Embark on a romantic escapade amidst the enchanting landscapes of the southern dry zone at Mirijjawila Botanical Garden, a verdant oasis sprawled across 300 acres in the heart of Hambantota, Sri Lanka. Located about 60 km from Yala, this is the most extensive dry zone botanical garden in the country and a beautiful garden in Yala. Mirijjawila is a testament to conservation efforts and biodiversity preservation in the dry zone region.
Established with the primary aim of conserving dry zone plants ex-situ, Mirijjawila offers couples a captivating journey through a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna. Nestled within the Hambantota District, the gardens serve as a sanctuary for rare and endemic species, ensuring the preservation of the region’s rich biodiversity.
The park boasts over 12,000 trees and plants across its sections. With a wide variety of native, endemic, and trees from other countries, the park’s beautiful layout has long tree-lined avenues, green lawns with flowering plants, creepers and climbers, medicinal and herbal plants, cactuses, several plant nurseries, and lakes laid across the sprawling park.
Wander through the gardens’ lush greenery and encounter the harmonious melodies of birdsong and the gentle rustle of foliage. Diverse floral species adorn the landscape, from bursts of flower colour to towering trees, and every step unveils a new facet of nature’s splendour.
Take time to discover the medicinal plant wonders of the garden, which features a range of important herbal and Ayurvedic plants. Within the gardens, you can learn about the cultivation and preparation of these medicinal plants. Delve into the secrets of traditional healing practices, gaining insight into the therapeutic properties of indigenous flora.
The park has also curated many landscape features, such as dry evergreen forests, grasslands and dunes. With many nature trails, it’s the perfect place to get lost amidst the lush greenery and manicured landscapes.
Mirijjawila Dry Zone Botanical Gardens
Garden Lane, Hambantota
Open: Daily 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Tel: +94477429976
Website: https://www.botanicgardens.gov.lk/service/dry-zone-botanic-gardens-mirijjawila/
E-mail: royalbotanicgardens@yahoo.com
Tickets: LKR 3,000 Per foreign adult (Prices current as of October 2024)