Joanna James
Nature-loving travellers headed to Sri Lanka, yearning to savour a slice of beautiful tropical flora, the tiny island nation awaits you with five scenic botanical gardens. Get out and about, explore the sprawling greenery, and get closer to serene nature in this South Asian island paradise.
Taking you through a pine tree-lined misty country road, Hakgala Botanical Gardens lies 5 kilometres south of the scenic city of Nuwara Eliya. The mildly chilly, soothing climate has blessed the nature haven with over 10,000 species of indigenous and exotic flora, while orchids and roses are the popular highlights. The sprawling 28-hectare garden is split into five main sections, namely, the rock garden, water garden, fern garden, Japanese garden and the seed room.
Located 29 kilometres away from the bustling commercial capital of Sri Lanka—Colombo—Henarathgoda Botanical Gardens, which also goes by the name of Gampaha Botanical Garden, is the closest botanical garden in the country one can escape to get away from the bustle of the vibrant metropolis. Extending over 43 acres of land in the urban suburb of Gampaha, this nature paradise sets itself apart from the rest of the botanical gardens in the country by being the home to the first-ever rubber tree planted in Sri Lanka.
Dating back to 1821 and spreading across a whopping 147 acres, Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya is the first and the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. Sitting just outside the cultural capital city of Kandy, in the suburb of Peradeniya, this land of sprawling greenery is an oasis of serenity in a collage of chaos. Soak up everything that this paradise on earth has to offer and retreat to one of the finest hotels in Kandy the likes of Earl's Regent Kandy.
Tourists exploring the barren dry zone of Sri Lanka, your only hope of relishing in a dose of nature and beauty lies in the sanctuary of the Mirijjawila Botanical Gardens. A haven for dry zone plants, this picturesque land of green is home to a host of distinctive tropical flora that cannot be witnessed anywhere else in the country. Unwind on the lush greenery and share a moment or two with the charming tranquil nature.
Opening its gates to the public just in 2014, Seethawaka Botanical Gardens is the newest member to join the family of botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. Nestled in the city of Avissawella, the botanic gardens serve as a land for research and training programmes associated with wet-zone flora. Make your way to this wealth of lush greenery and let both your feet and mind take a wander through the relaxing setting.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
