Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa is a magnificent garden and park that has been open to the public since 1970. Its ornamental trees, lush greenery and stunning landscapes provide the perfect tranquil getaway amidst the chaos of the city. If you are looking for a gateway to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then this is the best place for that. The garden is adorned with various species of flora that elevate the overall magical charm of the garden and is the perfect destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Make sure to add Brief Garden to your Sri Lankan itinerary.
The Fascinating History Of The Brief Garden
The Brief Garden has a rich and interesting history attached to it. Created by the renowned architect Bevis Bawa, brother of the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa, Bevis converted the inherited rubber plantation into a beautiful garden.Bevis Bawa kept developing the garden over the years, adding ornamental trees as well as intricately carved sculptures and art that infused the whimsical nature of the garden. After carefully and scrupulously planning the layout and architecture of the garden in the 1930s, the garden was officially opened to the public in 1970.
The garden quickly became a hotspot for artists, celebrities as well as photographers and a tranquil haven for people as the garden provided a few moments of magical and whimsical escape to the visitors.The Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa now stands as one of the most talked about tourist spots in Sri Lanka and is visited by travellers from all around the world. It is an important landmark and marks the architect Bevis Bawa’s genius and creativity.
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Entry Fee And Timings Of The Garden
The Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa operates on specific timings and entry fees to ensure that the visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The garden is open on all days from 8 am – 5 pm. Therefore, visitors can get ample time to soak in the natural glory and charm of the garden. However, it is vital that visitors look up the timings before visiting the Brief Garden since they may be subject to change.
The entry fee is different for foreigners and locals. For foreigners, the entry fee is usually Rs.1000, which includes a tour of the garden and the bungalow and for locals, the fee is about half of that. Additionally, children between ages 5-12 are charged Rs. 500 and for children below 5 years of age, there is no entry fee. Once again, it is advisable for travellers to look up the cost and the entry fee to make informed decisions before visiting the Brief Garden, since they may vary due to several factors.
Ways To Reach Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa
There are various transportation options available and at the disposal of the visitors. Hence, reaching Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa is very convenient and hassle-free
By road- One of the best ways to reach Brief Garden is by car which can be rented or visitors could even hire a taxi. There are various cab options available with apps such as Uber and PickMe being popular throughout the country. Hiring a cab or driving a car from the nearest major town, Bentota, would only take about 20 mins(around 10 km) to reach Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa.
By bus or train- While there are no direct bus or train services to Brief Garden, visitors can take a bus or a train to the town of Aluthgama which is 7-8 kms from the Brief Garden. There are many taxis and tuk-tuks available is Aluthgama that could take you to Brief Garden which would take about 10-15 mins.
Local transport- Tuk-tuks, which are very popular and seen in almost every part of the country could be hired from Bentota, the nearest major town or Aluthgama. However, visitors should ensure they agree on a reasonable fare before hiring a tuk-tuk and beware of any scams.
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Things To Do In Brief Garden By Bevis Bawa
Visitors can wander through the garden via the beautifully and carefully laid out paths and marvel at the artistic creation and genius of Bevis Bawa and the natural beauty. Many artistic sculptures full of intricate carvings are placed at various points in the Brief Garden. These art installations are beautifully paired with the majestic and whimsical beauty of the garden. Visitors can admire the Bevis Bawa home in the Brief Garden, which is open to the public and contains various art installations, antique pieces and vintage furniture.
There are many guided tours available as well that allows visitors to gain insights on the history of the garden as well as more information on Bevis Bawa, his life and his inspirations. The knowledgeable guides provide a lot of fascinating and detailed information and facts about the Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa.The Brief Garden is a true haven for photography enthusiasts owing to its majestic beauty. Every point of the garden exudes a different whimsical charm which allows for a lot of photo opportunities
Places To Visit Near The Brief Garden
Breathtaking view of the beach near Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa in Sri Lanka
Visitors can explore many tourist destinations and attractions near the Brief Garden.
1. Bentota Beach
Image Credit: Vincent van Zeijst for Wikimedia Commons
Located at a distance of about 10 kms from Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa, Bentota Beach is the ideal location for a serene getaway. The calm blue waters and the beautiful lush greenery make it a perfect spot for beach lovers. Thrill seekers can also enjoy various adventure activities on the beach such as jetskiing, diving, boat rides, etc.
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2. Kande Viharaya Temple
Image Credit: Balou46 for Wikimedia Commons
Roughly located about 6 km from the Brief Garden, Kande Viharaya Temple is a significant Buddhist temple in Aluthgama. The temple is home to an iconic massive Buddha statue and is a revered spiritual site. Visitors can visit the temple to look into and gain insights into the spiritual and religious heritage of Sri Lanka
3. Bentota River Safari
Situated about 8 km from the Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa, the Bentota River Safari is one of the top tourist destinations near the garden. Visitors can embark on guided boat tours of the stunning Bentota River and learn facts and information about the same while marvelling at the divine natural beauty of the place. The tour usually includes visits to mangroves, and small islands in the river as well as a chance to see some of the local wildlife such as crocodiles and some bird species.
Further Read: Top things to do in Bentota
Now that you have a comprehensive guide of things to know before visiting the majestic Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa, it is time to pack your bags and plan a trip to Bentota, Sri Lanka. Explore this ideal tranquil getaway spot with your loved ones and make memories you will cherish forever.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Brief Garden By Bevis Bawa
When is the best time to visit Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa?
The best time to visit the Brief Garden would be November- April when visitors can bask in the sunshine and fully appreciate the natural beauty of the place.
What is the location of Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa?
The Brief Garden is located in Bentota, on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka and is roughly 10 km away from the town centre.
Do I have to book the tickets in advance?
Although it is not a mandate to book tickets prior to a visit to the garden, it is recommended for a seamless and hassle-free experience for visitors, especially if you opt for guided tours or visits during peak seasons
Are there any souvenir shops available at the Brief Garden?
Yes, there are souvenir shops available that sell pictures, art, small articles and items related to the Brief Garden that visitors can take back home as a memoir.
Are there guides available at the Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa?
There are plenty of tours with guides that provide deeper insights and detailed information about the Brief Garden as well as Bevis Bawa. It is recommended to go for a guided tour as it will help visitors learn more about the garden as well as the artistic sculptures and art in the garden from the knowledgeable guides.
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