What to Do in Peradeniya Botanical Garden?

The Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya—located just 6 km from Kandy—is one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful and historic gardens. With over 4,000 plant species, scenic riverside views, and wide open lawns, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, families, and anyone exploring central Sri Lanka.

Here are the top things to do inside Peradeniya Botanical Garden:

Top Attractions & Must-Do Activities

1. Explore the Famous Orchid House
This is one of the garden’s highlights. You’ll find more than 300 species of orchids,including native Sri Lankan orchids and seasonal flowering varietie. The display is at its most vibrant from January to April.

2. Walk Through the Avenue of Royal Palms
A breathtaking, long avenue lined with towering Cuban Royal Palms, planted in 1905. A majestic walk that feels like a natural cathedral.

3. See the Giant Javan Fig Tree (Ficus Benjamina)
This massive tree spreads its canopy over 2,500 m², creating a natural umbrella-like structure. Its vast, labyrinthine aerial roots and canopy create an impressive canopy with tangled aerial roots that make it a popular photo spot. A must-see photo spot in Peradeniya Botanical Garden.

4. Visit The Spice Garden & Medicinal Plants Section
Discover Sri Lanka’s famous spices, like cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and cardamom, that grow. The medicinal section showcases plants used in traditional Ayurveda.

5. Enjoy the Cacti House & Succulent Collection
An interesting contrast to the tropical flora—perfect for plant lovers who want to explore diverse ecosystems.

6. Stroll Along the Suspension Bridge Over the Mahaweli River
The garden borders the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest river. Near the edge of the gardens, you may also spot a small suspension bridge over the Mahaweli River, offering beautiful river views and the lush gardens from a different perspective.

7. Explore The Great Circle & Lawns – Perfect for Relaxation
A vast, beautifully manicured circular lawn surrounded by majestic royal palms (Roystonea regia). Perfect for relaxing, resting, and enjoying the open space (light snacks only).

8. Visit The Japanese Garden & Bamboo Collection
A peaceful, landscaped section with a pond, bridges, and Japanese-style plantings. Nearby, the bamboo forests create naturally shaded tunnels perfect for cooling off after walking in the sun.

9. Watch Fruit Bats Hanging from Trees
Peradeniya is famous for its large colonies of flying foxes. You’ll see hundreds of them hanging from the tall canopy trees.

10. Visit Memorial Trees
Look for trees planted by famous historical figures, including King George V, Emperor Hirohito of Japan, and Yuri Gagarin (the first cosmonaut).

Practical Tips for Visiting Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Best Time to Visit
Morning (8:00–11:00 AM) for cooler weather and softer light
Late afternoon for photography
The gardens are beautiful year-round, but different sections bloom at different times, with generally better floral displays from December to April.

Entrance Fee (approx.)
Foreign adults: LKR 3,000–3,500
Kids: reduced rate
(Prices may vary slightly year to year.)

Recommended Duration
2–3 hours for a relaxed visit
4+ hours if you want to explore every section, picnic, or take many photos.

Getting There
Located about 5.5 km from Kandy city. Easily reached by taxi, tuk-tuk, or public bus (take a bus to Peradeniya and walk a short distance).

What to Bring/Wear:
Comfortable walking shoes – you'll cover a lot of ground.
Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Water bottle (can be refilled).
An umbrella or raincoat (the weather can change quickly in Kandy).
Camera or phone for photos

Combine Your Visit With:
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.
Watch a Kandyan Cultural Dance Show.
Take a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya) – the Peradeniya station is close by.

Peradeniya is not just a garden, it's a living museum of tropical flora, history, and breathtaking landscape design. It's perfect for a romantic stroll, a family outing, birdwatching, photography, or simply finding peace away from the bustle of Kandy

If you are planning to visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden and explore more of Sri Lanka, travelers are strongly encouraged to apply for the Sri Lanka eVisa online before arrival. This saves time at the airport and guarantees smooth entry—especially during busy travel seasons.

Apply for your Sri Lanka eVisa now and get approved before you travel.

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