royal botanical garden essay

Hot Line : (+94) 081 238 8088

365 Days:7.30am to 6.00pm

• News & Events
• ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
• HAKGALA BOTANIC GARDENS
• HENERATHGODA BOTANIC GARDENS
• WET ZONE BOTANIC GARDENS
• DRY ZONE BOTANIC GARDENS
• MEDICINAL PLANT GARDEN
• NATIONAL HERBARIUM
• MICRO PROPAGATION
• THE FOLIAGE SECTION
• POST-HARVEST HANDLING
• THE ANTHURIUM SECTION
• The Orchid Section
• Plant Breeding
• Pest and Disease Management
• SCHOOL OF FLORICULTURE
• HARITHA PIYASA MEEGALLEWA
• COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES
• PRESIDENTIAL & PM GARDENS
• SUWAHAS MAL SEWANA
• BID Invitation
• MINISTRY OF TOURISM
• Ticket Booking

Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya was established in 1821, six years after the final occupation of the Kandyan Kingdom by the English. The site is less than 5.5 Km from Kandy on the Colombo Road, and occupies a loop of the river Mahaweli, which surrounds it on all sides except the south, where it is bounded by the main road. The area 61.25 ha in extent, is about 1550ft from sea level. More than 4000 species of plants including woody trees, Palms, Ferns, Orchids and shrubs currently present within the gardens.

Placement of the garden

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya are about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. In 2016, the garden was visited by 1.2 million locals and 400,000 foreign visitors.It is near the Mahaweli River (The longest river in Sri Lanka). It is renowned for its collection of orchids. The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. Attached to it is the "National Herbarium of Sri Lanka".

The total area of the botanical garden is 147 acres (0.59 km2), at 460 meters above sea level, and with a 200-day annual rainfall. It is managed by the Department of National Botanic Gardens, Sri Lanka. The history of the Royal Botanic Gardens dates as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu iii ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near Mahaweli Ganga. Later, in the reign of King Kirti Sri from 1747 to 1780 this was made a Royal Garden and from 1780— 1798 King Rajadhi Rajasirighe resided therein, where a temporary residence was erected for him. A vihare and dagoba were built in the reign of King Wimala Dharma which was improved by King Rajadhi Rajasinghe. The vihare and dagoba were destroyed by the English when they occupied Kandy. The famous historical battle of Gannoruwa between Rajasinghe ii and the Portuguese was fought on the Northern side of the river. A priest resided here till the Gardens were formed by Mr. Alexandar Moon in 1821 six years after the final conquest of the Kandyan Kingdom. In 1810 under the advice of Sir Joseph Banks a garden named Kew was opened in Slave island and Mr. William Kerr was appointed as its Superintendent. In 1813 the garden was moved to Kalutara for the reception of economic plants which could be cultivated there on a larger scale than was possible at Slave Island. Kerr died in 1814 and under the rule of his successor Mr. Alexander Moon this Garden was finally moved to Peradeniya in 1821 as it was found to be favourable and better adapted for the proposed Botanic establishment. The transfer of exotics from the Kalutara Garden was made by successive Superintendents at least up to 1843. During Moon’s superintendence the opening of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, can be said to have commenced though at first only the South West portion of the Gardens was cleared and opened and it was mostly planted with cinnamon and coffee. Moon published his Catalogue of Ceylon Plants” in 1824 in which was given the Botanical and native names of 1,127 plants, indigenous to the island. After the appointment of Mr. George Gardner in 1844 the institution started upon its more active independent and useful existence that it has since maintained. Only 40 acres of the 147 acres were in cultivation when Gardner took charge and the chief use made of the land was to grow jak, coconuts and vegetables for sale by the Government Agent in Kandy. Gardner effected many important improvements in the condition of the Gardens but his chief work was the exploration of the country for the collection and preparation of its flora. He died at Nuwara Eliya in 1849 and was succeeded by Dr. Thwaites who for over 30 years maintained the Gardens in a high state of efficiency, added largely to our knowledge of the flora of the Colony and gave the establishment its world-wide reputation. Botanic Gardens at Hakgala was established in 1861 for introduction of Cinchona into the island and in 1876 Gampaha (Henarathgoda) botanic garden was started for the introduction of Rubber. Thwaites was succeeded by Dr. Henry Trimen, under whose rule and capable management the beauty and usefulness of the Gardens were very considerably advanced. He established the Museum of Economic Botany, opened branch Gardens at Badulla and Anuradhapura and began the publication of his work, “The Flora of Ceylon” which however was finished by Sir Joseph D. Hooker after Trimen’s death in 1896. In 1896 Trimen was succeeded by Dr. J.C. Willis and from that date a new extension of scientific work took place. In the early years work was mainly directed towards the introduction and acclimatization of useful and ornamental plants but in later years activities developed towards Economic botany and Agriculture and led to the development of the Department of Agriculture in 1912. Mr. HF, Macmillan who was appointed Curator in 1895, was made the Superintendent of Botanic Gardens in 1912 and Mr. T.H. Parsons the Curator in 1914. During Macmillan’s superintendence the Gardens were improved and extended and his great work “A Hand Book of Tropical Planting and Gardening” was published. Macmillan retired in 1925 and Mr. T.H. Parsons continued as Curator till 1945. Mr. D.M.A. Jayaweera who was appointed as the Superintendent in 1945 contributed a lot to our knowledge on medicinal plants and orchids of Sri Lanka. Mr. D.T. Ekanayake who became the Superintendent in 1971 pioneered the floriculture in Sri Lanka. Mr. D.B. Sumithraarachchi, as the director National Botanic Gardens improved the condition of the botanic gardens tremendously and conducted many useful taxonomic work until leaving the gardens in 1998. Work on the establishment of a new botanic gardens at Mirijjawila (near Hambantota) was started in 2006 and that is the first botanic gardens initiated after independence. That 300-acre garden will be the largest in Sri Lanka specializing on the conservation of dry and arid zone plants. Another Botanic garden was initiated at llukowita, Avissawella for the ex-situ conservation of wet zone flora. Plans are underway to establish 5 more botanic gardens before 2016. Today, the Botanic Gardens are responsible for the management and development of Botanic Gardens, National Herbarium, Medicinal Plant Gardens, Gardens attached to the Official residences and Offices of His Excellency the President, The Hon. Prime Minister, Commonwealth War Cemeteries, the Sacred Bo Tree at Anuradhapura and other Historic Trees of Sri Lanka.

The objectives of Royal Botanic Gardens:

• Carryout activities related to authentication, ethno botany and ex-situ conservation of plants.
• Develop technologies related to exploitation of lesser known and under-utilized plants.
• Management and development of Botanic Gardens, National Herbarium and allied units.
• Disseminate information on plants and related subjects.
• Provide educational opportunities on plants to public, school children and others.
• Development of floriculture and amenity horticulture.

Royal Botanic Gardens at a glance

• Extent: 147 acres (59 hectares).
• Satellite Gardens : Medicinal Plants Gardens, Ganewaththa (23 ha, NW Province).
• Species under cultivation : Over 4000.
• Annual visitor turnout: 1.2 million.
• Finance & Administration : Department of National Botanic Gardens.

Location MAP

How to see the garden.

A map showing the most important places is enclosed in this folder.

1. Main entrance 2. Double Coconut 3. Pinetum 4. Ebony Collection 5. Palm Collection 6. Cycad Collection 7. Students’ Garden 8. Bamboo Collection 9. Medicinal Garden 10.Giant Bamboo 11.Rock Border 12.Gardner’s Memorial 13.Java Fig Tree 14.Cook’s Pine Avenue 15.National Herbarium 16.Ficus Collection 17.Suspension Bridge 18.Royal Palm Avenue 19.Memorial Trees 20.Fernery 21.Education Centre 22.Flower Garden 23.Palmyra Palm Avenue 24.Cabbage Palm Avenue 25.Plant Sales Centre 26.Administration Building 27.Cactus House 28.Plant House 29.Orchid House 30.Spice Garden

What you can see

visitors are advised to walk round the gardens if they wish to explore the many beautiful places in this very compact garden.

4.5 VISITORS RATING

Trusted by 1000+ visitors, 7.30 am - 6.00 pm.

Opening Hours

7.30 AM - 5.00 PM

Ticketing Hours

08.00 AM -5.00 PM

Café & Restaurant

For Overseas Tourist

Entrance fee.

Come and explore the spectacular plant life of Sri Lanka

Foreign Adult

(Elder than 12)

LKR 3,000/= / Ticket

• Great explorer of the truth, the master-builder.

Foreign Student

(Must have proof)

LKR 2,000/= / Ticket

Foreign child.

