-style manor house retains Bevis Bawa’s private art collection, antique furniture, and personal photographs, offering a fascinating glimpse into mid-century bohemian island life.
A Romantic Haven for Couples and Nature Lovers
With plants cascading down the ochre walls of the main residence and vibrant flowers blooming from sculptural terracotta urns, Brief Garden offers an exceptionally romantic atmosphere. The dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, the murmur of garden water features, and the secluded seating nooks scattered throughout the grounds make it a favorite peaceful excursion for honeymooners staying along the southwestern coast.
Practical Visitor Information
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: Kalawila village, Dharga Town, approximately 10 km inland from Bentota
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours is ideal to wander the garden paths and tour the manor house
- What to Bring: Insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection
How to Get to Brief Garden
To reach Brief Garden from the coastal strip of Bentota or Aluthgama, take the Mathugama Road heading northeast inland toward Dharga Town. From there, follow the clearly marked yellow roadside signposts directing travelers to “Brief”. There is no direct public bus service right up to the gate, but a three-wheeler (tuk-tuk) from Bentota takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes.
Nearby Attractions in Bentota
A visit to Brief Garden pairs naturally with other cultural and nature experiences in the surrounding area:
- Bentota – The renowned coastal resort town famous for wide golden beaches, lagoon water sports, and tranquil river cruises.
- Bawa’s Lunuganga Gardens – The celebrated 15-acre country residence of Bevis’s younger brother, Geoffrey Bawa, overlooking Dedduwa Lake.
- Bentota Beach & River Safaris – Explore tranquil mangrove cruises along the Bentota River and relax along golden sun-drenched beaches.
