Sri Lanka is one of the most startling and beautiful island countries in the world. It has a very rich and diverse culture, something that dates back to centuries. The natural beauty of the country is without parallel. There are unending coastlines, tropical forests, wildlife sanctuaries and high mountains. This diverse topography is the reason behind the equally varied flora and fauna of the country. There are several wildlife parks and gardens in the island country and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens must be mentioned in this context.
All the botanical gardens are full of ornamental flowers and exotic plants, are like emerald jewels adorned in the striking landscape of the island. These gardens have are veritable store houses of a variety of trees and flowers collected from all over the world. Peradeniya Botanical Garden is located in Kandy one of the most important places in Sri Lanka. A large variety of decorative plants and other creepers that are used to produce the special spices of Sri Lanka are found in Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Huge tropical trees are found through the length and breath of the lawns. The orchid house in the garden is really worth a visit.
It is renowned for the collection the variety of Orchids,and has more than 300 varieties of Orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palms trees attach it is the National Herbarium. Total land mass of the botanical garden is 147 acres, 460 Meters above sea level with a 200 day annual rain fall, it is managed by the Division of National Botanic Gardens of the Department of Agriculture. The spice garden in the park has trees and plants used for preparing traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
The magnificence of the garden is heightened by the Mahaweli River which flows through its outer edge.
As the largest in Sri Lanka ideal for walkers, you can also bike or drive through it. They have a comprehensive collection and a scientific programme in biotechnology, ecology, conservation and taxonomy. The gardens are open every day and have flowers in bloom all year round. To mark their visits to Sri Lanka, many distinguished visitors, including royalty and heads of governments, have planted trees at the gardens. Today these gardens have acquired a worldwide reputation, for their history and plant collections. Among others, the gardens contain the tallest bamboos in the world and also the oldest tea plant in Sri Lanka.
Situated to the North of the City of Kandy, this reserve has deep forests with many endemic birds, butterflies and plants. Udawattakele also has a Buddhist meditation centre.
