Royal Botanical Gardens: Peradeniya

Found just about 5km away from the scenic city of Kandy, the much loved Peradeniya Botanical Gardens were once reserved only for the royalty of the Kandyan Kingdom. Dating back to 1371 when King Wickramabahu III kept court at Peradeniya, the Botanic Gardens were officially established in 1843 with the British colonization. Today, the Gardens are renowned for its beauty across Asia and is the largest and the most popular botanical garden in the country. It is said that the Gardens attract over two million visitors every year!

But what is so interesting about the Peradeniya Gardens? Covering over an area of 140 acres with the Mahaweli River flowing through the Royal Gardens, Peradeniya has plenty of space to relax, bask in the cool climate, take a refreshing stroll through the scented flowers or even get lost in time among the lofty trees. These very reasons has made Peradeniya a safe haven for happy families, picnickers and courting lovers.

With over 4000 different species of flora labeled to keep a plant enthusiast busy; the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens houses a number of long-standing memorial trees, an Orchid House and a Spice Garden rich with cardamom, coves, vanilla, pepper and other exotic spices. Among the key attractions found in Peradeniya are the somewhat shaky suspension bridge over the Mahaweli River and the century old giant Javan fig tree and its canopy of branches. If you’re visiting, make sure to drop by the Geragama Tea Factory as well.




Written By: Kavisha Perera