Hakgala Botanical Garden, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, is six km from the Nuwara Eliya Bus Stand. It is the second-largest botanical park in Sri Lanka and one of the best sites to see in Nuwara Eliya on a Sri Lanka tour. It is located on the major route between Nuwara Eliya and Badulla. One of Sri Lanka’s five botanical gardens is the Hakgala Botanical Garden; the other four are the Seethawaka Botanical Garden, Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, and Mirijjawila Botanical Garden. The Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve borders the garden. Dr. G.H.K. Thwaites founded it in 1861 to experiment with Cinchona cultivation. It was then used to grow tea before transforming into a garden with various tropical and subtropical flora in 1884.
About Hakgala Botanical Garden
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The Hakgala Botanical Garden, which stands 5,400 feet above sea level, is said to be the world’s highest botanical garden. According to the fabled Indian epic “Ramayana,” the Demon King Ravana, who governed Sri Lanka, kidnapped and imprisoned Sita, the wife of Rama, in this region. The Hakgala garden, also known as Ashok Vatika, was supposedly a pleasure garden that the Demon King gave to Sita in an effort to ease her grief. The garden, separated into several smaller gardens, is 28 hectares in size and has an enormous variety of exotic plants and flowers.
Entry Fees: INR 400 approximately
Location: Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Hwy, Hakgala, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7:300 AM – 5:00 PM
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History Of Hakgala Botanical Garden
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During the events of the Hindu epic “The Ramayana,” Sita Devi was taken prisoner in Lanka by Ravana, the monarch of that country. While in prison, he allowed her access to a pleasure garden known as “Ashok Vatika.” Ashok Vatika is the name given to what is now known as the Hakgala Garden. The Seetha Amman Temple, where Sita Devi is said to have pleaded for Lord Rama to come and save her, was constructed here. At that time, the region was known as Seetha Eliya. The Hakgala Botanical Garden underwent several trials before becoming the well-known tourist destination it is today. It was founded in 1861 by English botanist and entomologist Dr. George Henry Kendrick Thwaites, who intended to experiment on the medicinal plant Cinchona, which yields quinine and is used to cure malaria. Subsequently, the region was transformed into a tea plantation to test growing tea there. The tea estate was eventually transformed into a botanical garden with carefully chosen plants and diverse flora by the British in 1884.
Flora And Fauna Of Hakgala Botanical Garden
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The Hakgala Gardens are home to a number of uncommon and exotic bird and animal species. However, their primary concentration is on the many types of plants and shrubs that are cultivated there. The most well-known ones include the Sambhur, Purple-faced Leaf Monkeys, Sloth Bears, and so on. Other bird species include the Brown Shrimp, Black-Winged Kite, and Ceylon Jungle Fowl. Among these birds are migratory ones that come to the gardens in the northeast monsoon season.
More than a hundred rose varietals can be found in a rose garden, including Saintpaulia, Primula, Begonia, and others. A spice garden with several tree species produces spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, etc. Then there is the Orchid House, where all the beautiful and uncommon flowers like Arachnis, Cattleya, and Grammatophyllum, the biggest orchid in the world, are grown. In addition, the Botanical Garden features a Cactus House with a variety of cacti, a Fernery with an extensive assortment of ferns, and ancient tea plants that are grown for research. There’s an arboretum, a rock garden with many herbaceous plants, and a bulb garden with things like amaryllis and Watsonia. In addition to these distinct zones, the garden features trees that provide solid wood, such as pines and eucalyptus.
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Things To See Inside The Hakgala Botanical Garden
There are many amazing things that you can do at Hakgala Botanical Garden, and make your trip mesmerising. Here are some of the wonderful things listing below:
1. Central Pond and Bulb Garden
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A footpath leads to the middle pond from the main road, where yellow water lilies are planted. Plants surrounding the centre pond include magnificent specimens of Eugenia cunninghamii, Bunya Bunya Pine (Araucaria bid will), and Mihiriya, a native Sri Lankan tree (Gordonia axillaris). The 1924 opening of the bulb garden may be reached by following the route on the left. Many of its plants, including the Lilium, Watsonia, Gladiolus, Agapanthus, and Zephyranthes, are native to Holland and Japan.
2. Lower Flower Garden
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The flame bush, Cestrum elegans, Poinsettia Pulcherrima, and other varieties of Fuchsia, with their drooping clusters of lovely blooms, are among the many annual flowers that adorn the flower garden and add to its attractiveness. The camphor tree is one of the most interesting trees in the floral garden. Beneath the flower garden is a 1910 summer home built as a tribute to Mr. J.K. Nock, one of the gardens’ pioneer curators.
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3. Rose Garden
The Botanic Gardens are well-known in the area for their collection. The rose garden, built on a plot of land with two terraces, has contemporary rose species brought in from America and England. Behind the rose garden is a herbaceous border.
4. Glass House
Beside the exit drive is a recently constructed glass structure that serves as a storage area for indoor plants. This features examples of African violets, peperomias, and begonias in bloom, Primula, Gloxinia, Pelargonium, Streptocarpus, and several varieties of succulents and cacti.
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5. Upper flower garden
The top flower garden features an assortment of miniature roses and herbaceous plants and also has annual blooms. A Mexican Montezuma pine and a New South Wales Hoop pine are on either side of the flower garden. Below is a row of jacaranda trees covered with mauve blossoms. The floral garden is surrounded by Japanese cedar trees and a massive Monterey cypress tree. The Dada Kehel is a dark green, deeply cut-leaved creeper that is seen clinging to a Wanasapu tree.
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Since its establishment in 1861, the park has drawn more than 5 lakh tourists annually. This botanical garden, which is thought to be the highest set on Earth, is attached to the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve. Because Hakgala Gardens is 5,400 feet above sea level, it enjoys exceptional weather. This area has comfortable year-round temperatures, ranging from 16°C to 30°C. Because of the location’s historical significance, many travellers and pilgrims visit it. But December through February are the greatest months to explore this massive garden’s alluring splendour. Thus, plan a trip to Sri Lanka and visit this lush garden to witness Hakgala Botanical Garden’s breathtaking splendour.
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Cover Image Source: Yercaud-elango for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Hakgala Botanical Garden
What is the best time to visit Hakgala Botanical Garden Nuwara Eliya?
The opening hours of Hakgala Botanical Garden are from 8:00 AM and last till 5:30 PM. One must note that the Plant nursery closes at 3:30 PM and one must explore it before the mentioned time.
Are pets allowed in the garden?
No, pets are not allowed.
Which month is best for Nuwara Eliya?
The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya is typically during the dry season, which occurs from December to April.
What is famous in Nuwara Eliya?
The town of Nuwara Eliya is mostly famous for the tea production in Sri Lanka.
What are the major highlights of the Hakgala Botanical Garden?
Hakgala Botanical Garden is the second largest garden in Sri Lanka having a huge variety of flowers and exotic plants. Fernery, Rock Garden, Upper Flower Garden, Arboretum, and Rose Garden are the various sub gardens.
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