It is a pretty good place to visit the sustainability practices of Mr. Geoffrey Bawa. He has a great design sense and architectural sense. You can see how he reuses stuff. If you are going there, you must take the tour. They are strict with timings, be there like 5 min before the start. The gardens are beautiful. If you are into nature and architecture, you must visit. Kids may not enjoy it as it's almost a 2-hour tour and they may be bored. But, if you can engage them, it will be fun. The way he has designed the estate over 30 years before without phones and having bells, pond of butterfly, river side plantations, etc. are amazing.

Truly unique — one of the best stays I’ve ever had. The staff were excellent, and the food was delicious. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates art, architecture, and nature.

Where architecture meets poetry. Lunuganga is not just a place — it’s Geoffrey Bawa’s living masterpiece. Every pathway tells a story, every view feels like art framed by nature. A magical escape filled with serenity, history, and timeless beauty. 🍃

A true masterpiece and creative playground for Geoffrey Bawa. We thoroughly enjoyed Suneth’s private tour of the grounds - his 20+ years working on Lunuganga made for a very informative and insightful morning. I highly recommend booking a private tour for a special experience (and to allow for a flexible pace and sufficient time for questions) - public tours seemed to be quite popular and guided in large groups. P.S. While not on display, Lunuganga sells a Geoffrey Bawa book which can be requested at the end of the tour. Highly recommend purchasing as a souvenir if this is your cup of tea, as the book is not available for purchase online or internationally!

Well worth a visit and the guide had been on the property for 40 years and new all the secrets😉. Very beautiful, pleasant, a man way ahead of his time using only recycled materials and no machinery to achieve his ultimate desire ❤️

There are rare places in the world that feel less like destinations and more like living poetry and Lunuganga Estate by Geoffrey Bawa is one such masterpiece. Set amidst still waters and emerald hills this place is not simply a garden or an architectural site but an expression of pure philosophy. The moment you step inside it feels as though you have crossed into another realm one that moves to its own rhythm and breathes through the trees and stone. The light hits differently here the silence speaks and every view feels like it was painted by nature and framed by genius. Lunuganga is not about grandiosity it is about the subtle dialogue between human imagination and natural beauty. It is a place where nature does not obey design but rather collaborates with it in perfect harmony. The deeper you explore the more you realize that every inch of the estate tells a story. The garden opens up in layers and each turn reveals something unexpected a sculpture half hidden by leaves a reflection of the clouds in the lake or a perfectly placed bench inviting you to pause and look. The estate’s main house holds Bawa’s soul in its walls its open verandas and quiet corners. The spaces are crafted with remarkable restraint and wisdom blending tropical modernism with the serenity of nature. Nothing feels out of place because Bawa designed it to be part of the landscape not separate from it. Even the wind and sunlight seem to flow exactly where they are meant to be. The guided tour we took was incredibly insightful and the guide spoke passionately about how Bawa viewed architecture not as a profession but as a living art. Standing near the lake and watching the reflection of trees on the calm water is almost meditative. You begin to sense how Bawa lived his life through balance and intention. Every step feels poetic every stone deliberate. The view of the Dedduwa Lake from his private terrace is breathtaking as though time stands still. The garden merges with the horizon and for a moment you feel a rare connection between the self and the space. The experience made me think deeply about how architecture can shape emotion and how silence can sometimes be the loudest form of beauty. It is not a place for rushing or sightseeing but for simply being. We also had the chance to sit in the small café at the estate overlooking the greenery while sipping tea. It felt surreal to think that this place once belonged to one of the greatest visionaries in Sri Lanka and now continues to inspire thousands. The simplicity of the food the calmness of the surroundings and the warmth of the staff made the experience even more special. You can feel that everyone working here carries a sense of pride and reverence for Bawa’s legacy. The air itself feels heavier with meaning yet light with peace. If you are an artist a thinker or someone who loves the quiet beauty of life Lunuganga will speak directly to your heart. What makes Lunuganga unforgettable is not just its design but the feeling it leaves behind. It is a reminder that true beauty does not demand attention it simply exists. The trees the shadows the worn paths and the old furniture all seem to whisper stories of time and thought. Visiting this place reminded me that creativity can be timeless when it respects the earth it is built upon. Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga is not just a home it is a philosophy made visible. It continues to live breathe and evolve long after him and for anyone who visits it is an experience that lingers quietly in the heart long after you have left.

