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Covering more than 147 acres of land and 460 meters above sea level, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens are charmingly attractive in Sri Lanka.
The Peradeniya gardens are labelled as having more than 4000 species of plants. One visiting Peradeniya can see different tropical, nearly extinct, biologically modified plants dancing up with the cold breeze.
Cold breezes from the Mahaweli River and a fresh morning walk between the orchids are the best pleasures a nature enthusiast can have. The Department of National Botanic Gardens currently manages the gardens.
History of Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Originally conceived in 1371 for the Queen’s pleasure, the gardens were developed by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. Initially, the Garden served as an open place for relief, and royalties were entertained.
Six years later, when the last king was succeeded by British rule in 1821, Sir Edward Barnes, the state’s deputy governor-general, released an executive order to convert the gardens into botanical gardens. In 1824, Alexander Moon, a botanist, was appointed head superintendent of the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens for his services in planting coffee and cinnamon.
George Gardner, the writer of “Catalogue of Brazilian Plants,” was given charge of the Garden in 1844. On his return, George Gardner collected different species from Brazil and planted them in the Peradeniya gardens.
Afterwards, Dr Thwaites, a devoted botanist, took charge and served the gardens for more than 30 years. He worked on the biodiverse garden. His ultimate life goal was to transform the garden into one of the top botanical gardens in the world.
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Plants at Peradeniya Botanical Garden
Initially, the garden was set up by Alexander Moon in 1821 to grow coffee and cinnamon plants. Later, the garden emerged as the most significant home for different species of plants.
As a result, the Botanical Garden currently has more than 4000 species of plants, including palms, orchids, and cinnamons.
The palm tree collection in the garden is marked as the best in Asia, with more than 220 species. The natural beauty of different rare tropical and common plants in one place draws visitors from around the world.
The symmetry of tall orchid trees, large, widespread lawns, an ebony collection, a fiscus collection, and a cacti display creates a great atmosphere of moderation.
Arboretum trees, colourful flower ribbons, and the splashing water of the Mahaweli River highlight the splendour of the garden’s beauty.
Monsoon at Peradeniya Botanical Garden
The natural greenery of the garden is maintained and refreshed by more than 200 days of annual rainfall. Gardens receive both Southwest and Northwest monsoons, keeping them lush green throughout the year.
GM Plants at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
The Garden was developed in 1821 to grow and experiment with economic and environmental species of plants.
While visiting the garden, one can witness various genetically modified plant species that one has never seen before.
Botanical conversions, ethnobotany, and ex-situ conversions practised worldwide were first tested at the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Peradeniya Botanical Garden Memorial Corner
The Garden is a significant memorial collection of plants by eminent personalities, including state guests, founders, scientists, and noble award winners.
Whenever a noble royal personality or a state guest visits the garden, he shows his gratitude by donating a plant. The plant was later maintained and remembered as his memorial gift to the garden.
Accessibility of Peradeniya Botanical Garden
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens are situated in the centre of Sri Lanka, 5.5 kilometres west of Kandy. The Garden is situated right in Kandy, also known as Maha Nuwara, one of the centrally highlighted cities of Sri Lanka.
After constructing the Garden, Kandy added value to the economic growth of Sri Lanka and is currently the significant administrative, cultural, and tourist host of Sri Lanka.
On all seven days of the week, one can visit the garden from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or noon. The Garden is open all year for the local public and foreign visitors. The number of visitors peaks in both the spring and autumn seasons.
Final Words
The Garden is counted among the finest tropical gardens in the world. Including herbs, fruits, flowers, and other tropical trees, the garden is enriched with various plants under one roof.
Furthermore, the Garden is spread over 147 acres of land so that one can see well-maintained and grown plants in ample, diversified, and impressive avenues.
A walk over the suspension bridge, lawns, pavilions, and a cup of tea are the best combinations to enjoy nature.
