How much does it cost to enter the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens?

Entry fees for foreign nationals at Peradeniya are set by the Sri Lankan government and are subject to periodic revision. Lakpura offers pre-bookable entrance tickets so you can confirm the current rate before you travel. Children's fees are typically lower than the adult rate.

Can I visit both Hakgala and Horton Plains in the same day?

Yes, this is a popular combination from Nuwara Eliya. Horton Plains is best visited early — aim to reach World's End before cloud rolls in, typically by mid-morning. You can then drive down to Hakgala for a late-morning or early-afternoon visit. Allow at least 90 minutes for each destination.

What is the best botanical garden to visit near Colombo?

Henarathgoda Botanic Garden near Gampaha is the most accessible from Colombo, roughly 30 km from the city centre. It is a good choice if you have a morning free and prefer to avoid the drive to Kandy. Peradeniya is the more rewarding destination overall but requires a longer journey.

Are there guided tours available at Peradeniya or Hakgala?

Official garden guides are available for hire at the entrance of Peradeniya and can substantially improve the visit, particularly for the orchid houses and spice section. At Hakgala, guides familiar with the upper forest trail can help locate endemic wildlife. Lakpura's private drivers can also arrange visits as part of a broader itinerary.

Is the first rubber tree at Henarathgoda still alive?

Yes, the original Hevea brasiliensis tree planted at Henarathgoda in the 19th century is still standing and is preserved as a living heritage specimen within the garden grounds. It is typically labelled and signposted for visitors.

What should I wear when visiting Hakgala Botanic Garden?

Nuwara Eliya sits at around 1,900 metres elevation, and Hakgala is slightly lower but still cool, especially in the mornings and evenings. Bring a light jacket or layer regardless of the season. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable if you plan to take the upper forest trail.

Can I see purple-faced leaf monkeys at Hakgala?

A resident troop lives in the montane forest above the cultivated garden area, and sightings are fairly reliable in the early morning. The upper forest trail leading from the main garden gives you the best access. These monkeys are endemic to Sri Lanka and classified as endangered, so maintain a respectful distance.

Botanical Gardens — Lakpura®

Hakgala Botanic Garden

After the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, Hakgala, 10km (6 miles) south of Nuwara Eliya, is the second most important garden in Sri Lanka.

Though on a smaller scale than those at Peradeniya, Hakgala’s plantations of roses, shrubs, ferns and montage woodland are delightfully located, with scenic views.

Above the gardens, a forest trail leads into virginwoodland – the home of a troop of purple-faced leaf monkeys, a species endemic to Sri Lanka, and to endemic bird species including the Sri Lanka white-eye, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, and Sri Lanka whistling thrush.

Open daily from 07:30 to 17:00.

The Royal Botanic Garden at Peradeniya

The Gardens date back to the Kandyan kingdom, when they were used as royal pleasure grounds. However, it was soon after the British seized the Kandyan Kingdom that they were established in 1821. The Gardens are elegantly landscaped over 150 hectares of beautifully undulating grounds. Within this large loop of the meandering Mahaweli Ganga is a spectacular display of more than 400 species of indigenous tropical flora and exotic plants.

Henarathgoda Botanic Garden

Henarathgoda Botanical garden is situated in close proximity to Gampaha Municipality opened in 1876. It is surrounded by beautiful paddy fields, a man-made green environment, secondary forest & a beautiful water streams. This garden carries historically link to the evolution of Sri Lankan Economy. The first imported rubber tree to Sri Lanka was first planted in this garden and it is visible there. The garden has a fairly big collection of tropical flower plants with eye-catching landscaping properly designed and many shrubs, bushes and beautiful trees could. The garden is famous destination for youngsters.