Central Province · Sri Lanka
Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya
NatureBotanyColonial HistoryScenic Views
Sri Lanka's largest botanical garden covering 147 acres on a meander of the Mahaweli River, established in 1821 with over 4,000 plant species including a 350-year-old Java fig tree.
Duration
2-3 hours
Entry Fee
$15 USD
Difficulty
easy
Budget
moderate
About Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya
The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya were formally established in 1821, though the site served as a royal pleasure garden for Kandyan kings before British occupation. The gardens cover 147 acres on a bend of the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka's longest, and contain over 4,000 labelled species of trees, orchids, palms, and tropical plants. The Great Circle of palms includes royal palms, traveller's palms, and fan palms. The double avenue of royal palms is the most photographed feature. A 350-year-old Java fig tree (Ficus benjamina) near the central lawn has aerial roots spanning over 2,000 square metres. The orchid collection includes 300 species. The gardens are 5 kilometres from central Kandy and are accessible by public bus or tuk-tuk.
Highlights
- 147 acres with over 4,000 labelled plant species
- 350-year-old Java fig tree with 2,000 sq m canopy spread
- 300-species orchid collection
- Double avenue of royal palms
- Located on a meander of the Mahaweli River
Practical Tips
Entry for foreign visitors is approximately USD 15 (LKR 2,000) as of 2024.
Arrive by 8am on weekdays to avoid school groups, which arrive in large numbers mid-morning.
The orchid house is at the south end of the gardens — allow 30 extra minutes for it.
Bring water — there are few vendors inside the main garden area.
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best months Shoulder Avoid
Best time of day: Year-round; January to April for dry weather and best orchid blooming
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Moderate
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- outdoor
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- moderate
- Photography
- ★★★★☆
Plan Your Visit
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Explore →PLAN YOUR VISIT
Ready to explore Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya?
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