(5 to 12 Years)

LKR 1,500/= / Ticket

Copyright © 2021 Department of National Botanic Gardens -Sri Lanka, All Rights Reserved. | Powered By W3DATA

Sri Lanka travel guide

Ultimate Guide to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest garden in Sri Lanka with 4,000 different species of plants spread in spacious 147 acres. It considers as the most elegantly landscaped garden in Asia. Located about 6 km from Kandy at Peradeniya town, it considers as one of the must-visit destinations and top things to see in Kandy city.

The garden margined by the curved Mahaweli River from 3 sides and Colombo – Kandy main road by the other side. The stars of the garden are more than 10,000 individual trees, while some of them are hundreds of years old. As well, the garden is highly famous for its beautiful Orchid and Rose collections.

History of the Garden

The history of Peradeniya garden dates back to the fourteenth century, the reign of King Wikramabahu III.  The king built a royal residence in this location in 1371. The park created during the eighteenth century by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha to serve as a pleasure garden for the Kandyan nobility. In 1821, it transformed into a botanical garden by the British. Since 1912, the garden managed by the Division of National Botanical Gardens of the Department of Agriculture.

Nomenclature of Plants

All the plants and trees in the garden have labels in scientific names and English names to identify easily. In addition to that, the name boards come in 4 different colors. Green color for native or indigenous trees, black color for exotic, introduced trees. The red color indicates endemic plants in Sri Lanka. Remember that yellow color signifies the poisonous plants with toxic substances in their latex or sap and don’t touch any parts of these plants.

After all, the tour of the botanical garden is educative and fascinating for all family members.  It needs plenty of time to stroll through the vast area of the garden. It is better to spend an entire day leisurely visiting majestic sky-high trees, perfectly manicured landscapes, and beautiful blooms in the botanical garden.  If you think it’s difficult to walk such a long distance, you can hire the electric buggy to explore it conveniently for a 2000 LKR (7 seats).

Map of the Garden

1. Main entrance 2. Double coconut avenue 3. Pinetum 4. Ebony collection 5. Palm collection 6. Cycad collection 7. Student garden 8. Bamboo collection 9. Medicinal garden 10. Giant bamboo 11. Rock border 12. Gardener’s monument 13. Giant java fig tree 14. Cook’s pine avenue 15. National herbarium 16. Ficus collection 17. Suspension bridge 18. Royal palm avenue 19. Memorial trees 20. Fernery 21. Japanese garden 22. Flower garden 23. Palmyra palm avenue 25. Plant sales center 26. Department office 27. Cactus house 28. Plant house 29. Orchid house 30. Spice garden

Here we are going to explain the main attractions that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to the garden.

Double Coconut Avenue (No 2)

The Double Coconut Palm ( Laodicea maldivica ) or Coco de mer produces the largest seed known in the plant kingdom. It is an endangered and protected plant, originated in Seychelles. Double coconut seeds are the heaviest seed in the world, weighing up to 20 kg. It takes 5-8 years to mature the seed, while it takes 2 more years to germinate.

The Double coconut is one of the most remarkable and rare palm species you’ll find in Peradeniya botanical gardens. It locates about 100 meters from the main gate. Don’t forget to see the wonderful and rare sight of double coconuts during your visit to the garden.

Ebony Collection (No 4)

Valuable ebony trees ( Diospyros sp. ) planted in Ebony Collection. Ebony trees are highly-priced due to dense black colored timber. It use as ornamental wood for making wood carvings.  Ebony plants are rare to find in the natural environment and they are protected species in Sri Lanka.

Cycad Collection (No 6)

Cycad collection is an amazing gathering of cycad plants in Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Cycads resemble a palm tree or tree fern, but its leaves are very hard, like plastic.

They are descendants from the age of dinosaurs and existing on the planet for about 200 million years. These tropical trees grow extremely slowly. They grow about one meter per century, but their age can reach more than 2000 years.

The world’s most slowly growing cycad also present in this wonderful cycad collection.

Bamboo Collection (No 8)

A large collection of Bamboo trees planted along the Mahaweli riverbank of the garden, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Burmese.  The collection includes green bamboo, yellow bamboo, prickly bamboo, and dwarf Chinese bamboo.

Don’t miss the sight of the largest bamboo species in the world, known as giant bamboo. It bought from Burma and it can grow up to 40 m in height. It’s a wonderful plant with their new shoots are growing about 30 cm per day.

Medicinal Garden (No 9)

The medicinal garden contains scientifically important plants for students and different kinds of lawn grasses. This herb garden contains numerous rare and indigenous plants that have medicinal values. It is quite useful for Sri Lankan traditional medicine students.

There’s a lake with marsh plants inside the garden. This is a small man-made lake in the form of the map of the island of Sri Lanka. There is a collection of a different variety of marsh plants in the lake. It is home to many water plants like the giant water lily and papyrus reeds. In the center of the pond, there is a tiny island with a lonely growing tree.

Giant Java Fig Tree (No 13)

The great lawn is a flat area with nicely tripped grass. The highlight of the great lawn is the century-old giant Java fig tree ( Ficus benjamina ). It stands at the centre of the great lawn, looking like a giant umbrella from the distance. This giant tree has widely spread branches and a large canopy.

Certainly, it is one of the oldest trees in the garden, which introduced to Sri Lanka in 1861. Many visitors spend much of their time at the great lawn shaded by the giant canopy of this tree. It is an ideal spot for a picnic or to have lunch, while taking a break from the journey.

Cook’s Pine Avenue (No 14)

The Cook’s Pine ( Araucaria cookie ) avenue is a line of pine trees bordering the great lawn from the riverside. These pine trees bought from New Caledonia and named after Captain Cook; the discoverer of the land. The distinct feature of Cook’s pine avenue is all the pine trees lean to the south.

When you are entering the avenue, it gives a feeling of unreality of space like we are standing on an inclined plane. Due to their mysterious leaning behavior, it calls “drunken Christmas trees”. Don’t forget to enjoy this miraculous sight of leaning Cook’s pines during your journey to the botanical gardens.

One research group has studied this strange leaning behavior of Cook’s pines and find out that they always lean towards the equator. Their leaning pattern identified as hemisphere dependent, but the reason for this behavior is still not clear. Furthermore, it needs some other studies to reveal the scientific truth behind leaning Cook’s pines. If you are interested in Botanical science, this is one of the best research topics to investigate further on.

Ficus Collection (No 16)

The Ficus collection is one of the most amazing sceneries in the garden. The lush green Ficus trees are reaching amazing heights, with a sky-high canopy. The roots of these enormous trees have outgrown the space. Some of these gigantic Ficus trees have intertwined roots and branches.

Some of the branches of these massive trees have dwindled into the earth many years before and then became strong pillars of support. Stop for a while at Ficus collection to admire the glory and wonderful sceneries that you might have never seen before.

Suspension Bridge (No 17)

The picturesque suspension bridge is the north access of the garden across the Mahaweli River that connects it to the Gannoruwa road. The bridge was built in 1905 and it is around 100 years old. Now, this bridge isn’t used as an entranceway and you can enter it only from the inside of the garden. Remember that this bridge can accommodate only a maximum of six persons at a time. You should try out this wonderful experience of walking on this moving bridge.

Royal Palm Avenue (No 18)

The number of palm species found in the Peradeniya botanical garden exceeds 200, including 3 spectacular avenues of Royal Palm, Palmyra Palm, and Cabbage Palm avenues. Among them, the royal palm avenue is the most prominent feature of Peradeniya royal botanical gardens. Royal Palms ( Roystonea regia ) are very elegant and tall, the leaves are located high up and have the shape of a crown, and hence it calls as royal palms.

The homeland of Royal Palms is Panama and Cuba. The first plantings on the alley were undertaken back in 1855. Since the lifetime of Royal Palms is around 80 years, the trees were transplanted three times.

Most importantly, this majestic royal palm avenue considers one of the epic photogenic spots in the country. Don’t forget to capture the best Insta-worthy shot at royal palm avenue, with the background of lush green, perfectly lined royal palm trees.

Palmyra Palm Avenue (No 23)

Palmyra palm ( Borassus flabellifer ) avenue is one of the three elegant palm avenues within the premises. The alley of Palmyra is a magnificent and photogenic palm avenue. Palmyra palms grow up to 25 m and it is a common plant in the arid regions and northern Sri Lanka. Certainly, this avenue is perfectly landscaped and lined with tall palm trees for a long-distance making of photogenic scenery.

Cabbage Palm Avenue (No 24)

The palms in the Cabbage palm avenue ( Roystonia oleracea ) are over 20m in height and lined up just perfectly. The birthplace of Cabbage palm trees is the tropical part of the American continent. The palm tree is so named because its central part is similar to the unfolded leaves of cabbage. The Cabbage palm avenue is quite decorative and enhances the aesthetic value of the garden.

