Peradeniya Botanical Gardens -Once Forbidden, but Now Open to All

Once upon a time during the reign of the Sinhalese kings, the beautiful garden of Peradeniya in Kandy, Sri Lanka was forbidden to the people so that only the royals can enjoy its beauty. Today, its open to all, including you!

Where is it?
High upon the mountains of Sri Lanka, in the majestic citadel of Kandy lie the gardens of Peradeniya. They are so popular that it’s among the top things to do in Kandy right after visiting the Temple of the Tooth. To go there you can either take the No. 644 bus from the clock tower bus stop in Kandy (costs only 0.10 USD); or catch a tuk tuk which will take you there within 20 minutes. Be sure to hail a tuk tuk that has a meter on it as some tuk drivers try to swindle foreigners. A tuk ride to the botanical gardens from Kandy will not cost about 500 rupees (3.26 USD) but no more. If you’re staying at a place like Oak Ray Regency check with the concierge as some hotels arrange tours to not just the gardens but the entire city as well for an attractive package.

Once Forbidden…
Remember the story of the Secret Garden? Well the Peradeniya Gardens or the Royal Botanical Gardens used to be something like that. The origin of the stunning gardens goes as far back as 1371 when the Sinhalese King Wickramabahu III held his court here, just by the Mahaweli River. During his reign and of those in succession from King Kirti Sri to King Rajadhi Rajasinghe; the gardens were forbidden for commoners. After Sri Lanka was colonised by the British, the gardens were used as plantation grounds for coffee and cinnamon. It was only in1843 that the Peradeniya Gardens were formally established. Today, the gardens are one of the largest and impressive of botanical gardens in the country with an astounding 60 hectares dedicated to it.

What Can You See?
When the Peradeniya Gardens were first established they featured plants brought from Colombo, Slave Island, Kew Garden, and the Kalutara garden. Later in 1844, under a superintendent by the name of George Gardner, the gardens were further expanded.In modern day, the Royal Botanical Gardens are famous for its stunning collection of orchids, royal palms,giant Javan fig tree,and the Canonball Tree

There’s more…
In addition to the beautiful plants and flower trees, you’ll also be able to spot a curious set of creatures from Asian buffalo bulls to fruit bats and many, many cheeky monkeys.

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+