Bentota City Tour from Wadduwa

Wadduwa, nestled along Sri Lanka's southwestern coastline, enchants visitors with its serene beaches, swaying palm trees, and luxurious resorts. It offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle, where one can indulge in sun-kissed shores, vibrant sunsets, and the rich cultural heritage of the island nation.

Lunuganga estate is the brainchild of the late architect Geoffrey Bawa (23 July 1919 – 27 May 2003). This country home was his very first muse and his experimental laboratory; while remaining his go-to place for rest and relaxation as his fame increased throughout the years. Designed with the whimsical beauty and eccentric style typical of Bawa; the estate is filled with with a number of art and artifacts from all over Asia and Europe.

A mangrove lagoon joined to the sea by a narrow canal and containing 15 islands of varying size, some of which are inhabited. It is formed of two shallow waterbodies, Maduganga and smaller Randombe Lake, connected by two narrow channels. On the islands and shores, relatively undisturbed mangrove vegetation contains rich biodiversity qualifying the wetland for 7 Criteria of International Importance. Many globally/nationally endangered, endemic and rare species - e.g. Shorea affinis, an endemic and endangered plant, Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) vulnerable (IUCN Red Book) and CITES-listed Purple-faced Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus vetulus), endangered, Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata), Indian Python (Python molurus) find shelter here. The lagoon provides the breeding, spawning, and fattening ground for many fish species and supports 1.2 % of the Little Green Heron biogeographical population.

These shimmering semi-precious stones, known for their iridescent sheen, are mined here amidst lush greenery. Visitors can witness the traditional methods of extraction and purchase exquisite moonstone jewelry, making it a gem enthusiast's paradise.