One of the most romantic activities in Nuwara Eliya is Hakgala Garden, Sri Lanka’s second-largest botanical garden. Located at an elevation of 1747 metres above sea level, Hakgala is named after a rock shaped like an elephant’s jaw that adorns the park. Originally utilised in 1860 as an experimental Cinchona plantation, which produces the anti-malarial drug quinine, Hakgala is now a sprawling flower garden in Nuwara Eliya and a top attraction in the area.
Just 6 km from Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala is also steeped in Ramayana legend as one of the locations, along with Ravana Cave. King Ravana hid Seeta after abducting her, offering this area as her pleasure garden to entice her to be his consort and queen. A 69-acre manicured garden has sub-gardens that showcase the beautiful blooms and greens of the island nation as well as from other countries.
The sprawling, salubrious park is home to over 10,000 species of plant life, including gardens of roses, shrubs, ferns, boulder gardens with small streams, and quaint wooden bridges. It is also home to a large variety of birdlife, including many endemic species and migratory birds. Start your journey through the park by starting up the path to the right. After you enter the park, go through the azalea garden and up to the pavilion.
The rose garden is a twin-terraced area that features more than 100 varieties of Roses. Complemented by rose varieties imported from England, this beautiful spread of blooms also displays a glass house, indoor plants, and garden varieties.
More commonly referred to as the Cactus and Flower Garden, it features over 800 cactus exhibits and a variety of flowers, including Agaves, Opuntia, Begonias, and African violets.
Separated into the upper and lower flower gardens, they feature annual flower blooms of local and many famous international varieties.
Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Hwy, Hakgala
Website: https://www.botanicgardens.gov.lk/service/botanic-gardens-hakgala/
Tel: +94812388088.
Open Daily: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Tickets: LKR 3,000 Per Foreign adult and LKR 1,500 for foreign children (Prices accurate as of June 2024)
