Are you planning on walking through Hakgala Botanical Gardens? Here’s what you need to know before you visit the second largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka.
Some Basic Details
The Hakgala Botanical Garden is the second largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka after the Peradeniya Garden and shares a boundary with the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve. Since it sits at an altitude of 5,400 feet above sea level, those who visit can enjoy cooler climes and even a slight chill in the air.
Where is it?
The Gardens are only 16 KM from Nuwara Eliya, and can easily be accessed from the main Nuwara Eliya-Badulla road. Check into Oliphant Boutique Villa by Amaya, or any of the other excellent Nuwara Eliya Bungalows to be centrally located in the highlands!
Brief History
The garden was originally opened in 1861 to grow a commercial crop called
Cinchona. There was a high demand for this since its extract was used for the treatment and cure of Malaria which was rampant at the time. This was followed by a tea plantation and it was finally transformed into a garden in 1884.
Garden Features
The Park is home to several foreign and local species of shrubs, plants, and trees and features an impressive collection of cedars, cypresses, a variety of pines, and English oaks. There’s also a network of creeks creating a quaint air which lots of adorable wooden bridges and walking paths along which you can explore the gardens leisurely.
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