Parks & Gardens · 9 of the best in Sri Lanka
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
Orchids and giant trees
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, about 5.5 kilometres west of Kandy on a bend of the Mahaweli, Sri Lanka’s longest river, cover 147 acres. Planting began in 1821, and the gardens were formally established in 1843 with plants from Kew and other gardens. Highlights are the avenues of royal palms, a vast Java fig tree on the Great Lawn, the orchid house and trees planted by visiting dignitaries, among them a cannonball tree planted by King George V and Queen Mary in 1901. Give it at least two hours, ideally in the morning, and bring water.
Why it's on our list
- Orchid house
- Palm avenues
- Shade
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Kandy Lake5.3 kmCycle 21 minCar or taxi 19 min
- Temple of the Tooth, Kandy5.6 kmCycle 23 minCar or taxi 20 min
- Lake Gregory, Nuwara Eliya40 kmCar or taxi 124 min
- Horton Plains57 kmCar or taxi 174 min