Brief Garden: The Lush Artistic Sanctuary of Bevis Bawa

Located near Aluthgama, just a short drive from Kalutara, Brief Garden is the lifework of Bevis Bawa, a famous Sri Lankan artist and brother of the legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa.

A Living Work of Art

The garden was converted from a rubber plantation starting in 1929. Unlike traditional formal gardens, Brief Garden is a wild, artistic labyrinth of:

Tropical Foliage: A dense collection of exotic trees and plants.

Vibrant Scupltures: Hidden among the leaves are numerous sculptures, many of which are homoerotic or surreal in nature.

The House: The elegant bungalow features Bawa's personal art collection, including murals by Donald Friend.

A Legacy of Bohemian Life

For decades, Brief Garden was a hub for artists, writers, and celebrities visiting Sri Lanka, including Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. Walking through the garden feels like stepping into a private, bohemian paradise where nature and art have merged into one.

Visiting Brief Garden

Distance: 98 km from BIA.

Travel Mode: A car rental is recommended as the garden is tucked away in a rural village area (Kalawila) and can be difficult to find using public transport. It is a perfect combined trip with a visit to Bentota or Kalutara.