Sri Lanka's garden legacy comes to life: Launch of new book on Bevis Bawa's Brief Garden by Juliet Coombe

A new era of nature and garden tourism in Sri Lanka was officially launched recently with the unveiling of acclaimed British travel writer Juliet Coombe’s latest book, ‘Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa’—a compelling tribute to one of the world’s most iconic tropical gardens.

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The book was launched in Colombo amidst a gathering of subject enthusiasts, cultural historians, nature lovers, and members of the travel industry.

More than just a chronicle of Bevis Bawa’s artistic garden sanctuary, this pioneering publication positions Sri Lanka as a global destination for garden and nature-based travel. It offers an immersive journey through the island’s lush landscapes, tracing the evolution of garden design from the ancient boulder gardens and hydraulic engineering marvels of the 5th-century Sigiriya Fortress to contemporary garden creations across the island.

Coombe’s work introduces a bold new genre of experiential travel in Sri Lanka—one that invites travellers to explore the island through its gardens. From luxurious villas on the coastal belt to the emerald highlands of the tea country and the sprawling 300-kilometre Pekoe Trail—now considered the world’s largest interconnecting garden walk—visitors can experience a harmonious blend of history, biodiversity, and botanical beauty.