Memorial Trees (No 19)

The memorial collection is an important place that one shouldn’t miss in the garden. There are over a hundred trees planted by eminent personalities from all over the world, who had visited the garden. The history of memorial tree collection goes back to 1875, with the planting of Bo-tree (Ficus religiosa) by King Edward on his visit to Sri Lanka.

Some of the distinguished personalities include popular Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin. He had planted a flowering yellow Ashoka tree ( Saraca thaipingensis ) at the Peradeniya garden in 1961, in the same year he had been to the moon. There is a miraculous story behind this tree. It says that the growth of this plant was mysteriously stopped, after his death in 1968. Although 50 years old, it is visible the plant is relatively smaller than its other counterparts. It is still flowering today, after many years.

Another important tree in the memorial tree collection is the cannonball ( Couroupita guianensis ) or Sal tree, which was planted by King George V and Queen Mary in 1901. You’ll find this plant has grown into a huge tree, with lots of fruits and beautiful blooming.

Flower Garden (No 22)

Above all, the flower garden is a major attraction in the Peradeniya gardens. Flower beds are laden with blooms of vibrant hues. It attracts many visitors for its splendid beauty. Not only these beds are laid with blooms but also margined by colorful Coleus varieties from bright red, green, and yellow. It makes marvelous scenery with an exquisite landscape of colorful ribbons bordering the paths on either side.

Certainly, the beautiful Rose collection is one of the most favorite spots in the garden. Different varieties of colorful Roses are planted in this collection. Voluminous bunches of Roses add an ultimate beauty to the whole garden. The sweet scent and beauty of lovely Roses will easily steal your heart with their exquisite colors and fragrance. Be sure to take your camera ready with you, as there will be endless opportunities to capture the snaps of eye-catching beautiful flowers.

Orchid House (No 29)

Moreover, the Orchid House is a highly attractive destination within the botanical gardens. The tour to the garden won’t be completed without visiting this orchid house. It showcases a fine collection of orchid species and some of them are very rare species. Above all, it is one of the important places in the garden which maintain with special care as the pride of Sri Lankans.  

There are about 300 species of orchids and their hybrids. For example, you can see Vandas, Oncidiums, Cattleya, Dendrobiums, and many more. It is a spectacle of color, where each species make visitors fascinated by their lovely nature.

Above all, you’ll find the largest Orchid in the world called Tiger Orchids, (Grammatophyllum speciosum) in this Orchid collection. It is the most attractive species in the Orchid house.  If you are lucky, you might be able to see this spectacular Tiger Orchid blooms in Peradeniya Orchid House.

Spice Garden (No 30)

Sri Lankan spices have created fame for the island of Ceylon, since ancient times. Spice garden is a collection of spicy plants including cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, and many other various spices. If you are interested in Sri Lankan spices, don’t forget to visit this collection.

Other Important Trees

As well, there are several other important and rare plants you shouldn’t miss in the garden. One such species is Lignum vitae, (Guaiacum officinale) the heaviest and densest tree in the world. This wood isn’t floating like other wood and easily sinks in the water due to its high density.

Certainly, another interesting tree is Napoleon’s Crown, Napoleona imperialis . It has magnificent flowers in its trunk, as well as in branches. The shape of the flower is similar to Napoleon’s crown, hence it got that name. The seeds of this plant are toxic and need to refrain from touching them.

Protect the Lovely Garden

If you’re a nature lover, taking a stroll through this garden will be a truly memorable experience. You can see lots of indigenous flora and fauna during your visit. You’ll be amazed to see huge bats hanging from the branches of trees the gardens. The sight of jumping Toque macaques in the treetops will fascinate you. As well as, don’t get surprised by so many young couples inside the garden, since this is a famous place among Kandyan love birds.

Be ready to walk around leisurely and spend more than 4 hours looking around, while admiring the beautiful sceneries. If you get hungry, there is a cafe inside the garden to serve you sandwiches. Most importantly, polythene bags are not allowed to carry into the garden, to reduce environmental pollution. Therefore, if you are taking snacks from home, remember to bring them in paper bags.

In addition, the best time to visit the Peradeniya garden is the first half of the year from December to April, where there is the least number of rainy days. As well as, this period is the blooming season of most of the flower varieties.

To sum up, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya is a wonderful place where you can admire the beauty of nature combined with the wonderful landscaping skills of horticulturists. This post has pointed out the most important things to see in Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Visit this lovely park and enjoy the magnificent views of Sri Lanka.!

Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, Pixels, travellers.lk and yamu.lk. All copyrights are reserved by the original authors.

Related Posts

Excellent! Loved this garden, and this is a very well-written and thorough guide for it.

Thank you very much for the lovely comment Lisa.! It encourages me to write more and more. Keep visit us.

I will! We sure hope to return to Sri Lanka again someday soon. LOVE this country and her people!

Thanks Lisa. Great to hear that. Welcome back to Sri Lanka at any time.!

A beautiful place! Visited it in 1999 and have been longing to go back! Thanks for this webpage that brings back precious memories.

Thanks, dear friend! Indeed this is a beautiful place, Pls visit Sri Lanka again someday!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

PERADENIYa BotanicAL Gardens

This garden was established in 1821 for the receipt and experimentation of plants introduced for economic and environmental development. Currently the garden is engaged in activities related to authentication, ethno-botany, floriculture and primarily ex-situ conservation of plants. However its history dates back to the 14th century when Royalty ruled the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It was a Royal Gardens from 1780 – 1798.

The gardens are home to a large and diverse variety of plants especially including endemics and species extinct in the wild. This 60 ha land at an elevation of 460 mt. above sea level in Peradeniya includes 4000 plant species. The gardens occupy a horse- shoes shapes peninsula around which flows the chief and longest river of Sri Lanka the Mahawali River.

The scenic splendor of the garden is highlighted by flourishing growth of huge tropical trees in its arboretum, flower garden with a colourful ribbon border and the Mahawali River that flows around its fringes. Prime attractions within the gardens frequented by visitor include the Orchid House with more than 300 varieties of exquisite Orchids blooming in profusion.

The memorial collection consists of trees planted by eminent persons including heads of states, state guests, astronauts and royalty during their official visits to the gardens. The Palm collection is among the best in Asia with about 220 species. Other attractions are the great lawn, spice gardens, Palm avenues, plant house and Cacti display, lake and flowering trees.

These gardens receive considerable rainfall both during the South West and North East monsoons and hence are lush and verdant throughout the year. Three seasons are earmarked as April to June, August to September and December when most visitors fill the gardens and flowering is at its peak.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden Peradeniya Rd, Kandy

• [email protected]
• +94 0812388238
• Please visit website for further details

Start typing and press enter to search

• August 1987
• September 1987
• October 1987
• November 1987
• December 1987
• January 1988
• February 1988
• August 1988
• September 1988
• October 1988
• November 1988
• December 1988
• January – March 1989
• August 1989
• January 2010
• February 2010
• August 2010
• September 2010
• October 2010
• November 2010
• December 2010
• January 2011
• February 2011
• August 2011
• September 2011
• October 2011
• November 2011
• December 2011
• January 2012
• February 2012
• August 2012
• September 2012
• October 2012
• November 2012
• December 2012
• January 2013
• February 2013
• August 2013
• September 2013
• October 2013
• November 2013
• December 2013
• January 2014
• February 2014
• August 2014
• September 2014
• October 2014
• November 2014
• December 2014
• January 2015
• February 2015
• August 2015
• September 2015
• October 2015
• November 2015
• December 2015
• January 2016
• February 2016
• August 2016
• September 2016
• October 2016
• November 2016
• December 2016
• January 2017
• February 2017
• August 2017
• September 2017
• October 2017
• November 2017
• December 2017
• January 2018
• February 2018
• August 2018
• November 2018
• December 2018
• January 2019
• February 2019
• August 2019
• September 2019
• October 2019
• November 2019
• December 2019
• January 2020
• February 2020
• September 2020
• October 2020
• November 2020
• December 2020
• January 2021
• February 2021
• August 2021
• September 2021
• October 2021
• November 2021
• December 2021
• January 2022
• February 2022
• August 2022
• September 2022
• October 2022
• November 2022
• December 2022
• January 2023
• February 2023
• August 2023
• September 2023
• October 2023
• November 2023
• December 2023
• January 2024
• February 2024
• FOR DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya

Mil Sansoni

The Gardens have been romanticised by legend and fantasy as a queen’s pleasure garden and, more factually perhaps, as a king’s spice garden. 

