The Hakgala Botanical Garden, established in 1861, is one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured botanical sites. Originally set up to promote Cinchona cultivation, this lush garden is now a showcase of the country’s rich plant life and a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. The garden not only offers a peaceful retreat in the cool, fresh air of the hill country but also offers visitors a chance to explore the unique flora of Sri Lanka. Situated at a high elevation and surrounded by mountains, the garden offers an unforgettable experience with each visit, whether you’re a botany enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the picturesque landscape.
Location and Scenic Beauty
Nestled in the hill country along the Badulla Road, the Hakgala Botanical Garden lies 9.5 km southeast of Nuwara Eliya at an elevation of over 1,745 meters above sea level. The garden is positioned under the towering Hakgala Rock, a massive formation that reaches 2,200 meters in height and forms a striking backdrop to the area. The garden spans 28 hectares, offering spectacular views of the Uva Valley, and the distant mountain ranges of Madulsima and Namunukula.
The landscape surrounding the garden is breathtaking, with lush greenery and cool mountain air. The imposing Hakgala Rock, often referred to as the “Elephant’s Jaw Rock,” gives a sense of isolation and tranquillity. The unique geography and the rock’s towering presence make it one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Sri Lanka. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains, making the garden a perfect place for nature walks, photography, and simply soaking in the serenity of the highlands.
The garden itself is laid out on several terraces, offering distinct sections filled with vibrant flowers, shrubs, and trees from all over the world. The cool weather, combined with the diverse plant life, creates an ideal environment for a botanical wonderland. Whether you’re wandering through the lush foliage or enjoying the scenic views, the Hakgala Botanical Garden is sure to provide a rejuvenating experience.
Climate and Best Visiting Time
The garden enjoys a subtropical alpine climate, with temperatures ranging between 3°C to 15°C. This pleasant weather makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the heat of Sri Lanka’s lowland regions. The cool temperatures, combined with fresh mountain air, offer a refreshing retreat throughout the year. The annual rainfall is around 2,300 mm, providing a lush and vibrant environment for the plants that thrive in this unique climate.
The garden receives its rainfall from two monsoon seasons: the southwest monsoon from May to August and the northeast monsoon from October to December. During the Southwest monsoon, the garden experiences strong winds that blow across the garden towards the Uva Valley, creating a dramatic landscape. In contrast, the northeast monsoon brings thick mist and heavy downpours, especially in the afternoon and evening. This weather creates a mystical atmosphere, with the mist enveloping the gardens and adding an ethereal quality to the experience.
While the garden is beautiful year-round, the best time to visit is during The Nuwara Eliya Season in April. During this period, the garden showcases its best display of temperate annual flowers, roses, and foliage, making it an ideal time for photography and exploring the garden’s full botanical splendour. The season’s mild weather and colourful blooms make April the most popular month for visitors.
Flora and Plant Life
The Hakgala Botanical Garden is home to a rich and diverse collection of plants, reflecting the subtropical nature of the area. The flora here includes a blend of indigenous montane species, which are native to the Sri Lankan highlands, and plants introduced from other subtropical countries across the globe. This mix of local and international species creates a fascinating array of colours, textures, and shapes, making the garden a captivating destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
One of the garden’s most notable features is its indigenous flora, which thrives in the cool, moist conditions of the hill country. The Rhododendron, locally known as Maharath Mal, is particularly striking when in bloom, offering a splash of vibrant scarlet to the garden’s landscape. Other notable native plants include Michelia fuscata, a scented-flowered medicinal plant, and Mihiriya (Gordonia axillaris), a unique tree indigenous to Sri Lanka.
In addition to the indigenous species, the garden has also become a haven for fascinating plants from other subtropical regions. The collection includes species from Australia, New Zealand, California, Japan, and China, adding an international flair to the garden’s landscape. Visitors can find a range of trees, shrubs, and flowers, such as the Monterey Cypress, Jacaranda, and various species of Camellia, all contributing to the garden’s vibrant colours and textures. The variety of flora makes it an educational as well as a scenic experience, allowing visitors to learn about different plant species from around the world.
Garden Layout and Attractions
1. Main Border and Main Drive
Upon entering the garden, you’re immediately greeted by the Main Border, a well-maintained area featuring a mixed flower border and expansive lawn. This area offers a colourful introduction to the variety of plant species found in the garden, with vibrant flowers blooming throughout the year. The Monterey Cypress hedge, originating from California, creates a unique contrast against the colourful flowers and serves as a beautiful backdrop for the garden.
As you stroll along the Main Drive, you’ll come across towering shrubs of Azaleas, Camellias, and Bottlebrush trees, adding a burst of colour to the path. These plants are carefully arranged to create a harmonious balance of texture and colour, ensuring that visitors are immersed in beauty from the very start of their journey. The main drive is the perfect place to start your visit, offering a leisurely walk through some of the garden’s finest botanical specimens.
