Misty Hills Villa
Kadugannawa
Nearby Destination Guide
Sri Lanka's largest and most historic botanical sanctuary
Spanning 147 acres and bounded by a loop of the Mahaweli River, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya are the finest and largest of their kind in Asia. With origins dating back to 1371 during the reign of King Wickramabahu III, the gardens are home to a collection of over 4,000 plant species.
A major attraction within the gardens is the exquisite Orchid House, which showcases an extraordinary collection of both wild and cultivated orchids, including rare native Sri Lankan species. Strolling through the vibrant colors and delicate shapes is a sensory delight.
Another legendary feature is the massive Giant Java Fig Tree (Ficus benjamina) located on the Great Lawn. Planted over a century ago, its sprawling canopy covers an area of nearly 2,500 square meters. The tree's root system and dome-like shape make it a favorite photo spot for travelers.
Visitors will also enjoy the Cook's Pine Avenue, the Double Coconut Avenue (featuring the tree with the largest seed in the world), and the peaceful spice garden loaded with cardamoms, cinnamon, and nutmeg.