History tells us that there was a garden there when King Wickrama Bahu ascended the throne and held court at Peradeniya in the 14th century. We also learn there was a park and royal residence at this site during King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha’s reign (1747-82). lliere is, indeed, an ambience about the Peradeniya Gardens that conjures up diaphanous images from the storied past. You may well hear soft footfalls in the fallen leaves and whispers in the trees, where queens and their handmaidens strolled and played and laughed and sighed. But, just six years after the fall of the Kandyan Kingdom, the Royal Botanical Gardens, as it is today, was conceived by the British, genetically influenced, no doubt, by the world famous gardens at Kew. Alexander Moon was its first director – a Britisher who had arrived in the island four years earlier. In 1824, three years after the Botanical Gardens were established, he published his catalogue, “The Indigenous and Exotic Plants Growing in Ceylon”. The entrance to the Gardens is impressive. A grove of towering “Amherstia nobilis” greets you. The oldest specimens of this -“queen of the flowering trees”, planted in 1860, have since reached heights of over 80 feet. Visit the Gardens in the flowering season between November and April and you will see them in full bloom with sprays of vermillion and yellow blossoms.

Indeed, your first impression of the Gardens will be one of soaring trees, some of them festooned with rambling creepers – a riot of tendrils, shoots and flowers. Flanking the gateway are two magnificent specimens of the Flame of the Forest (Butea frondosa) introduced from Madagascar in 1841. In the dry season, they proudly display their profusion of flowers in shades of scarlet orange and crimson.

But walk on – this is a place for strolling and stopping and seeing. A place of secret arbours and arching pergolas of tailored lawns and banks of cannas, helianthus, chrysanthemums, and caladiums, of fragrant herbs and fernery.

Stop awhile by the Mahaweli River, where giant bamboos rattle their fronds and a swaying suspension bridge spans the river  its gorge deep and rock strewn in drought and barely able to contain the torrent in spate.

If your time is limited, the roads in the Gardens are motorable. But move as slowly as you can or you will miss most of the pleasure that is the Gardens.

Having absorbed the general atmosphere you will not be ready for more specific viewing. The Orchid House shows examples of exotic flora that defy description. A creeper of Cinderella slipper (Thumbergia) adorns the entrance to a mini-world of fantastic shapes and brilliant colours. There are many who regard orchids as cold, sometimes frigid, in their scentless beauty. But who cannot be impressed by their well-bred poise and sophistication. 

One treads softly when one enters this aristocratic domain of the dendrobium, cattleya, phalaenopsis, oncidiun, aerides and more ubiquitous vanda.

You will certainly succumb to the charms of the Vesak Orchid (Dendrobium maccarthie) which is indigenous to the humid, tropical forest areas of Sri Lanka. It blooms during the month of Vesakm which commemorates the Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Attainment of Nibbhana. Occassionally white, this orchid is usually a fusion of violet and pink.

One can find over exposure to the Orchid House overpowering in its intensity of color and exotica. This is perhaps the time for a casual stroll through the landscaped lawns that are so much part of these beautiful gardens, set 1550 feet above sealevel in a climate that is ideal in its warmth and essential dampness – completely without extremes for the establishment and nurturing of tropical and sub tropical plants.

To the right of the river-drive are seven acres of verdant green, the Great Lawn, laid out about 1865. Here is also the Great Circle surrounded by memorial trees planted by distinguished visitors to commemorate their visits. In 1875 King Edward VII planted a Bo tree and the Czar of Russia, a Ceylon ironwood tree in 1891. King George V and Queen Mary, commemorated their visit to the island by planting a cannon ball tree. Munamal, an ornamental tree native to Sri Lanka was planted by the Duke of Windsor when he came here as Prince of Wales. In tribute to the peace that followed World War, the lovely Tabebula Rosea was planted. Another great tree of historic significance is the tamarind, dedicated by the Rt Hon D S Senanayake, the country’s first Prime Minister to the re-attainment of political independence.

Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Commander, South East Asia Command during World War II, scouting around for a site for his headquarters in Kandy, found the Peradeniya Gardens irresistible. His love for things beautiful ensured their preservation for posterity.\

A connoisseur of Sri I.ankan antique furniture will be interested in the sources of their timber-the figured lushness of calamander and nadun, the golden sheen of finished satinwood or the brooding darkness of carved ebony. All of these and teak, tamarind, mahogany, jak, halmilla, and ironwood are represented here in the Gardens.

In your wanderings through this salubrious place, you could not fail to observe the Avenue of Royal Palms. These are cabbage palm (Oreadoxa oleraces) much admired by visitors co the park and as frequently photographed. There are one hundred and eighty-five species of palm in the Peradeniya Gardens. Representing eighty genera. chi i probably the most extensive collection of palm in the tropics. Dividing the useful from the purely decorative, one finds the ubiquitous coconut, which supplies nearly every requirement of the rural population: the basic essentials for thatched roofs and provision of food and drink, oil, fibre, timber, sweetmeats and alcohol for the country’s traditional drink. The nut of the areca palm yields one of the basic ingredients for betel­chewing, which is still indulged in by a large segment of the population. The flowering spathe of the kitual, when expertly tapped, yields a sweet toddy – a most refreshing and health-giving drink. Among the purely decorative palms are the sealing wax palm, with its attractive red spathes, the royal Palm with its feathery fronds and the lordly talipot palm, the greatest of them all, which in forty to fifty years reaches its zenith of 80 to 90 feet. It ends its life in a collective flowering – sometimes 25 feet high. Apart from the palms, flowering trees and shrubs abound in Peradeniya. The Indian laburnum ( Cassia fistula) with its pendant yellow clusters, bougainvillea in all its entrancing shades, poinciana or golden mohur, frangipani – the temple flower, jacaranda and tabebuia are found in profusion, lining the avenues and in the Gardens. There is no limit to the floral extravaganza. But should you suddenly find the spectacle too lush and lavish, look for respite in the serene habitat of the giant water lily and the lotus, in their subdued colours, beloved of Buddhist devotees. 

The Great Lawn – a verdant green bordered with shady trees. lf you wish to learn more about the aromatic spices of Sri Lanka which changed the course of the island’s history, take a stroll in the Spice Garden. Here the scent of fresh cinnamon mingles with that of cloves in what is the best-known arbour of spice in all Asia. Knowledgeable guides will tell you how the same tree with dark green leaves produces nutmeg and the much rarer mace, or let you discover the fresh tang of lemon grass in blades crushed between your fingers. Those interested in nature cures, herbal remedies and the traditional medicine of the East have a complete herbarium to spend even an entire day, amidst plants which provide most of the materia medica for the eastern healing science of Ayurveda. In its 168 years of existence, the Peradeniya Gardens have enjoyed the care, expertise and supervision of many curators and superintendents, both British and Sri Lankan. Some like Dr. G. H. K. Thwaites, who was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of England, have gained eminence through their work in and dedication to the science of horticulture. Others have contributed monumental works like Henry Trimen’s “Flora of Ceylon” and H. F. Macmillan’s book on tropical gardening. 

An avenue of trees flanked by palm trees.

The Great Lawn – a verdant green bordered with shady trees.

Visitors to the Gardens admire the begonias inside a greenhouse.

Explore Sri Lanka May 2024

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

© 2023 BT Options. All Rights Reserved.

