This oldest formal botanical garden is one of the three botanical gardens established by the British in Sri Lanka in 1832. It still stands as one of the finest botanical gardens in the world. The Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya is in “the top ten greatest botanical gardens in the world” list (published by The Guardian in 2018). Three sides of the 57ha land are surrounded by the longest river making the place most suitable for vegetation.
Originally the place was the royal garden of King Wickramabahu III in 1371. The king also set his court in the garden.
The garden was used as the Southeast Asian Headquarters of the Allied Forces during the Second World War.
The garden that includes more than 4000 plant species is the second largest botanical garden in Asia after the Bogor Botanical Garden in Indonesia.
Additional information
Accommodation
Accommodation (within 10km)
- Star Classified hotels- Yes
- International Chain Hotels- Yes
- Boutique Hotels- Yes
- Resorts- No
- Ayurvedic Hotels- Yes
- Inns/Guest Houses- Yes
- Hostels- Yes
- Homestays- Yes
- Eco Hotels- Yes
* You might still find preferred accommodation in nearby cities.
Distance
Distance from (estimate)
- CMB Airport- 119km (travel time: 3hrs 20min)
- Colombo City- 130km (travel time: 4hrs 20min)
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress- 108km (travel time: 3hrs)
- Anuradhapura Ancient City- 152km (travel time: 4hrs)
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City- 136km (travel time: 3hrs 40min)
- Kandy City- 5km (travel time: 14min)
- Galle Dutch Fort- 219km (travel time: 5hrs 15min)
* The time and distance are only given to give you an idea. There are stopovers between the two locations. The cities listed above are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Best Time
Season
- November to April