Peradeniya, a charming suburb of Kandy, is renowned for its Royal Botanical Gardens, attracting approximately 2 million visitors each year. Nestled on the slopes of the Mahaweli River—the longest river in Sri Lanka—this expansive garden spans 147 acres at an elevation of 457 meters, benefiting from about 200 days of rainfall annually.
The history of the gardens dates back to 1371, when King Wickramabahu III established his court in Peradeniya. Subsequent rulers, including King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha and Rajadhi Rajasingha, continued this legacy. A temple was constructed at the site by King Wimaladarmasuriya, though it was later destroyed during British rule.
In 1824, Alexander Moon laid the groundwork for the botanical garden, initially cultivating coffee and cinnamon plants. The gardens were formally established in 1843, with many plants sourced from Kew Gardens, Slave Island, Colombo, and Kaluthara. Under the leadership of George Gardner, appointed superintendent in 1844, the gardens flourished. Following Gardner’s death in 1849, George Hendy Kendrick took over as superintendent.
By 1912, the Royal Botanical Gardens came under the administration of the Department of Agriculture. During World War II, the gardens served as headquarters for South Asia, led by Lord Louis Mountbatten, the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the region.
Today, visitors can explore over 4,000 species of plants, including stunning orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and diverse palm trees, making the Royal Botanical Gardens a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