This place is an absolute beaut! Impressive architectural ideas of Geoffrey Bawa to his master mind of immersing nature to feel bliss of a powerful vibrance of a wonderful ecosystem is truly marvelous. We stayed at the Bawas Guest room and there are a few types of other rooms in different areas you should try. This place deserves at least a two-nights stay or more. There are free walking tours three times a day and highly recommend taking one. The tours are organized by the Geoffrey Bawa fund and Teardrop hotel maintains a remarkable operation keeping the peace and calmness of the property. 10 out of 5 stars 🌟

We thoroughly enjoyed our river tour with Coca who stopped to show us Vivid green caméléon, green snake, baby crocodile, herons, monotaur lizards and through the beautiful weeping trunk mangroves which felt like we were in a movie (think Where the Crawdads Sing) We came to Cocas friends the Langur Monkeys who came down for feeding on peanuts. They were so gentle and touched our hands and let us pat them. We got so close it was just a gorgeous experience. What a thrill!!! Thank you Coca for your lovely charm and the yummy coconuts!!!

The experience is amazing. Going through river by boat and see different types of animals. But you should be careful about the prices. First we went to a place and he asked 85$ each person! Then we went to another place and they asked for 12000 rupees which is less than 40$ !!! And then we found out the real price is 2000 rupees per person…

Amazing river safari! Thanks to our eagle-eyed guide, we saw an incredible variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, birds, monitor lizards, chameleons, and more. We were absolutely amazed by his ability to spot every animal. The experience cost us 9,000 rupees for two people for two hours, and it was worth every penny. The guide even took photos of the animals we were too scared to approach, like snakes, and let us drive the boat back. We can't recommend this experience highly enough!

This place is a boat safari and has many islands across the river. It has a beautiful boat safari ride across the river with guides showing the visitors cinnamon trees. The boat rides also take near the backwaters of Indian Ocean where you get the beautiful sunset across the sea. It is indeed a good place to visit when you are holidaying in Sri Lanka

It was such an amazing Bentota river safari experience. Guide was very knowledgeable and was courteous enough to confirm our trip on short notice. We saw plenty of animals during ride. Entire ride was very satisfying and totally worth it. I'd highly recommend him for Bentota Safari.

The Bentota River Safari is an unforgettable experience! The calm waters, lush mangroves, and diverse wildlife create a perfect setting for a peaceful yet adventurous outing. The boat ride was smooth, and the guide was knowledgeable, pointing out unique birds, monitor lizards, and even baby crocodiles. The service was excellent, with pick-up and drop-off from the hotel making it super convenient. It’s a great way to explore the natural beauty of Bentota while enjoying a relaxing and scenic trip. Highly recommend this safari to anyone visiting the area!

We had an incredible time in this adventure, saw big and small crocodiles, monkeys, bats and more sea animals. Captain Nicolas was super competent and gave us a wonderful experience.

It is a small clothes store and workshop run by very nice lady. She sews the clothes by herself. I bought three trousers, very comfortable. My husband ordered also three trousers and they were ready to collect next morning. We highly recommend this place.

(Translated by Google) The best restaurant! Everything is always available, the chef cooks deliciously and quickly. A whole table of different games to choose from. Due to the fact that there is a railway nearby, prices are lower than others, but you don’t notice the train... The best restaurant ever! Everything is always in stock, the chef cooks tasty and fast. A whole table of different games to choose from. Due to the fact that the railway is nearby, prices are lower than others, but you don’t notice the train ... (Original) Самый лучший ресторан! Все, всегда есть в наличие, шеф повар вкусно готовит и быстро. Целый стол различных игр на выбор. Из-за того что рядом железная дорога, цены ниже чем у других, но поезда не замечаешь… The best restaurant ever! Everything is always in stock, the chef cooks tasty and fast. A whole table of different games to choose from. Due to the fact that the railway is nearby, prices are lower than others, but you don’t notice the train ...

During our 2 week stay, we dined here twice, and both times, the food was exceptional. It is so tasty and full of flavour. Portions are a fabulou s size, and the service was second to none! Really nice, polite staff that were really attentive. The restaurant is sit uated rig ht next to a railway line, which was just lovely. Real value for money with top quality food and service. It's definitely a restaurant worth recommending!

Best tasty Tuna Tuna 33 in Bentota is a wonderful little spot that perfectly blends fresh seafood, warm service, and a relaxed coastal vibe. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere feels inviting simple, open, and full of character. One of the charming features of the restaurant is its location beside the railway line, where the occasional passing train adds a unique touch to the dining experience without being disruptive. The food is undoubtedly the highlight. Their tuna steak is beautifully cooked, tender, and full of flavour, while the prawns and calamari are exceptionally fresh. The Sri Lankan dishes, especially the prawn curry and rice, carry authentic spices without being overwhelming. Portions are generous, and everything tastes like it was made with genuine care. The staff at Tuna Tuna 33 are incredibly friendly and attentive. They take time to explain dishes, offer suggestions, and make sure guests feel comfortable throughout the meal. The service has a personal warmth that adds to the overall charm of the place. Whether you want a laid-back dinner, a seafood feast, or simply a cosy spot to unwind, Tuna Tuna 33 is a great choice in Bentota. It’s a place you’ll likely want to return to. Are you staying bentota don't miss Tuna Tuna 33

Located opposite to popular resort in Bentota, just across the railway lines. Excellent service and tasty food. You can chill here for couple of hours

Amazing food, good portion sizes, very friendly staff offer superb service. Highly recommended if you want to experience Sri Lankan food.

