Botanical Gardens

Sri Lanka boasts a diverse array of plants and flora, with many species unique to the region and country. Much like the wildlife sanctuaries, there are numerous locations where you can appreciate these natural wonders. Sri Lanka is home to five principal botanical gardens.

Royal Botanical Garden (Peradeniya/Kandy)

Dating back to 1371, this garden is famous for its orchid collection. It features over 4,000 different plant species, all nourished by the great Mahaweli River. An extensive collection of medicinal plants is also displayed here. The garden spans 60 hectares, and visitors can hire a buggy to explore its beautiful lawns, plant houses, and extraordinary plant collections.

Hakgala Botanical Garden (Nuwara Eliya)

As the second largest botanical garden in the country, Hakgala borders Hakgala's strict nature reserve. The area's cooler temperatures allow the flora and fauna to flourish year-round. The garden is divided into sections such as the Rock Garden, Water Garden, Fern Garden, Japanese Garden, and Seed Room. It also boasts a vibrant collection of roses in various colors.

Mirijjawila Dry Zone Botanical Garden (Hambantota)

This recently established garden, initiated in 2006, covers nearly 300 acres. Its primary goal is to promote the endemic species of trees and herbal plants found in the dry zone.

Henarathgoda Botanical Garden (Gampaha Botanical Garden)

Founded in 1876 by the British for experiments with rubber and other economically valuable plants, this garden spans 43 acres. It features plants from all over the tropical zone and is bordered by several national parks and gardens. The garden continues to support a wide range of research and educational activities in the country.

The first rubber seed was planted here in 1880. It is said that Sri Lanka shares similar environmental conditions with the Amazon, which contributed to the success of rubber cultivation in the country. The original seeds were brought from Brazil.

Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden (Avissawella)

This 79-acre wet zone botanical garden primarily supports research on endemic plant species from the Sinharaja Rainforest region. Opened to the public in 2014, the park focuses more on flowers than plants, unlike other botanical gardens in the country.