Janet's Journal

The jewel in the crown of the botanical gardens in Sri Lanka.  Covering 147 acres just 5 kilometres from Kandy and edged on three sides by the Mahaweli River they became one of the greatest botanical gardens in the British Empire. An oasis of calm after the hustle and bustle of Kandy town.

As far back as 1371 the Kandyan royal court and gardens were established here.  In 1821 the groundwork for a botanical garden was formed with coffee and cinnamon plants. Then in 1843 plants were brought from Kew Gardens in England, Colombo and Kalutara.  

In 1901 King George V and Queen Mary visited the gardens and planted a Cannonball Tree.

During the World War II Lord Louis Mountbatten, the supreme commander of the allied forces in South Asia, established the headquarters of the South East Asia Command in the gardens.

Today there are over 4,000 different species of plants under cultivation here including a renowned collection of orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka.

It’s one of my favourite places, I’ve visited several times and each time have spent the best part of the day relaxing and meandering along the paths

There are beautiful avenues to walk down, each showcasing a single palm species. Vast lawns planted with single specimen trees make soothing resting places.

Throughout the whole area there are plenty of seats in leafy shade, not so easy to find one without a young couple already ensconsed!

The suspension bridge over the Mahaweli River is carefully controlled by security.  Only a few people allowed on it at any one time to cross and then come back.

The gardens are a haven for all forms of wildlife.  Thousands of flying foxes (fruit bats) roost in the trees by the rive

Take plenty of water with you.  If you take a picnic be aware of the monkeys who will target backpacks to get at the food.

Over one and a quarter million Sri Lankans visit each year, in normal years there would be half a million tourists as well.  It is lovely to see the local children there with their school, or scout group.

All the plants are well labelled and there are lots of information boards and signposts.

There is a café in the gardens and a small book shop.  A large Laksala gift shop is at the exit with another small café.

The entrance fee was set in 2019 at Rs2000 for foreigners. Rs100 for Sri Lankans and residents.