Had a lovely prawn curry 😀 nice place cool people! An its right opposite my hotel thank goodness, walk over the train tracks.

Really lovely restaurant situated in a perfect spot by the side of the train tracks. We ate dinner on the balcony and watched the trains as they went by every now and then, which was an experience in itself. We had tuna steaks which were the best we’ve had in Sri Lanka. The food was perfect, service was excellent and an all round lovely vibe.

We were on Sri Lanka for 2 weeks, we tried a lot of restaurants and here was the best food we had :) Sea Food Pasta is really good!!

Amazing authentic family run Sri Lankan restaurant, a must visit in Bentota. A gorgeous family are running this restaurant, at the front of their house. They have built a gorgeous patio with beautiful lighting & wood work. We have rice & curry, it was delicious and the portion was very big! We even got some complimentary ice cream at the end, which was honestly the nicest ice cream I’ve ever had. When we struggled to get a pick me at the end of the meal, they even offered to drive us home. Five stars, 10/10!

By far our best meal in Sri Lanka! Run by a husband and wife team (with the kids watching on), this small family restaurant is everything you’re looking for in a small local family restaurant. In a quiet spot, Away from the hustle and bustle of the town, worth the walk or trip to this restaurant. Only small, 6 tables in the front of their house/restaurant. Beautiful service, super friendly and helpful. Food was amazing, everything prepared and cooked fresh, super tasty, clean and authentic. You won’t leave hungry. We also opted for the side salad and that was one of the best and freshest salads we’ve ever eaten. I would recommend getting it even if you don’t need it. Overall one of the best meals we’ve eaten in Sri Lanka from a beautiful and friendly family , would highly recommend stopping in for a meal if you are in the area. Support the locals

They were closed because of low season, but asked us to stay and eat. They "only" had rice and curry the owner said and apologized. Within 30 minutes he, his wife and mother prepared 11 wonderful dishes. Excellent!!!

One of the best restaurants in Sri Lanka, ran by the nicest man. So delicious and great portions. Extra good because they opened up for us even though they were shut and we were looking lost outside. Defo don't miss

The best local food restaurant in Bentota, and of our whole 17-days Sri Lanka trip! We only stayed in Bentota 3 days and we came every day for dinner here, because we loved it so much! This is a family business with lovely hosts and an amazing chef! He took care of us as if we were his family, he cooked the best food, everything was so delicious, and he even showed us how to cook one of our favorite dishes! The whole family made us feel so welcomed and special. We want to come back to Sri Lanka just to go to Olive Restaurant again. Thank you so much! ❤️🙏🏻

Great family run restaurant, so far the best meal we had in Sri Lanka. The different curries where amazing.

We came for lunch and what a feast! The food was incredible, lovely home cooked Sri Lankan curry was delicious. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area to try it out !

Rielzie served delicious food with fantastic views . A lovely lunch of seafood and salad looking across the lagoon albeit in a monsoon. Very peacful with the nearby giant budha gazing over

The food was very delicious and was just the right sice for 1 Person. The service was very friendly and funny:) And you have got a nice view on the river. It was very delicious.

Our group of 6 had an amazing freshly caught grilled prawns, Delicious and great value. Will recommend!!

The food was great. I had grilled fish, noodels and vegetables. The cook did a great job. The view over the bentota river and the exellente service made it perfect.

Great place to eat lovely views across the river and very friendly staff thank to qyou and you staff Nilanka.

A great view over the river, good food, we've been here 3 times, you know why.

Location is decent if you are staying in Bentota beach area. The restaurant has a nice view over the river. Food is average, service is average, cats are used to feeding and will not go away without sharing your meal.

At first glance, the place appeared quite cool and authentic, but being an open area, it was a bit warm. The food was enjoyable, and the prices were reasonable. You have the option to select from both the table menu and the live seafood counter menu; however, opting for live seafood might incur a higher cost, but it's worth it for the freshest catch. You have the flexibility to provide cooking instructions according to your preference; I like mine spicy, and it turned out wonderfully. The drinks were excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. Go for something recommended by them. The highlight was the live band performance, which added significantly to the overall atmosphere. They serenade you with nice songs while you dine, and it's encouraged to tip them, as they truly enhance your experience. They can even spontaneously incorporate your names into a song. Overall, it's a great place to visit.

