Hakkgala Gardens was established in 1861 as an experimental garden in Cinchona. After replacing cinchona, it became an experimental tea plantation in Elijah, Nuwara Eliya. It was converted into a garden in 1884 and has since been planted in many sub-tropical and temperate climatic gardens. Legends state that after the abduction of Sita, King Ravana of Sri Lanka hid her from the area and offered the place as an amusement park. That place is referred to as Ashok Vatika in the Ramayana. Hakkgala Botanic Gardens is one of the three botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. It is the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. It is believed to be one of the highest botanical gardens in the world. From December to February it has a cold climate and the warm climate is from April to August. Over 10,000 species of plants have been planted and thousands of visitors come to see the flowering during the Nuwara Eliya spring season. The annual visitor count is about 500,000. Hakgala Gardens are famous for a number of orchids and roses planted there.
Main Sections of Hakgala Gardens in Nuwara Eliya– Central pond & bulb garden
– Lower flower garden
– Rose garden
– Glass house
– Upper flower garden
– Fernery
– Rock garden
– Arboretum
Location: Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Hwy, Hakgala
Timings: Everday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Web site: http://www.botanicgardens.gov.lk/?page_id=4380
Phone No: 0522 222 182
Entrance:
Overseas Tourist
| Adult & child (elder than 12) | 1500(Rs) |
| Child (younger than 12) | 750(Rs) |
| School & University Student (Must have proof) | 1000(Rs) |
