Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya

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Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is an impressive garden in Sri Lanka attracting many tourists throughout the year. Spreaded across 147 acres of land, the garden consists of more than 4000 plant species. The Royal Palm Avenue and the Orchid house are among the highlights of the park. There are many trees aging over hundred years which are planted by various royalties and celebrities.

The history of the garden goes back to 1371, during the reign of King Wickramabahu III. It was only allowed to the royal family by then. In 1821 the garden was formed by Alexander Moon to plant coffee and cinnamon. It was transformed into a botanical garden in 1843. During World War II the South East Asia Command headquarters was established in the garden and used by Lord Louis Mountbatten.

The garden is known for its rich collection of orchids. The first tea plants brought to Sri Lanka, from China, were planted in the garden in 1824, and now Sri Lanka is one of the finest producers of tea in the world.