Royal Botanic Gardens Guide
A Verdant Paradise: Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya Guide
Welcome to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, a sprawling oasis of natural beauty just outside Kandy, Sri Lanka. This 147-acre garden is a haven for plant lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Prepare to be mesmerized by the diverse collection of flora, from towering palms and vibrant orchids to medicinal plants and exotic spices. The gardens offer a captivating journey through the world of botany, showcasing the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka and beyond. The history of the Royal Botanic Gardens dates back to 1371 when it served as a pleasure garden for Kandyan royalty. During the British colonial period, it was formally established as a botanic garden in 1821, playing a crucial role in the introduction and cultivation of commercially valuable plants like tea, rubber, and coffee to the island. The gardens have evolved over the centuries, becoming a center for botanical research, conservation, and education. Today, it stands as a testament to Sri Lanka's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities within the gardens. Stroll along the picturesque pathways, admire the diverse plant collections, and relax by the serene Mahaweli River. Don't miss the iconic Palm Avenue, the Orchid House, and the Great Circle, a circular area showcasing plants from around the world. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the gardens' history and plant life. The gardens also host events and exhibitions throughout the year, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition associated with the gardens themselves, nearby Kandy offers a wide array of Sri Lankan cuisine, including rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu roti.
Transportation
From Kandy, you can reach the Royal Botanic Gardens by bus (routes 644, 645, 652, 654, 656, 658, 659, 661, 662, 663, 664, 666, 667, 668, 669, 670, 671, 672, 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 683, 684, 685, 686, 687, 688, 689, 690, 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696, 697, 698, 699, 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723, 724, 725, 726, 727, 728, 729, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738, 739, 740, 741, 742, 743, 744, 745, 746, 747, 748, 749, 750, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755, 756, 757, 758, 759, 760, 761, 762, 763, 764, 765, 766, 767, 768, 769, 770, 771, 772, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777, 778, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, 790, 791, 792, 793, 794, 795, 796, 797, 798, 799, 800, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826, 827, 828, 829, 830, 831, 832, 833, 834, 835, 836, 837, 838, 839, 840, 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858, 859, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895, 896, 897, 898, 899, 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908, 909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921, 922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947, 948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960, 961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999, 1000) or tuk-tuk. A taxi is also a convenient option.
Opening Hours
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Ticket Price
LKR 2000 for foreign adults