Approximately 68 miles or 110 kms away from Colombo and closer to Kandy is the Peradeniya Royal Botanical gardens. It is well known for sheer number and variety of plants that are indigenous as well introduced. The gardens contain over 4000 species and varieties making it one of the best and most valuable collections in the world.
Established in 1822, during the British rule, hence the “Royal”, the gardens are set in a horseshoe-shaped curve of the longest river in Sri Lanka, the Mahaweli. The gardens occupy about 150 acres, (60 hectares), with views of mountains to the south and jungle-covered hillside to the north. The garden complex is divided into several different zones, each specializing in one particular genre of flora.
There are, roses, ferns, spices, medicinal plants and herbs, green houses of full of orchids, foliage plants, cacti and succulents, among others.
Along the river’s edge grow masses of giant bamboo, both green and orange, which keep the river from claiming some of the land during floods.
Along the way to the Botanical Garden, I also visited a very well maintained Herbal Garden.
Follow me….I will walk you through this breathtakingly beautiful photo-journey of The Royal Botanical Gardens…A visual treat awaits you….
Author: Dr K.B. Mallya- Canada