You are here: Home / Destinations / HAKGALA BOTANICAL GARDEN
Hakgala Botanical Garden
A Serene Retreat in Nature
Hakgala Botanical Garden is a captivating destination that showcases the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a tranquil spot to unwind, this botanical garden offers a memorable experience amid the stunning hill country. Don’t miss the chance to explore this beautiful oasis during your journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella!
Located near Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of Sri Lanka’s most stunning botanical gardens, renowned for its diverse plant life and picturesque landscapes. Spanning over 28 hectares, it offers a peaceful escape into nature, making it a perfect stop during your journey.
History and Significance
Established in 1861, Hakgala Botanical Garden was initially created as a research facility for the cultivation of spices and ornamental plants. The garden is situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters, making it one of the highest botanical gardens in the country. It plays a significant role in the conservation of various plant species and is particularly known for its collection of roses, orchids, and medicinal plants.
Key Attractions
Rose Garden: One of the garden’s highlights, the rose garden features an impressive array of colorful rose varieties. The fragrance and beauty of the blooms make it a favorite spot for visitors.
Orchid House: Home to numerous orchid species, the Orchid House is a must-visit. Here, you can admire the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of these exquisite flowers, which are a testament to the island’s rich biodiversity.
Cypress Avenue: This picturesque pathway lined with tall cypress trees provides a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll. It’s perfect for taking photos and enjoying the cool mountain breeze.
Medicinal Plant Collection: Hakgala is known for its collection of medicinal plants, showcasing their importance in traditional Sri Lankan medicine. Informational signs throughout the garden detail the uses of various plants, providing educational insight.
Lakes and Water Features: The garden features several small lakes and water bodies, where you can relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The reflections of the surrounding flora create a stunning visual experience.
Activities and Experiences
Nature Walks: The garden’s well-maintained paths make it ideal for leisurely walks. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature, with birds singing and butterflies fluttering around.
Photography: With its vibrant flora and beautiful landscapes, Hakgala Botanical Garden is a photographer’s paradise. Capture the beauty of the flowers, trees, and the stunning backdrop of the surrounding hills.
 "We had excellent 8 days tour with CYRIL TOURS. It's all credit goes to Mr. Cyril. From the welcoming at Air port to hotels we stayed,food we had and driver who was provided was excellent. We always introduce CYRIL TOURS to all who wiling to tarvel to Sri Lanka. Swaran Kaur and family Kuantan - Malaysia 2012 May 18 - 25 May" Swaran Kaur and family from Malaysia
 "Excellent tour guide Cyril is a great tour guide and is very knowledgeable. He made our entire trip super comfortable. His vehicles are clean and well maintained. He is also very flexible if changes are needed. Definitely recommend!" Berenice Coelho
 "I want to thank Mr. Cyril for this 17 days long tour. He is an excellent chauffeur guide, always on time with a car more than the clean. He knows all the places in the Island and organized very well. Most of all, he is very kind person, always with a smile and ready to help. I want to reccommond him to all my friends. Ria Deleu Belgium Travel period 25 Jan 2020 - 10 Feb 2020 ( 17 days)" Mrs. Ria Deleu from Belgium
 "Dear Cyril, Thank you for truly amazing oneweek tour your beautiful country.We have seen so many amazing sites in such a short space of time. From Sigiriya to beautiful temples, Scenic tea gardens of Nuwaraeliya the colonial land ark hotel Mount Lavinia. We have seen so much more. You have made this an utterly memorable holiday with your expert knowledge, amazing, facinating stories, patience, careful+safe drivingand your unforgetable smile. We will cetainly recommonding your tours to all of fr..." Sara Kitson - UK
 "Dear Cyril, Thanks for taking care of the Dr.Sethukavalar and his wife very well. They were indeed very happy for all the care you have shown during your tour. They were very impressed of your patience and kindness. I look forward to see you soon and maintain this good relationship we have developed in a short period of time. We will not hesitate a second to recommend you to all our friends who would like to visit Sri Lanka. Taking this opportunity of wishing you all the best. Thanks fo..." HARIDAS KANDASAMY
 "We would like to say thank you very much Mr. Cyril for the excellent 7 night tour of Sri Lanka you provided us. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Sri Lanka and the itinerary you arranged. The four hotels (Earls Regency, Amaya Lake, Heritance Kandalama and the Colombo Hilton) were excellent and thoroughly deserved their 5 stars. Your driving skills was excellent. Also very friendly, calm, helpful, and courteous and always prompts. Sri Lanka is a lovely country and the people were very friendly. ..." Suresh and Prashanth
 "We had a exellent and memorable trip. That all credit to you Cyril.Indepth knowledge about the place, roads, Culture and history. Very matuared and patient. We were in very safe hands on all the time. Thanks a lot, mainly it's memorable expeirience for all of us. We always recomond CYRIL TOURS to our friends and relatives in Dubai and in India." Awdhesh Kumar and gruop
 "Cyril was absolutly Fantastic,Veryhelpful, Patient and extremly knowledgable. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend and travel with him again. Whole tour was well organized and perfectly done. Kate Williams and family from UK 04th January 2015" Kate Williams UK
 "We had a trip planned with Cyril just when international travel closed down due to Covid. Cyril was great in planning a trip with me that had a great deal of flexibility and tailored to visit the places we wanted to seeUnfortunately we were unable to take the trip. Cyril's response to that was great, he dealt with everything for us in terms of cancellationsHe has kept in touch with us since then and has already contacted me with a revised plan for our trip to Sri Lanka. Which we will book with h..." Brian O: Keefe - Perth - Australia
 "Dear Cyril, We just got back to Singapore today...I am will be back to work tomorrow.. :) Sad but true ha ha……. We were very lucky to have you as our guide. I don’t think there will be anyone else who could have done an excellent job that you have done. We will spread the word around and will surely sell your services...do keep in touch so we can work something out. Thanks for the photos they are great Will visit your website soon and put in some good words for you.. Ti..." Shuhanth Haridas from Singapore