Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya is one of the most magnificent botanical gardens in Asia, covering 147 acres in a sweeping loop of the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka's longest river, 5 km west of Kandy. The gardens contain over 4,000 plant species, including a famous avenue of royal palms, an orchid house with 300+ varieties, a spice garden, and a collection of giant bamboo that some culms exceed 37 metres in height.

The grounds also shelter flying foxes that roost in the fig trees, wild monkeys, and a remarkable collection of tropical hardwood trees planted by successive British governors as living monuments.

Shorta Tours arranges Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya as part of a tailored private itinerary, providing expert guides, comfortable private transfers, and hand-picked operators to ensure a seamless and truly memorable experience.

A pleasure garden was first established at Peradeniya by King Vikramabahu III in the 14th century CE, used as a royal pleasure retreat and medicinal herb collection. The British established a formal botanical garden at the site in 1821, focusing initially on coffee and later tea cultivation experiments; the Assam tea plants trialled here eventually formed the foundation of Ceylon's tea industry.

The gardens were developed to international research standard during the British period, with specimens collected from India, Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa, making Peradeniya one of the most comprehensive botanical collections in Asia.

Today, Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya remains one of the highlights of visiting Central Province, drawing guests from around the world who seek its unique combination of history, nature, and authentic Sri Lankan character.

Entry fee applies; the gardens are open daily from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Guided tours are available from trained garden docents.

Shorta Tours provides knowledgeable guides who can explain the horticultural, historical, and ecological significance of the key collections.

Essential items to pack: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water, camera..