Day Tour to Kalutara Temple, Lunuganga & Brief Garden 1
Day Tour to Kalutara Temple, Lunuganga & Brief Garden 2
Day Tour to Kalutara Temple, Lunuganga & Brief Garden 3
Day Tour to Kalutara Temple, Lunuganga & Brief Garden 4
Day Tour to Kalutara Temple, Lunuganga & Brief Garden 5
Day Tour to Kalutara Temple, Lunuganga & Brief Garden 6
Day Tour to Kalutara Temple, Lunuganga & Brief Garden 7
Day Tour to Kalutara Temple, Lunuganga & Brief Garden 8
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Day Tour to Kalutara Temple, Lunuganga & Brief Garden

(5)
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Arts & CulturePilgrimage Or Religion
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About this activity

Explore three significant cultural landmarks south of Colombo in a single day: the striking Kalutara Vihara with its unique hollow dagoba, the experimental gardens and architecture of Lunuganga Estate (former home of legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa), and the artistic Brief Garden. This tour combines Buddhist heritage, architectural innovation, and horticultural design in one immersive experience.

The Kalutara Vihara is a Buddhist temple built in the 1960s which holds the distinction of being the only shrine in the world that is hollow. It is three stories high.

Kalutara temple is one of the country’s most holy places of worship and attracts the Southwest Buddhist community as well as tourists. Inside the Dagoba is a magnificent array of paintings describing the stories of Buddha.

Lunuganga Estate was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. In 1947 the garden led Bawa to decide to become an architect. As he went on to become Sri Lanka’s and one of Asia’s most prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas.

Bawa continued to change and experiment with the garden’s spaces and structures throughout his life until his final illness in 1998. The gardens are now open to the public and the buildings on the estate are run as a country house hotel.

Highlights:

  • Kalutara Temple
  • Lunuganga Estate
  • An array of paintings describing the stories of Buddha

Highlights

  • ✓Kalutara Vihara — a 1960s Buddhist temple with the world's only hollow three-story dagoba
  • ✓Interior murals depicting Buddha's life stories and teachings
  • ✓Lunuganga Estate — Geoffrey Bawa's lifelong garden laboratory and architectural showcase
  • ✓Intimate garden design and landscape innovation across multiple zones
  • ✓Brief Garden — a curated artistic landscape experience
  • ✓Sacred pilgrimage site blended with contemporary cultural heritage

Insider tips

  • ★Visit Kalutara Vihara early in the morning to witness devotional practices and avoid midday crowds
  • ★Wear modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) out of respect at the Buddhist temple
  • ★Lunuganga's gardens are best explored slowly — allow time to sit and absorb Bawa's spatial design philosophy rather than rushing through
  • ★Bring sunscreen and a hat; the estates have limited shade despite mature landscaping

Good to know

  • •Total duration is 12 hours including hotel transfers from Colombo
  • •Comfortable walking shoes essential — gardens involve uneven paths and steps
  • •Photography is generally permitted but check with guides at each site, especially inside the temple
  • •Limited facilities at some locations; facilities available at the Lunuganga estate hotel
  • •English-speaking guide typically included; confirm language preference when booking

Who it's for

Buddhist pilgrims and spiritual seekersArchitecture and design enthusiasts interested in Geoffrey Bawa's legacyGarden lovers and landscape design professionalsCultural tourists seeking depth beyond Colombo's urban centre

Best time to visit

Visit during the dry season (December–March) when garden paths are accessible and weather is stable. Early morning departures allow comfortable temple visits before midday heat and provide optimal light for photographing the dagoba and garden landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€167
per person