Member's Area

PlantSearch

ThreatSearch

GlobalTreeSearch

GardenSearch

Sign up to Cultivate

Receive news and updates

Royal Botanic Gardens

• Garden Information

Institution Code: PDA

BGCI Member : Yes

About the Royal Botanic Gardens

The history of the Royal Botanic Gardens dates as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the thrown and kept court at Peradeniya near Mahaweli river. Later, in the reign of King Kirti Sri from 1747 - 1780 King Rajadhi Rajasinghe resided therein, where a temporary residence was erected for him. A vihare and dagaba were built in the reign of King Wimala Dhamma which was improved by Kind Rajadhi Rajasinghe. The vihare and dogaba were destroyed by the English when they occupied Kandy. The famous historical battle of Gannoruwa between Rajasinghe II and the Portuguese was fought on the Northern side of the river. A priest resided here till the Gardens were formed by Mr Alexandar Moon in 1821 six years after the final conquest of the Kandyan Kingdom. In 1810 under the advice of Sir Joseph Banks a garden named Kew was opened in Slave island and Mr William Kerr was appointed as its Superintendent. In 1813 the garden was moved to Kalutara for the reception of economic plants which could be cultivated there on a larger scale than was possible at Slave island. Kerr died in 1814 and under the rule of his successor Mr Alexander Moon this Garden was finally moved to Peradeniya in 1821 as it was found to be favorable and better adapted for the proposed Botanic establishment. The transfer of exotics from the Kalutara Garden was made by successive Superintendents at least up to 1843. During Moon's superintendent the opening of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, can be said to have commenced though at first only the South West portion of the Gardens was cleared and opened and it was mostly planted with cinnamon and coffee. Moon published his "Catalogue of Ceylon Plants" in 1824 in which was given the Botanical and native names of 1, 127 plants, indigenous to the island. After the appointment of Mr George Gardner in 1844 the institution started upon its more active independent and useful existence that it has since maintained. Only 40 acres of the 147 acres were in cultivation when Gardener took charge and the chief use made of the land was to grow jak, coconuts and vegetables for sale by the Government Agent in Kandy. Gardner effected many important improvements in the condition of the Gardens but his chief work was the exploration of the country for the collection and preparation of its flora. He died at Nuwara Eliya in 1849 and was succeeded by Dr Thwaites who for over 30 years maintained the Gardens in a high state of efficiency, added largely to our knowledge of the flora of the Colony and gave the establishment its worldwide reputation. Botanic Gardens at Hakgala was established in 1861 for introduction of Cinchona into the island and in 1876 Gampaha (Henarathgoda) Botanic Garden was started for the introduction of Rubber. Thwaites was succeeded by Dr Henry Trimen, under whose rule and capable management the beauty and usefulness of the Gardens were very considerably advanced. He established the Museum of Economic Botany, opened branch Gardens at Badulla and Anuradhapura and began the publication of his work, "The Flora of Ceylon" which however was finished by Sir Joseph D. Hooker after Trimen's death in 1896. In 1896 Trimen was succeeded by Dr J.C. Willis and from that date a new extension of scientific work took place. In the early years work was mainly directed towards the introduction and acclimatization of useful and ornamental plants but in later years activities developed towards Economic, Botany and Agriculture and led to the development of the Department of Agriculture in 1912. Mr H.F. Macmillan who was appointed Curator in 1895, was made the Superintendent of Botanic Gardens in 1912 and Mr T.H. Parsons the Curator in 1914. During Macmillan's superintendent the Gardens were improved and extended and his great work "a Hand Book of Tropical Planting and Gardening" was published. Macmillan retired in 1925 and Mr T.H. Parsons continued as curator till 1945

Main Address: Royal Botanic Gardens P.O. Box 14 Peradeniya 20400 Sri Lanka

Telephone: +94 81 2388238 Fax: +94 81 2388238 URL: http://botanicgardens.gov.lk Primary Email: [email protected]

Staff Details

• Director's Name: Dr. D.H.P. Peramunugama, Director General Curator's Name: Mr. K. N. Yapa, Deputy Director of RBG Plant Records Officer's Name:

About the Garden

• Institution Type: Botanic Garden
• Physical Data
• Latitude: 7.2681 Longitude: 80.5965 Altitude: 0.00 Metres

Features and Facilities

• We currently have no data on Features Facilities at this garden. Please click here if you can update us

Plant Collections

• Special Collections: Alliaceae, Aloaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Araceae, Bromeliaceae, Cactaceae, Compositae, Cycadaceae, Ericaceae, Gramineae, Iridaceae, Labiatae, Leguminosae, Liliaceae, Oleaceae, Orchidaceae, Palmae, Pinaceae, Saxifragaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae, Filices. Extensive collections of herbaceous, alpine, insectivorous, economic and succulent plants from most parts of the world.

Conservation Programmes

• We currently have no data on Conservation Programmes at this garden. Please click here if you can update us

Research Programmes

• We currently have no data on Research Programmes at this garden. Please click here if you can update us

Education Programmes

• We currently have no data on Education Programmes at this garden. Please click here if you can update us

The Enchanting Beauty of Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya

Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, commonly known as Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is a place that is wrapped in spectacular natural beauty. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Hill Country of Sri Lanka with annual visitor numbers reaching 2 million. It is the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka and many hesitate not to rank it among the top botanical gardens in Asia. Located about 5 kilometres from Kandy , the Royal Botanical Gardens is a must visit destination in the region.

Within the enchanting territories of the gardens you will find over 4000 types of plants. Palm trees, medicinal plants and orchids are quite prominent among these. The orchids in the park easily steal the hearts of all visitors with their exquisite colours! Be sure to take your camera with you as these eye catching flowers are breathtaking indeed.

This is an attraction that boasts of a colourful history. King Wickramabahu III kept court at the area back in the year 1371 but the gardens were formally established in 1821 by Alexander Moon. The garden was initially used only for coffee and cinnamon plants. Expansions took place here in the year 1843 and it slowly started to grow and become more and more popular. In the year 1912, the administration of the gardens was handed over to Department of Agriculture.

You will find the experience of exploring this famous park truly quite relaxing. It is a perfect place to visit with your loved ones when travelling in the area. You will be able to have tours in Peradeniya Botanical Gardens arranged with ease as you explore the paradise island with Green Holiday Centre . The calming green territories of the beautiful park and the soothing climate of the region will make your experience of exploring it magical indeed!

Why travel with Green Holiday?

100% Tailormade

Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements

Explore your interests at your own speed Select your preferred style of accommodation

Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists

Expert knowledge

The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish

Make the most of your time and budget

Locale Travel Specialists

Extensive knowledge about the destination, including hidden gems, cultural nuances, and off-the-beaten-path experiences

Immediate assistance and insights, addressing any concerns or unexpected situations promptly.

Exclusive deals and discounts that may not be available through foreign agents.

Trusted service

24/7 emergency support

Registered Under the Government of Sri Lanka.

The Royal Botanical Garden, KEW Report

The royal botanical garden, kew, kew gardens today, library and archive, attractions, works cited.

Listed a world heritage site by the UNESCO, in July 2003, the KEW Gardens has invited more than 1.48 million visitors in 2005. The Garden boasts of a conservatory, a herbarium library and eating places.

It would be unjust to not include this region in the itinerary of any tour of the U K. The purpot is to throw light on the significance of the gardens.

Extensive use of the Net, The Encyclopaedia Britannica and the world map has helped at large to unravel the exquisite spot.

The Royal Botanical gardens, the once 30 hectare pleasure ground (Arboretum), now occupies 120 hectares of lush green view. It houses the Wakehurst place gardens and runs the KEW Gardens in Sussex. Situated between Richmond and Kew in South West London, England, the garden is an internationally acclaimed research and educational institution under Prof. Stephen D Hooper.

Founded by Lord Capel of Tewkesbury, it was enlarged and extended by Princess Augusta, widow of Frederick, Prince of Wales. A Chinese pagoda by Sir William Chambers still remains.

It was adopted as a national botanical garden in 1840. The Palm House was built by architect Decimus Burton and iron – maker Richard Turner between 1844 and 1848. The year 1987 witnessed the emergence of Kew’s third major conservatory, which has ten climate zones. It was opened by Princess Diana.

It is the leading centre of botanical research, training ground for professional gardeners and attracts visitors from all over the world. The gardens are mostly informal, thus serving as an ideal tourist destination.

Unfavorable growing conditions such as atmospheric pollution from London, dry soil and low rainfall, Kew remains as the most comprehensive plant collection in Britain and has established two outstations at Sussex and at Kent.

A delight to the eyes are the innumerable books, botanical illustrations, photographs, letters and manuscripts, periodicals and maps with over a half and a million items. It is a virtual store house of knowledge and caters to the needs of the different sections of the society. Thus it remains an inseparable unit to the garden.

Nearest combined rail and underground stations is Kew garden station. Bus route is 65 & 391.

• Garden walks; free tour of the garden is conducted by trained volunteers.
• Vehicular tour: Kew Explorer 72 seater people mover covers a circular route around the garden. A commentary on the different marvels is provided by the driver.
• Pagoda: In a corner of Kew garden stands the great pagoda, a towering 163 feet monument, 49 feet in diameter. The awe inspiring sight is a reminder of William Chambers, the man behind its construction.
• Chokushi Mon: Standing next is a replica of part of a Japanese temple built in 1910. A copy of the Karaman (Chinese gate of Nishi Hongan – ji in Myoto) is also seen.
• Sackler Crossing: The Bridge made of granite and bronze, opened in May 2006, was designed Buro Happold and John Pawson.
• Museum and gallery: Near Palm house is Museum No.1 which came into being in 1857. Its aim is to illustrate mankind’s dependence on plants. It contains Kew’s economic botany collections including tools, ornaments, clothing, food and medicines.
• Marianne North Gallary : Built in 1880, the exhaustive paintings of Marianne North are artistically displayed. It has around 832 paintings.
• Compost heap: A natural ground, it has the biggest compost heap in the world made from the green waste in the garden.

The Kew Mission: To enable better management of the earth’s environment by increasing knowledge and evaluation of the plants and fungal kingdom – basis of lide on earth.

The Kew group high quality scientific research hands are on a conservation drive to built public understanding and support for sustainability and plant conservation.

There is every ground to believe that the Kew gardens could arouse awareness in the common man to preserve natural heritage, be eco friendly and at the same time shoulder the responsibility to sustain the bio diversity for the coming generations. Every tourist going back home form the gardens would ponder over the pertinent question regarding human contribution to conserve its natural beauty. No wonder the site has attracted more than a million tourists and has raised an outstanding amount!

