Joanna James
Whether you're seeking an atmospheric honeymoon ramble, a family-friendly day out, or an eye-popping floricultural exhibition, Lanka's Royal Botanical Gardens are a must-visit! Here's the scoop about this dazzling colonial bower.
While the dreamy Lankan highlands are full of old-world intrigue and adrenaline-rich adventures, from vintage train rides chugging through forested hills and tea-steeped valleys to waterfall terraces and panoramic climbs, the UNESCO-listed imperial Hill City of Kandy infuses heritage and nature with picturesque perfection. From explosions of tropical brightness flourishing around you from varying heights and imperial flowering beds fringed with rare medicinal plants to shadowy avenues of ancient trees for meditative walks and wide-open meadowland for free-spirited games, this queenly river-bound sanctuary fulfils every brand of nature-kissed wanderlust.
A regal stomping grounds that were once exclusive to Lankan blue bloods, this beautiful pleasure park was first established in 1371 and was a scenic cornerstone for historic events ever since, from reigning supreme as one of the finest botanical emporiums in the British Empire to hosting the Allied Forces in Asia during World War II. The gracious Gardens boast plantations endowed by various world leaders, from the behemoth Ceylon Ironwood Tree planted in 1984 by Nicholas the II and an Amherstia courtesy of Prince Albert of Belgium to the Sorrowless Tree in memorial of Queen Elizabeth in 1981 and a Camphor Tree set out in 1972 by the first female prime minister of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike.
While the 147 acres of this culture-rich riverside garden, once a summery court of a 14th-century king, brims with kaleidoscopic mosaics of fascinating and exotic plants, from arched trellises covered with climbing trumpet-shaped Beaumontia and glowing purple Saritaea to its flourishing herbarium, beautiful 'ribboned' flower spreads, aromatic ferny pathways, and unbroken sea of grass. For instance, you can't miss out on the sweepingly grand avenues of slender coconut and gargantuan cannonball trees that are Instagrammer approved, the bizarrely gnarled Javanese fig tree pavilion, and the irresistibly jewel-toned Orchid House, with over 300 gorgeous varieties of orchids simultaneously abloom. If travel to Kandy is foremost on your itinerary, get in touch with Kandy Escapes for a wonderfully customised way to enjoy this storybook city.
If you're more excited about the hushed, mysterious, yet sensorily exquisite plots and paths that are not so frequented by tourists, every corner of this abundantly endowed bower will thrill you with a pleasant surprise. However, some enticing offbeat sights include one of the world's only remnants of the Coco de Mer plant, with each fruit weighing 10-20 kg, aromatic spice and herb gardens, photogenic Palmyra alley, river suspension bridge, as well as the lily-laden lake, cactus greenhouse, not to mention the little plant shops right outside to take some effervescent blooms home with you.
If you want the best out of this lush estate with its wide green meadows, voluptuous multi-hued roses, elegant bamboo grove, intimidating rubber trees, leaning pines, dainty blossom-laden avenues, and natural jungle gym, make sure you get there as early as possible for a good four hours' worth of exploring! If you're bringing snacks, make sure you bring them in paper and not polythene bags, and you can always grab some food at the garden's iconic café.
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.
