How to Spend a Relaxing Day at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, also known as Royal Botanical Gardens, are one of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka. Located about 5.5 km from the city of Kandy, they cover an area of 147 acres and contain more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees²³. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or a photography enthusiast, you will find something to enjoy at these gardens. Here are some tips on how to spend a relaxing day at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Plan your visit
The gardens are open daily from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. You can also hire a guide for an additional fee if you want to learn more about the plants and the history of the gardens. Alternatively, you can download the official app of the Department of National Botanic Gardens, which provides information and maps of the gardens.
The best time to visit the gardens is during the dry season, from December to April when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in bloom. However, you can also enjoy the gardens during the rainy season, as they offer a refreshing escape from the heat and humidity.
Explore the gardens
The gardens are divided into several sections, each with its own theme and attractions. Some of the highlights include:
- The Orchid House: This is where you can admire a stunning collection of orchids, ranging from endemic species to exotic hybrids. The Orchid House also hosts an annual orchid show in February³.
- The Spice Garden: This is where you can learn about the spices that have shaped the history and culture of Sri Lanka. You can see cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, pepper, and many other spices growing in their natural habitat.
- Palm Avenue: This is a majestic avenue lined with coconut palm trees that leads to the Great Lawn. The palm trees were planted in 1905 to commemorate the visit of Prince Albert Victor³.
- The Great Lawn: This is a spacious lawn surrounded by flower beds and trees. It is a perfect spot for picnics, relaxing, or playing games.
- The Giant Javan Fig Tree: This is one of the most impressive sights in the gardens. It is a huge fig tree that covers an area of 1600 square meters with its aerial roots and branches⁴. It is estimated to be over 140 years old³.
- The Suspension Bridge: This is a bridge that crosses the Mahaweli River, which encircles the gardens. It offers a scenic view of the river and the surrounding hills.
Enjoy other activities
Besides exploring the gardens, you can also enjoy other activities such as:
- Visiting the National Herbarium: This is where you can see a collection of over 200,000 dried plant specimens from Sri Lanka and other countries². It is also a research center for botany and conservation.
- Shopping at the souvenir shop: This is where you can buy souvenirs such as books, postcards, seeds, plants, and handicrafts made from natural materials.
- Dining at the cafeteria: This is where you can have a snack or a meal while enjoying the view of the gardens. The cafeteria serves local and international dishes at reasonable prices.
Conclusion
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens are a must-see destination for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. They offer a rich diversity of plants, a fascinating history, and a serene atmosphere. You can easily spend a whole day at these gardens and still not see everything they have to offer. So make sure you include them in your itinerary and enjoy a relaxing day at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.