Nature & Hiking
Known as the "Kew of Kandy", the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya are among the finest tropical gardens in Asia — home to over 4,000 species of plants, a magnificent avenue of royal palms, giant Javan fig trees and an extraordinary orchid collection.
Established in 1821 on the banks of the Mahaweli River, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens cover over 147 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Originally the pleasure gardens of the Kandyan kings, the site was developed by the British into one of the most important botanical research centres in Asia.
The gardens are home to over 4,000 species of trees, plants and shrubs — including giant bamboo, spice trees, medicinal plants and one of the finest collections of tropical palms in the world. The Great Circle lawn, shaded by a vast 150-year-old Javan fig tree with a canopy spread of over 2,500 sq m, is one of the most photographed spots in Sri Lanka.
The orchid collection houses hundreds of species and hybrid varieties, displayed in a dedicated glasshouse. The spice garden offers fragrant walks past cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla, while the avenue of royal palms provides one of the most elegant promenades in the country.
Everything you need to know before planning your excursion to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid school groups and weekend crowds. The gardens are at their most beautiful after the rains when everything is lush and green.
