If you are travelling from Colombo to Kandy by car, after an educational visit at the Geragama Tea Factory, you can take a relaxing stroll in the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. The largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, Peradeniya is a haven of peace. Located 110kms from Colombo, I recommend stopping there to stretch your legs and discovering the results of very hard work by British colonists to create a garden fit for kings. The gardens cover a surface of 147 acres and have various itineraries, depending on how long you want to walk for. Remember, Sri Lanka is mostly hot and humid, so you need to take that factor into consideration.
Table of Contents
A Little History of The Royal Botanical Gardens
The gardens were originally conceived in 1371 by Sinhalese kings. In 1821, the British turned them into botanical gardens and began conserving the many plant species found in Sri Lanka, including spices. Imported crops were tested in the gardens: coffee, tea, nutmeg, rubber, cinchona… Would you believe that the first plants of tea were regarded as a decoration, before becoming a huge industry in Sri Lanka?
The Vegetation
Sri Lanka is incredibly green, I mean, MIND-BOGGLINGLY green… Don’t go if you don’t like the colour green! And Peradeniya Botanical Gardens reflect the richness and variety of the colour… I almost think of it as an education in green… Here, the vegetation is largely tropical and there are 4000 plant species, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees.
Indeed, some of the vegetation seems quite wild and jungle-like, such as the giant bamboos by the Mahaweli River.
Century-old trees grow to shelter wanderers…
The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens are home to many species native to Sri Lanka. Here, you have a great opportunity to put a name on plants you see everywhere in Sri Lanka. Indeed, the cannonball tree is quite common in Sri Lanka and it has a peculiar look…
A Part of Sri Lankan Life
Sri Lankans are very proud of their history and very knowledgeable about it. Interestingly, this includes the colonial history, and a visit to Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is a great way to experience how a typically British creation has become part of Sri Lankan life. The garden welcomes two million visitors each year and about 5% of all Sri Lankan schoolchildren visit Peradeniya every year. Sri Lankan people are friendly and easy to talk to, and the gardens host many families and couples enjoying the beauty of the place.
Orchids and Spices
As a place of conservation and sustainability, Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens are a must-see if orchids and spices are of interest. The Orchid Pavilion is therefore worth a tour if you are keen to discover many different species. Growing orchids is an art and a delicate one. You have to find the perfect balance of temperature, moisture and shading. Personally, I find orchids a little odd, but if I’m honest, they are truly beautiful.
The Many Trees of the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
At the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, you can simply enjoy a moment of peace at the foot of a giant tree. If trees give you a sense of calm and purpose, you can sit in their shade and daydream for a moment…
There is a spice garden within the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, however, it’s worth dedicating a separate visit to one.
Whilst the entrance fee to the garden is not cheap, the visit is well worth it. You can also hire a guide to take you around, however, I would recommend negotiating the price. There are many more things to see in the Kandy area, the most important being the Temple of the Tooth. If you are into crafts and handmade, I also recommend visiting a Batik factory.
Have you visited Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens? Or any other garden in Sri Lanka? Where should I go on my next visit?
What an amazing place!!
Hi Anamika, these are lovely gardens, a very relaxing stroll!
woah never been there,but that place looks amazing
Hi Mara, thank you for dropping by. It’s a beautiful garden, lots of space, flowers and animals too!
Absolutely breathtaking photos. I love botanical gardens- was just saying to my husband last night how I missed them…
Thanks Helene, the Peradeniya gardens were built by the British during their time in Sri Lanka. They are very elegant and spacious. I especially liked the orchid gardens, so many beautiful species!
Wow what a beautiful place ! My roommate is from Sri Lanka and she keep telling me to visit her country! I can’t wait ! Your photos are stunning
Ada, I think with a bit of work from your flatmate and more of my photos, you are going to end up buying a ticket to Sri Lanka! Am I right or am I right?
this place looks magical!
i haven’t heard of it before,but now i am putting it on my bucket list <3
Hi Mara, Peradeniya is on the way to the royal city of Kandy, so if you go to Sri Lanka, it is likely you will find it on your way. If you have time to stop, it’s worth visiting it, it’s quite a romantic garden, with lots of beautiful flowers and plants. And lots of cheeky monkeys as well!
i will 🙂 thanks
SUCH a gorgeous place to visit. I can’t believe how beautiful it all is.
Thanks Bailey, Peradeniya is a very majestic garden. It’s a great place to enjoy a leisurely walk, or even a picnic, if it’s not too hot!
The landscape reminds me of Hawaii, so lush!
Hi Julie, the landscape in Sri Lanka is incredibly lush, I’ve never seen so many shades of green!