• Royal Botanic Garden, Kew official website.
• Encyclopaedia Britannica
• Annual report – 2006
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, September 9). The Royal Botanical Garden, KEW. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-royal-botanical-garden-kew/

"The Royal Botanical Garden, KEW." IvyPanda , 9 Sept. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/the-royal-botanical-garden-kew/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'The Royal Botanical Garden, KEW'. 9 September.

IvyPanda . 2021. "The Royal Botanical Garden, KEW." September 9, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-royal-botanical-garden-kew/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Royal Botanical Garden, KEW." September 9, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-royal-botanical-garden-kew/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Royal Botanical Garden, KEW." September 9, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-royal-botanical-garden-kew/.

• Cloning of Plants at the Botanic Garden
• Montreal City Hall Architecture
• An Aesthetic Experience of Nature
• Hospitality: Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, Florida
• Disneyland Park in California: Tour Guide
• Toronto Historical Labor Sites
• London and Bangkok: Tourism Perspective
• Tourists' Attitude to Technology in China's Heritage Tourism

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is just 6 kms away from the charming city of Kandy. It is home to an array of exotic and the most eye-catching blooms and plants. It is definitely not just a garden with pretty flora and a landscape. Its history dates back to 1371 it is a place that is not be missed if you are around Kandy.

In ancient times the garden has been frequented by royalty as King Keerthi Sri Rajasingha has used it as his courts. With the colonial rule in Sri Lanka the garden received its official botanical garden state when Edward Barnes was the governor. It is said that the plants were even brought from the Kew Gardens to the Peradeniya gardens when the British were giving a new look to the Royal Botanical Gardens. The first tea seedling that was planted in Ceylon was at this Botanical Garden during Edwards Barnes’s time. During the Second World War it has been used as the headquarters of the South East Asia Command by Lord Mountbatten. Today it bears some of the exquisite orchids, indigenous plants and herbs and memorable plants like the Cannonball tree that was planted in 1901 by King George V and Queen Mary of the United Kingdom.

This is the most extensive and the largest Botanical garden in Sri Lanka that covers about 146 acres in ground. The most famous and classical Avenue of Palms gives a stately look to the Botanical gardens and the most popular feature is the orchid house that has a magnificent collection of orchids and it is especially renowned for the diverse range of orchids grown in the greenhouse. The garden features about 400 species of the plants and the sheer beauty and the exquisiteness of the plants and flowers attract about 2 million visitors per year.

If you happen to visit the Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya make sure you see the dome-like mammoth Javan fig tree that covers about 2500 square meters. You would be dwarfed at the mere sight of this tree that is located in the great lawn. The Herbarium at the Gardens has preserved more than 200,000 dried and preserved specimens over the garden’s 180 year existence. Medicinal plants used for Ayurvedha treatments, over 110 endemic plants, the exquisite collection of orchids are only some of the noteworthy plants that are featured in the Garden.

It is better to visit the Botanical Gardens before the sun scorches you. It would be an enjoyable visit without the sweat and heat to enjoy the scenery. So make sure you visit in the morning before 11 am or in the evenings after 4pm to have an unforgettable experience strolling down the palm avenue or enjoying the view of the most beautiful orchids. Pack some snacks and you can have a picnic there under the leafy canopies or in the shade of gigantic trees.

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Situated in the ancient kingdom in the central highlands of the country Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy also known as Dalada Maligawa is considered one of the holiest and sacred sites for Buddhists.

Latest Blog Post

A temple on a hill in aluthgama.

Venerated by both locals and foreigners the Kande Vihara Buddhist temple is anot...

Newsletter subscription

Traveller Information

• Visas to Sri Lanka
• Colombo Airport
• Tropical Island Tours

Wildlife Parks

• Udawalawe National Park
• Yala National Park

Things to do In Colombo

• Colombo National Museum
• Galle Face Green
• Visiting Pettah

Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Peradeniya Botanical Garden, located in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, is a beautiful destination for nature lovers, botany enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The garden, which was established in 1371, is home to over 4,000 varieties of plants, including orchids, palm trees, spices, medicinal plants, and many more.

This travel guide will delve deeper into the enchanting Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, providing you with essential insights to plan your visit and make the most of your trip.

History of the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden

The Peradeniya Botanical Garden has a rich history dating back over 700 years. Initially established by the Sinhalese kings as a royal pleasure garden, it was later developed by the British as an experimental station for plants that could be grown for commercial purposes. Today, it is managed by the Department of National Botanic Gardens and is open to the public, welcoming thousands of visitors annually. The garden has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years and now covers an impressive area of 147 acres.

Highlights of the Garden

Orchid house.

One of the main highlights of the Peradeniya Botanical Garden is the Orchid House, home to an extensive collection of orchids from Sri Lanka and around the world. The vibrant colors and unique shapes of these flowers create a visual feast for visitors. The orchids are arranged by family and are labeled with their scientific names, making it an educational experience for botany enthusiasts and students alike.

Avenue of Palms

Another highlight of the garden is the Avenue of Palms, a picturesque walkway lined with palm trees from all over the world. The avenue stretches for over a kilometer and provides a peaceful, shaded walk through the garden, offering visitors a chance to appreciate the diverse range of palm species.

Tropical Lowland Rainforest

The Tropical Lowland Rainforest section of the garden showcases a wide variety of tropical plants and trees native to Sri Lanka. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lush greenery and observe the unique flora found in this region, offering a glimpse into the country's natural biodiversity.

Cactus House

The Cactus House is a fascinating exhibit of various cacti and succulent species from arid regions worldwide. The diversity of shapes, sizes, and colors on display is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of these plants in harsh environments.

The Fern House features a collection of fern species, both native and exotic, including rare and endangered varieties. This section of the garden highlights the delicate beauty of ferns, showcasing their intricate patterns and unique reproductive methods.

Spice Garden

The Spice Garden is home to a wide array of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg. Visitors can learn about the cultivation and processing of these aromatic plants and their historical significance in the global spice trade.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden is not only home to diverse plant species but also various animals that call the garden home. Visitors can spot monkeys, peacocks, lizards, and a variety of birds, adding an element of excitement to their exploration.

Tips for Visiting the Peradeniya Botanical Garden

• Plan your visit: The Peradeniya Botanical Garden is open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm every day. It is best to visit the garden in the morning, as it can get crowded later in the day. Allocate several hours for your visit to fully appreciate the garden's vastness and attractions.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The garden is expansive, and visitors will need to walk considerable distances to see all the attractions. Wearing comfortable and sturdy shoes is essential to ensure a pleasant experience.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat: The garden can be quite sunny, particularly during the middle of the day. Visitors should bring sunscreen and a hat to protect themselves from the sun and stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle.
• Pack a picnic: Visitors can bring their own food and drink into the garden, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. The garden has designated areas for visitors to sit, relax, and enjoy their meals while taking in the picturesque surroundings.
• Guided tours: Guided tours are available for those who wish to gain a deeper knowledge of the garden's history, flora, and fauna. The knowledgeable guides will provide fascinating insights into the plants and their uses, as well as the garden's past.
• Photography: The Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a photographer's paradise, with its diverse range of plant species and vibrant colors. Make sure to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning beauty of the garden.
• Accessibility: The garden is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility challenges. However, some areas may be challenging to navigate due to uneven terrain, so it is advisable to bring a companion for assistance.
• Souvenir shop and cafe: Don't forget to visit the souvenir shop within the garden premises, where you can find a variety of souvenirs, including seeds, plants, and handicrafts. The garden also houses a cafe where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage or a snack during your visit.

Nearby Attractions

The Peradeniya Botanical Garden is conveniently located near the city of Kandy, allowing visitors to explore several nearby attractions.

• The Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, is a must-visit for those interested in history and spirituality.
• Kandy Lake, situated in the city's heart, offers a picturesque spot for leisurely strolls and boat rides.
• The Bahirawakanda Temple, known for its giant Buddha statue overlooking the city, is another famous site worth visiting for panoramic views of Kandy and its surroundings.
• The city of Kandy itself is a great place to explore. As Sri Lanka's second-largest city, it is filled with plenty of attractions. It's a great idea to explore this city, take in the sites and enjoy some local food. Find out more about the top things to do in Kandy.

The Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka. The diverse range of plants, the peaceful atmosphere, and the picturesque setting make it an ideal destination for a day trip and provide visitors with a chance to reconnect with nature.

Whether you are a botany enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, the Peradeniya Botanical Garden offers a unique and enriching experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Sri Lanka's botanical wonders.

