Kalutara Temple, Lunuganga Tour from Bentota 1
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Kalutara Temple, Lunuganga Tour from Bentota

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Bentota, Sri Lanka
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About this activity

Explore two iconic Sri Lankan landmarks in one curated day trip from Bentota: the unique hollow Kalutara Vihara temple with its intricate Buddha murals, and the historic Lunuganga estate gardens that inspired architect Geoffrey Bawa's visionary career. This combination offers both spiritual insight and architectural heritage 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. B

awa 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

  • ✓Three-storey hollow Dagoba—the world's only shrine of its kind
  • ✓Intricate interior paintings depicting Buddha's life stories
  • ✓Lunuganga estate: Geoffrey Bawa's personal creative laboratory and architectural landmark
  • ✓Lush experimental gardens showcasing innovative design principles
  • ✓Guided access to a working country house hotel on Bawa's original grounds

Insider tips

  • ★Visit Kalutara temple early in the tour to avoid midday heat and capture better lighting for the interior murals
  • ★Wear modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) at the temple; sarongs are often available for loan
  • ★Ask your guide about Bawa's specific design experiments in different garden zones—each reflects a different period of his thinking

Good to know

  • •7-hour tour includes transport from Bentota; confirm pickup location and time the evening before
  • •Comfortable walking shoes essential for navigating temple stairs and garden pathways
  • •Temple interior features narrow passages; claustrophobic travellers should notify guide in advance
  • •Lunuganga operates as a hotel; respect guest privacy and stay in designated visitor areas

Who it's for

Cultural heritage enthusiasts and architecture fansSpiritual seekers and Buddhist pilgrimsDesign-focused travellers interested in modern Asian architectsDay-trippers from Bentota or nearby beach resorts

Best time to visit

Visit between December and March (dry season) for clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Early morning departures allow you to experience the temple during quieter hours and explore the gardens in cooler conditions.

Frequently asked questions

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From€118
per person