Gardens in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's gardens are a gentle counterpoint to its temples and safaris, and the finest of them are grand affairs. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, just outside Kandy, spread over 60 hectares of lawns, an avenue of towering palms and a much-photographed orchid house, and make an easy half-day in the shade.
Higher up, the Hakgala Gardens near Nuwara Eliya are cool and misty enough for roses and temperate plants, while along the road to Kandy the spice gardens offer a quick, aromatic introduction to the cinnamon, cardamom and pepper that once made the island famous. Mornings are best, before the highland cloud and afternoon warmth arrive.
Gardens to visit in Sri Lanka
- Beddagana Wetland Park — A restored wetland reserve on the edge of the city with boardwalks over lily-covered marsh, a surprising haven for birds, butterflies and monitor lizards close to the capital.
- Brief Garden, Bentota — Brief Garden was the life's work of Bevis Bawa, who acquired the estate, originally a rubber plantation, from his mother in 1929 and spent decades quietly turning it into an artistic retreat.
- Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens — One of Asia's oldest zoos, set in landscaped gardens at Dehiwala, home to a wide range of animals and birds, a long-standing family outing on the edge of the city.
- Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve — Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve is a beautiful natural sanctuary located near Kandy, Sri Lanka, offering a peaceful escape surrounded by lush greenery and rich biodiversity. Covering a large forest area around the Dunumadalawa Reservoir, the reserve plays an important role in protecting the region’s natural ecosystem and providing a valuable habitat for various species of plants and wildlife.
- Geoffrey Bawa Gardens — What makes Lunuganga significant beyond its beauty is what it represents, this was essentially Bawa's laboratory, the place where he tested and refined the ideas that would go on to define what's now called Tropical Modernism, an architectural style that's since influenced buildings across South and Southeast Asia.
- Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya — One of Asia's finest botanical gardens, spread over 147 acres in a loop of the Mahaweli River, famous for its avenue of royal palms, a giant Javan fig, and an orchid house.
- Victoria Park — A neat colonial-era park in the middle of Nuwara Eliya, prized by birdwatchers for its migrant species and pleasant for a stroll among lawns and flower beds.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is the best botanical garden in Sri Lanka?
- The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya near Kandy are the largest and most impressive, known for their palm avenues, orchid house and giant Javan fig tree.
- How long do you need at Peradeniya Gardens?
- Two to three hours is enough for a relaxed loop of the main highlights. Go in the morning to enjoy the shade before the midday heat.