Spread out across an impressive 27 hectares, it is difficult to conceive that the well-maintained Hakgala Botanical Garden was established more than a century ago in 1860. Boasting the distinct honour of being the world’s only botanical garden set at an altitude which is nearly 6,000 feet, it is little wonder the garden is a permanent fixture on most Sri Lanka holiday tours of Nuwara Eliya whether it’s by Jetwing Travels or any other tour operator in the country. Occupying the Upper Highlands region in the country, the cool climate of the area most locals dub “Little England” has only helped the many flora varieties and landscapes preserve their vitality all year round.
Welcoming tourists and nature lovers from around the country and the world, the Hakgala Botanical Garden is home to some of the country’s most prized botanical possessions. This includes Himalayan Pines, English Oaks and a Japanese Cedar collection which is more than a 100 years old. The American Monetary Cypress trees are also another horticultural showpiece in the garden which features landscaped elements such as small brooks, ponds and wooden bridges that add to the charm of these lush flora infused surroundings.
Some of the key highlights of the Hakgala Botanical Garden are its Rose Garden which houses more than a hundred varieties of the sweet scented bloom. The Small Plant House and the Cactus House is no less impressive while the Orchid House boasts some exotic species of orchids including Dendrobiums and Oncidiums. The Glass House in the garden also showcases collections of popular floral species including Begonias, Peperomias and other well-known flower collections. The Japanese Garden and the Spice Garden enclosure are other points of interest that are also worthy of exploration for their landscape styles as well as the many aromatic condiment plants littering the confines of the Spice Garden. The Rock Garden was a later addition to the iconic garden space that was declared open in 1921 and contains an intriguing catalogue of fossils and rocks.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+