Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Located close to Kandy, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens were originally built as the royal pleasure gardens. Home to a prince, enjoyed by a Kandyan queen during her lifetime, and once one of the greatest Botanical Gardens in the British Empire - if the leaves in these grounds could talk, they’d reveal some fascinating stories. Today, they are the largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, covering 60 ha and bordered on three sides by the Mahaweli Ganga.

Home to 4000 types of flora, hundreds of thousands of local and foreign visitors flock to these gardens every year. The long history of the grounds combined with the colourful sights and smells of the hundreds of native species makes this destination a welcome break from the bustling streets.  As well as the collection of over 300 orchid species, interested visitors will also be able to enjoy avenues of royal palms, cannonball trees, a giant Javan fig tree and a fragrant spice garden. 

Spend a few hours having a relaxing stroll around the Peradeniya gardens, taking in the fragrant spices of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves in the spice garden and searching for giant bamboo and Assam rubber trees. Enjoy the exquisitely kept landscapes on your own or with a specialist botanical guide by your side, who can offer their expertise on the colourful species planted here.

History of the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Dating back as far as the 1370s, the botanical gardens have links to several Sri Lankan kings including King Wimala Dharma, who built a temple on the grounds. The temple was later destroyed and in 1821, the foundations for a botanical garden began when Alexander Moon used the land to grow cinnamon and coffee plants. It wasn’t until 1843 that the botanical gardens were formally established and plants were sourced from Kew Gardens as well as various locations around Sri Lanka. 

In 1957, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens were used as a filming location for the memorable war film The Bridge on the River Kwai. 

When is Best to Visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens?

The location of the gardens means that they receive a large amount of rainfall during the South West and North East Monsoons. Of course, it is thanks to these conditions that the plant life and expansive great lawn are so lush and green. If you want to avoid the rainy weather in Kandy, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is April-June, August-September or December.

Experience Sri Lanka

Do you dream of wandering amongst lush palm trees and flowering orchids under the hot Sri Lankan sun? With Experience Travel Group, your holiday dreams can become reality. Our destination experts will work with you to craft the perfect itinerary, give us a call on 0203 993 5636.