Me and my wife recently had a beautiful dining experience at Amal Restaurant in Bentota, and honestly. If anyone is looking for a nice beachside restaurant with great food and atmosphere, I can highly recommend this place. Before visiting, I heard a lot about Amal Restaurant, especially that they are famous for live seafood and that they offer halal food, which is very important for us as we follow halal dietary requirements. So we decided to visit, and they truly did not disappoint. What made our experience even more special is that they arranged a beautiful candlelight dinner setup right on the beach. It was very romantic, peaceful, and the sound of the waves with the cool sea breeze made the whole evening unforgettable. The beach area was clean, the setup was simple but elegant, and the ambiance was just perfect for couples like us who wanted to enjoy a peaceful dinner by the sea. One thing I really appreciated was how friendly and welcoming the staff were from the moment we arrived. They greeted us with a warm smile and made sure we were comfortable. They were always around when we needed anything, but never disturbed us unnecessarily, which I liked a lot. They explained the menu clearly, answered all our questions about the food, and even recommended the best dishes to try. As for the food, I must say, the quality was excellent. Their seafood is super fresh, which is no surprise because they are well-known in Bentota for their live seafood displays. You can actually select your fish, prawns, or lobster from the live tanks, and they will cook it fresh for you according to your taste. We ordered grilled prawns and a seafood platter, and both were perfectly cooked, full of flavour, and nicely presented. Since they serve halal food, we could enjoy the meal without any doubts or worries, which is not always easy to find when traveling. It’s very comforting to know they care about providing halal options, especially for tourists like us. We also ordered some sides and drinks. Everything came on time, the portion sizes were generous, and the prices were reasonable considering the quality, location, and service. It’s not the cheapest place, but you definitely get what you pay for — fresh food, clean surroundings, excellent service, and an amazing beach vibe. One more thing to mention, we stayed a bit longer after dinner, just relaxing on the beach chairs and enjoying the night sky. The staff never rushed us, they let us enjoy our time in peace, which shows how customer-friendly they are. Overall, I can say that Amal Restaurant Bentota exceeded our expectations. It’s not only about the food but the full experience — the romantic beach dinner setup, the friendly staff, the fresh seafood, and the halal options made it perfect for us. If you are visiting Bentota with your partner, family, or friends, and you want to have a relaxing meal by the beach with delicious halal seafood, I highly recommend you try Amal Restaurant. We are definitely planning to visit them again. Thank you to the entire team at Amal Restaurant for making our evening so special!

Excellent curry crab! U must try this dish, really excellent! We have grilled king prawn too. I can say a perfect grill, fresh n juicy flesh… We ordered steam Tiger Fish, unfortunately is a bit dry n overcooked but the fish is very fresh. Tried their fried cabbage, thumb up for the chef, we finished the first plate n ordered again the second plate! Highly recommended if u have a chance to visit this restaurant.

Absolutely amazing place with lots of different seating options. We selected our fish from their market and the cooking type to be grilled and it was brought out with sides of rice and salad and an interesting coconut bread. The place is great for food that has a bit more of a middle eastern feel. Service was great and fast.

We were very satisfied here. They have two Menus - local and Italian. We tried both and we liked them a lot. I recommend trying something from the ,,Catch of the Day" - they have everything (crabs, shrimps, lobsters, fresh fish...). The staff is very nice and helpful. It is possible to pay by card. I look forward to coming back.

Amal Restaurant & Cocktail Bar and Shisha Bar, Bentota This place is highly disappointing and I strongly advise caution, especially if you’re a tourist or someone not familiar with the area. The staff are extremely unprofessional and forward in their behavior. Service is pathetic — careless, inattentive, and at times, outright disrespectful. While the food is passable, it’s overshadowed by the highly suspicious practices happening between the waiters and the cashier. There appears to be an internal scam going on. Staff were seen communicating in sign language, clearly signaling each other when it came time to avoid billing customers properly or manipulating the transaction. At one point, the cashier said they accepted card payments, but the waiter quickly signaled him otherwise — after which we were suddenly told there would be an extra 3% charge, and then another 3% was quietly added, which seems highly unethical and illegal. This behavior suggests that some staff are canceling food bills or redirecting payments to pocket the money. It’s a shameful practice and the owner should urgently look into what’s going on behind the counter. Also, no transparency with service charges, and when asked, the answers were evasive. It seems like the lower-level staff are playing games to make extra money on the side. This was a very uncomfortable and untrustworthy dining experience. Tourists especially — please beware. This place is not safe to dine at if you care about transparency and basic honesty.

This place is tucked away off main road in Bentota. Had lunch which was fantastic Western chicken dishes that were fresh and tasty. The service was great and had a 3 piece band singing songs. You get the extra experience of local trains passing right next to you. We went back a couple of times. Easy tuk tuk ride.