Wonders Of Ceylon

KNOW SRI LANKA

WHY HOLIDAY IN SRI LANKA

VISA / IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS

GETTING AROUND

TRAVEL TIPS

INTERACTIVE MAP

IMAGE GALLERY

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

CULTURE & HERITAGE

HILL COUNTRY & TEA PLANTATIONS

WILD LIFE & NATURE

WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING

WATER SPORTS

LAND SPORTS

SPECIAL INTEREST ADVENTURES

AYURVEDA & SPA

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOON

• ACCOMMODATION
• Hill Country & Tea Country
• Royal Botanical Gardens

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is one of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The other four are Hakgala Botanical Garden, Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, Mirijjawila Botanical Garden and Seetawaka Botanical Garden.

Royal Botanical Garden is situated about 5.5 kms west of Kandy city of Sri Lanka and attracts 2 million visitors annually. It is situated next to Mahaveli River, which is the longest river in Sri Lanka and world famous for its collection of orchids. It includes more than 4000 species of plants, including of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. The total area of the botanical garden is 147 acres (0.59 km2), at 460 meters above sea level.

The origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near Mahaweli River. This was followed by King Kirti Sri and King Rajadhi Rajasinghe. A temple was built on this location by King Wimala Dharma, but it was destroyed by the British when they were given control over the Kingdom of Kandy. Thereafter, the groundwork for a botanical garden was formed by Alexandar Moon in 1821. He used the garden for the plantation of coffee and cinnamon. The Botanical Garden at Peradeniya was formally established in 1843 with plants brought from Kew Garden, Slave Island, Colombo, and the Kalutara Garden in Kalutara. The Royal Botanic Garden, Peradeniya was made more independent and expanded under George Gardner as superintendent in 1844. On his death in 1849 George Henry Kendrick Thwaites became superintendent. He served until 1879, when he was succeeded by Henry Trimen, who served until 1895. The Garden came under the administration of the Department of Agriculture when it was established in 1912.

There are a number of avenues in the river drive such as Cook's Pine Avenue, Palmyra Palm Avenue, Double Coconut Avenue, Cabbage Avenue and Royal Palm Avenue. The classical Avenue of Palms is located in this Garden. One tree with a significant history is the Cannonball Tree planted by King George V of the United Kingdom and Queen Mary in 1901. The tree is often laden with fruit, which are thought to resemble cannonballs.

During the Second World War, the Botanical Garden was used by Lord Louis Mountbatten, the supreme commander of the allied forces in the South Asia, as the headquarters of the South East Asia Command.

Search form

• Marriage Proposals

• News Features

Sunday, 10 Sep 2023

• Junior Observer
• Youth Observer

A visit to Royal Botanical Gardens

Growing up in Sri Lanka, our regular family trip was on from Ratnapura to Kandy to visit my aunt. The trip to Kandy had a family tradition of stopping at the same places every time en route to our destination via Galigamuwa on the Colombo-Kandy road. The 116 km-trip usually took almost three hours, taking in our favourite stops.

Our trip to Kandy occurred early this year before the Covid-19 third wave engulfed the country. There were less crowds at the Gardens. Situated in the Hill capital, Kandy, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, occupies a horse-shoe shaped peninsula surrounded by the luxuriant wallows of the muddy Mahaweli River.

Spectacles of  beauty and interest

A visit to the garden will provide spectacles of extraordinary beauty and absorbing interest for any nature lover or casual visitor. Situated 116 kms off Colombo, 4 kms off Kandy, the garden dates back from the 14th century reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasingha. From 1747-1780, this was made a Royal Garden and from 1780-1798, King Rajadhi Rajasingha resided therein, where a temporary residence was erected for him.

Peradeniya is well known for its large variety of plants, ornament and other creepers that produce the special spices of Sri Lanka. The great lawns highlight huge tropical trees and a variety of bamboo can be found in one place.

In 1810, on the advice of Sir Joseph Banks, a garden named Kew was opened in Slave Island. William Kerr was appointed as its Superintendent. In 1813, the garden was moved to Kalutara for the production of economic plants which could be cultivated there, on a large scale than was possible at Slave Island. Kerr died in 1814. Under the rule of his successor Alexander Moon, this garden was moved to Peradeniya in 1821 as it was found to be favourable and better adapted for the proposed Botanic establishment. The transfer of exotics from the Kalutara Garden was made by successive superintendents at least up to 1843.

Catalogue of  Ceylon plants

During Moon’s superintendence, the opening of the Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya, can be said to have commenced though at first, only the South-West portion of the Garden was opened and planted mostly with cinnamon and coffee. Moon published his ‘Catalogue of Ceylon Plants’ in 1824 in which were given the Botanical and native names of 1,127 plants, endemic to the island. In 1844, George Gardener was appointed Superintendent.

He died in Nuwara Eliya in 1849 and was succeeded by Dr. G.H.K. Thwaites, who for over 30 years, maintained the garden in a high state of efficiency, added largely to our knowledge of the flora of the island and gave the establishment its world-reputation. The Botanical Garden was used by Lord Louis Mountbatten, the supreme commander of the allied forces in the South Asia, as the headquarters of the South East Asia Command during World War II. When you proceed straight from the main entrance, you can see the Great Lawn close to Monument Road.

The most unique feature here is the Java Willow or Java Fig tree (Ficus Benjamina) which occupies the centre of the lawn like a giant living umbrella.

The ground covered by its enormous spread is about 2,500 sq. m. The lake lies in the South Drive to the left of the Main entrance. The margin of the lake is planted with marsh plants.

The bamboo collection is along River Drive to the right of the lake. The giant bamboo of Burma (Dendrocalamus giganteus) is the largest known in the world.

The stems attain a height of 30-40m and up to 20-25 cm in diametre. The average growth rate of new shoots is about 30 cm a day. There are three magnificent palm avenues; the Cabbage Palm Avenue flanks the river Driver, the palms, this avenue is over 21m in height, the Palmyra Palm Avenue which joins the flower garden with River Drive and the Royal Palm Avenue along the main central Drive.

Flowering plants

The flower garden, near the orchid house, is laid out with beds of flowering annuals and perennials.

The most striking feature here is the ribbon border of showy coleus varieties traversed by a path which leads to an octagonal conservatory. Here may be found a collection of shade-loving plants. The best known attraction of the garden is the orchid house close to the main entrance which houses more than 400 varieties of exquisite orchids.

Around the Orchid House may be seen several hardy tropical orchids including the largest orchid in the world which produces flower spikes up to 2.5 metre and the green orchid.

A spice garden gives you a first-hand introduction to the trees and plants used for the traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest river surrounding the garden gives it added beauty. It won’t be wrong to say that this garden is one of the best in the world and the best in Asia. 

There are 0 Comments

Related articles.

Produced by Lake House . Copyright © 1995 - 2023 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.

• Destinations
• Nuwara Eliya
• Polonnaruwa
• Anuradhapura
• Trincomalee
• Key Experiences
• Beach Holidays
• Misty Mountains
• Watersports
• History and Culture
• Foodie Travel
• Back Packing
• Day Outings
• Private: Is Sri Lanka Safe?
• Traveller Posts
• On-Ground Updates
• Private: From The Journal
• Travel Advisory Status
• Planning a Trip to Sri Lanka
• Visa And Entry Requirements
• Getting About
• Suggestions On Packing
• Join the Alliance
• Is Sri Lanka Safe?
• Recent Media Coverage
• The Pekoe Trail

Royal Botanical Garden

History and landscape.

Once, over a hundred years ago, the 60 hectares of land that today forms the Royal Botanical Garden was reserved for the exclusive use of Sri Lanka’s ancient Kandyan royalty. Today, it is the largest botanical gardens in the country and is open to all members of the public. The area once featured a temple that had been built by King Wimala Dharma, but this was destroyed by the British when they took control of the Kingdom of Kandy. The botanical garden was formally established in 1843 with plants from all over Sri Lanka, as well as from Kew Gardens in England.

Floral Diversity at its Finest

Situated in the western Kandyan suburb of Peradeniya, the Royal Botanical Garden welcomes approximately two million visitors every year and is particularly known for its collection of orchids. There are more than 4000 species of plants that are housed within it, including spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. The garden also features the Cannonball Tree, which was planted in 1901 by King George V and Queen Mary, and often bears fruit that are thought to resemble cannonballs. A Burma bamboo tree within the garden rises to a height of around 40 metres, while a giant Javan fig tree on the great lawn provides shade with its large canopy of branches. Thousands of fruit bats wing through the air in the evenings, and visitors can often catch a glimpse of large groups of monkeys swinging about.

Useful Tips

• Open daily from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• Stick to the rules of the park. Carrying plastics and polythene are prohibited.

Other Attractions To Visit

Udawattekele Sanctuary

Spanning over an area of more than 100 hectares, the Udawattekele Sanctuary is a historic forest reserve that sits on a hill within the city of Kandy...

Wales Park in Kandy is known by many names: The Royal Palace Park, Wace Park or Rajawasala Park. Situated on top of a hill, the park covers approximately 2...

