Once reserved only for Kandyan royalty, these stunning gardens can be enjoyed by everyone today.

Banked by the beautiful Mahaweli river lays Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. The 147-acre site is composed of endemic plants and mixed with species brought from as far as the famous Kew Gardens in England. Steeped in history, it has evolved through a colonial rule to become one of the most popular botanical gardens in Asia. Your guide will meet you at the main entrance gate, and walk you through the garden’s evolution from inception to the present day. Walk through several stunning tree-lined avenues and catch a glimpse of the troop of monkeys that have made the guava tree collection their home. Other wildlife in the park includes a colony of fruit bats and various species of endemic butterflies. Pay attention to the magnificent fig tree at the centre of the grand lawn which sprawls for metres on end and provides good shade under its canopy for a rest. Before you leave, take a look in the orchid house which gives shelters to many varieties and colours of orchids native to Sri Lanka. These beautiful gardens will serve as the oasis required after spending time in the hustle and bustle of Kandy city.