Blessed with inspiring natural beauty, Sri Lanka is also home to some impressive botanical gardens and here are some that are well worth visiting.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Set amidst the mountains, Hakgala Botanical Gardens is easy to access from hotels in Nuwara Eliya. Only around 20 km from properties like Araliya Green City, this site is well-known for its orchids, roses and various blooms that add vibrant colour to the lush landscapes; also of interest is its Cactus House and Glass House.
Royal Botanical Gardens
In the hill capital, Kandy, you will find the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Amongst the most popular botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, this sprawling site with its diverse flora and lake offers much to discover; highlights include the Orchid House, Flower Garden, Royal Palm Avenue and a huge Javan fig tree.
Mirijjawila Botanical Gardens
In the Hambantota District is the Mirijjawila Botanical Gardens that offers one a chance to see various plants, medicinal herbs and trees from the dry zone. Set amidst 300 acres, it has charming landscaped gardens, three lakes and an impressive collection of cacti too; you can even hire an electric cart to explore the site.
Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Gardens
Located in Avissawella, the Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Gardens opened in 2014 and has many plants and trees from the wet zone. There are stone-paved pathways for you to walk along as well as name boards on most of the trees; of note is an idyllic lawn featuring kumbuk trees, while there’s a small lake here too.