Kandy Lake is an artificial lake that is also known as the Kiri Muhuda, and it can be found in the heart of Kandy city. Built in the early 19th century by King...

Best books about gardens to read in 2024

The art of gardening has existed for as long as human beings have been able to cultivate the earth.

From ancient Mesopotamian civilisations to the groundskeepers of royal households throughout history, gardens simultaneously represent the power to provide sustenance and the awe-inspiring power of the natural world. Taming and controlling nature reflect a fascinating ability to be at one with the forces that allow our planet to exist.

Gardens have long been a metaphor for paradise. It’s no wonder, then, that we as a society consider well-kept botanical gardens, green spaces and personal allotments revered spaces.

Perhaps our desire to explore the magnificent gardens of Kew and Versailles reflects an inner desire to return to antediluvian peace. Yet with cross-dimensional time travel out of the question and nil ability to fly-kick that apple out of Eve’s hand, we must make do instead with the very real, marvellously beautiful gardens of the contemporary world.

Whether it be the personal gardens of individuals or public gardens attached to stately homes and kitchens, pieces of kept land have inspired writers and artists for centuries.

From Monet’s Giverny garden, which gave the world paintings like The Water-Lily Pond, to the gardens of Great Maytham Hall which are believed to have inspired Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden, we have nature to thank for much of the world’s most prized works.

We’ve curated a selection of the best books about gardens for those who may not necessarily have a natural green thumb, but greatly appreciate all shades of nature’s beauty. Keep scrolling to get lost in botanical houses and arboretums.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Whether read this book as a child or an adult, there’s nothing quite like the sense of mystical wonder evoked in Burnett’s beloved novel. The Secret Garden is the story of a young girl named Mary Lennox who, after losing her parents, must leave India to live in her uncle’s mansion on the wild English moors.

Lonely and confined to the grounds of her uncle’s abode, Mary one day discovers a key hidden in a flowerbed which leads her to a hidden door. Once she turns the key in the lock, Mary discovers a bucolic paradise that should only exist in dreams.

Buy now £13.17, Amazon

In the Garden: Essays on Nature and Growing

In this wonderful collection of essays, fourteen writers share the ways in which you needn’t have access to a garden in order to become a gardener. With pieces that touch on the shared language of gardening and nature, as well as short treatises on the radical power of communal gardens, it’s a self-reflective read which is perfect for the spring and summertime.

Buy now £9.19, Amazon

The Writer's Garden by Jackie Bennett

Illustrated with specially commissioned photography by Richard Hanson, Jackie Bennett’s The Writer’s Garden details the botanical gardens, vegetable plots, rolling hills and hermitages belonging to 30 of the world’s greatest authors. From Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Orchard House’ where Little Women was written to the Massachusetts home of Edith Wharton, explore the symbiotic relationship your favourite writes had with their natural surroundings.

Buy now £24.21, Amazon

Life in the Garden by Penelope Lively

On one hand, Life in the Garden is a highly unique memoir which covers Lively’s existence through the gardens of her childhood and beyond. We begin in the garden at her childhood home in Cairo before moving to her grandmother’s garden in Somerset, followed by the author’s own successive gardens in Oxfordshire and North London. Yet Lively also covers famous literary gardens from the likes of Paradise Lost and Alice in Wonderland to reveal the symbolic power of nature.

Buy now £9.39, Amazon

The Gardener of Versailles by Alain Baraton

Master gardener Alain Baraton has been the gardener-in-chief at the Palace of Versailles since 1982. As such, his relationship with the meticulous hedgerows and sloping flower beds of the historical landscape is almost otherworldly. In The Gardener of Versailles , Baraton details his life within the living and breathing monument while drawing attention to the unique relationship between gardeners and the earth they tend to – no matter how big or small.

Buy now £22.71, Amazon

A Shakespearean Botanical by Margaret Willes

A lovely pocket botanical by Margaret Willes, this precious book is for those whose special interests involve both gardening and Shakespeare. Willes takes fifty quotations from Shakespeare’s works which reference flowers before delving into their botanical history, societal relevance and symbolic meanings.

Buy now £11.85, Amazon

Royal Gardens of the World by Mark Lane

Though more of a coffee table book than a holiday read, Mark Lane’s glorious volume covers the bustling gardens of 21 royal homes across the globe in fascinating detail. From Highgrove to the Taj Mahal, Lane writes of the architectural significance of the homes themselves before moving into details of the scrupulous design and upkeep of the gardens which surround them.

Buy now £35.00, Waterstones

Kew - Plant Words by Emma Wayland and Joe Richomme

Those with a natural curiosity for the incredibly variety of plants and their fascinating history will rejoice for Kew’s Plant Words by Emma Wayland and Joe Richomme. The beautifully illustrated volume explores the etymological roots of plant names before delving into their deeper meaning, historical value and the stories which surround them.

Buy now £12.99, Waterstones

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here .

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

The Unusual Evolutionary Journey of the Baobab Tree

New research shows the “upside-down trees” originated in Madagascar and then caught a ride on ocean currents to reach mainland Africa and Australia.

By Rachel Nuwer

Baobabs are one of the most charismatic trees on Earth, thanks in part to their unusual appearance. Their cartoonishly thick trunks are conspicuously oversized relative to their diminutive crowns, earning them the nickname “upside-down trees.” They can also live for thousands of years , contributing to their prominent place in cultural traditions and works of art.

For all the tales told about baobabs, though, their origin story has remained a mystery.

Scientists have debated for years how baobabs wound up in the places where they grow. Eight species exist around the world, and their distribution, like the trees themselves, is unusual: One species occurs across much of mainland Africa, while six are in Madagascar. The last is found faraway, in northwestern Australia.

Most researchers have hypothesized that the trees originated on mainland Africa. But findings published Wednesday in the journal Nature tell a different story. Baobabs instead most likely first evolved in Madagascar , where they diversified into different species. Two then embarked on long-distance oceanic journeys to distant continents.

“Madagascar is this wonderful natural laboratory,” said Tao Wan, a botanist at the Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and an author of the new study. He added, “In the case of baobabs, some very special geographical history on the island contributed to the species’ diversity.”

Dr. Wan and his colleagues sequenced the genomes of all eight baobab species and then used those data to understand how the trees evolved. They also investigated ecological factors that influenced the distribution of baobabs around Madagascar.

Their results indicate that baobabs’ common ancestor most likely arose in Madagascar around 21 million years ago. Competition with other plant life and factors like altitude, temperature, precipitation and volcanic activity caused new baobab species to emerge across Madagascar, as did fluctuating sea levels during various ice ages.

Baobabs probably also evolved a mutualistic relationship with lemurs that served as pollinators. Other relatively large animals, including fruit-eating bats and bush babies in Africa, began visiting baobabs’ nocturnal flowers for nectar. “One of the evolutionary innovations of baobabs was to exploit large, sugar-eating animals,” said Andrew Leitch, a plant geneticist at Queen Mary University of London, and an author of the study. “That’s an unusual thing for a plant to do.”

At some point, most likely around 12 million years ago, two species of Malagasy baobabs found their way to mainland Africa and Australia, where they evolved into the unique trees that grow there today. Most likely, multiple baobab seeds hitched rides as vegetation was transported by the Indian Ocean gyre, a current that circulates counterclockwise between Australia, South Asia and the eastern coast of Africa — exemplifying the species’ “fascinating and extraordinary long-distance dispersal patterns,” Dr. Leitch said.

“Baobabs are amazing trees, so I was excited to see this paper,” said Pamela Soltis, a botanist at the University of Florida who was not involved in the work. She added that the research offered new perspectives on baobab evolution.

In addition to filling in missing pieces of the evolutionary puzzle, the authors’ findings also raise conservation concerns. Two of the Malagasy species have alarmingly low genetic diversity, indicating that they might lack the resilience needed to adapt to climate change. A third species is also at risk of disappearing because of interbreeding with a more widespread cousin.

These three species are already listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List as being in danger of extinction. The new genetic findings suggest that their conservation statuses should be re-evaluated and potentially upgraded to even higher threat levels, said Ilia Leitch, a plant geneticist at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew and an author of the paper.

All six of the Malagasy baobab species are also being affected by an ongoing wave of extinctions that has been occurring in Madagascar for the past 2,500 years and that researchers say is mostly being driven by human activity. Several species of giant lemurs — some of which grew to gorilla-size proportions, and all of which probably served as key seed dispersers for baobabs — were hunted to extinction around 1,000 years ago. Virtually all of the forested understory that surrounded Madagascar’s baobabs has also been lost to recent development.

While species naturally come and go across evolutionary history, “that process is being exacerbated by human intervention,” Dr. Ilia Leitch said.

Explore Zheleznodorozhny

Essential zheleznodorozhny.

Zheleznodorozhny Is Great For

Eat & drink.