Colombo to Hikkaduwa

Working our way south along the coast we make a little trek off the coastal road at Bentota to visit Brief Garden. Hidden away nine kilometers up a rough, dirt road we come to an clearing with the former house of Bevis Bawa, landscape architect and brother to most renowned painter in the country, Geoffrey Bawa.

We are instructed by the sole overseer to explore the garden and then return to the house.

Formerly a rubber plantation the hillside garden features beautiful landscaping, tropical plants and erotic sculptures.

An airy home feautures a mural by Austrialian artist, Donald Friend, depicting Sri Lankan life (story goes he came for a six day visit and stayed six years).

Elephant Walk, 1954, with was filmed here with Elizabeth Taylor, Dana Andrews and Peter Finch.

Onward southbound….

We visit a herbal Ayurveda garden/forest where medical students are learning the contribution of the jungle to science in the healing industry.

An example:

Interesting fact: Kathala Himbutu bark is used as a compementary suppliment to a significant amount of conventional diabetes treatments.

Sri Lanka is famous for precious and semi-precious stones. And cinnemon.