2. Central Pond and Bulb Garden
The Central Pond is a tranquil spot within the garden, surrounded by towering trees like the Bunya Bunya Pine and the indigenous Mihiriya tree. The pond, which is home to yellow water lilies, provides a serene atmosphere for visitors to relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty. The area around the pond is lush with vegetation, making it a perfect spot for quiet reflection or photography.
Adjacent to the pond is the Bulb Garden, which has been a feature of the garden since 1924. This area is dedicated to showcasing a variety of bulb plants, including Lilium, Watsonia, Gladiolus, and Agapanthus, many of which were introduced from Holland and Japan. The bulb garden bursts with colour during the blooming season, attracting visitors with its stunning displays of flowers. Whether you’re an avid gardener or simply enjoy the beauty of flowering plants, this section of the garden is a must-see.
3. Lower Flower Garden
The Lower Flower Garden is another delightful area within the garden, featuring a wide variety of annual flowers that add vibrancy to the landscape. Here, you’ll find Flame Bush, Poinsettia, Fuchsia, and many other beautiful species that contribute to the garden’s lively atmosphere. The area is designed with a focus on herbaceous borders, allowing for a blend of colourful flowers and shrubs that change with the seasons.
The garden’s tree collection around this area is also impressive, with species such as the Camphor Tree from China, the Queensland Box Tree from Australia, and the Southern Magnolia from Florida. These trees provide shade and create a beautiful contrast against the flowering plants. A particularly interesting feature of this section is the indigenous Rhododendron, which offers a striking display of scarlet blooms, creating a dramatic focal point in the garden.
4. Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is one of the highlights of Hakgala Botanical Garden, known for its exceptional collection of modern rose varieties. Established on twin terraces, the garden displays roses imported from England and America, showcasing a variety of colours, shapes, and fragrances. The well-maintained rose beds create a fragrant, colourful oasis that is especially beautiful during the peak blooming season. In addition to the roses, the herbaceous border behind the garden adds further beauty with a variety of flowers that complement the roses’ vibrant colours.
The Rose Garden’s design, with its terraced layout, allows visitors to explore the blooms at different levels, offering unique perspectives on the flowers. The variety of roses, combined with the surrounding landscape, makes this garden a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re a rose lover or simply seeking a peaceful space to enjoy nature, the Rose Garden is a must-see attraction within Hakgala Botanical Garden.
5. Glass House
The Glass House is a recent addition to the garden, designed to house a variety of indoor plants that thrive in controlled conditions. This modern facility showcases a collection of Begonias, Peperomias, African Violets, Primula, and many more delicate species. The glass house provides a warm, humid environment that is ideal for these plants, creating a tropical oasis within the cooler climate of the garden.
Visitors to the Glass House can explore an array of cacti and succulents, which are carefully displayed in neat rows for easy viewing. The variety of indoor plants, along with the unique tropical atmosphere, offers a different experience from the rest of the garden. This area is perfect for those interested in learning more about indoor gardening or simply appreciating the diversity of plant life found in this controlled environment.
6. Upper Flower Garden
The Upper Flower Garden is another beautiful area in Hakgala Botanical Garden, featuring more annual flowers and a mix of interesting plants. One of the key features of this garden is the collection of trees, including the Montezuma Pine from Mexico and the Hoop Pine from New South Wales. These trees create a majestic canopy over the flower beds, offering a stunning contrast of colours and textures.
Additionally, a row of Jacaranda trees with their mauve flowers adds a striking visual element to the garden. The Dada Kehel, a creeping plant that grows on the Wanasapu Tree, is also an intriguing sight, showcasing the unique biodiversity of the garden. The Upper Flower Garden offers a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to explore the lush plant life while enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Historical Significance and Memorials
The Summer House located near the Lower Flower Garden is a historic structure that adds to the charm and significance of Hakgala Botanical Garden. Built in 1910, the Summer House serves as a memorial to Mr J.K. Nock, a pioneering curator who played a significant role in the development of the garden. The structure has become an iconic feature of the garden, and its historical significance makes it a worthwhile stop during your visit.
The Summer House offers visitors a glimpse into the garden’s rich history, reminding them of the people who contributed to its growth and development. The building is set against the backdrop of the lush garden, making it a perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings. This historical memorial adds a sense of heritage to the garden, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
| Garden Opening Hours | 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Ticketing Hours | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Open Days | 365 Days a Year |
Entrance Fees for Overseas Tourists
| Adults & children over 12 years | Rs. 2000/- |
| Children under 12 years | Rs. 1000/- |
| School & University Students (must provide proof) | Rs. 1200/- |
Conclusion
Hakgala Botanical Garden is a haven for nature lovers, offering a blend of serene landscapes, vibrant plant life, and stunning mountain views. Whether you are a plant enthusiast, a photographer, or just someone who appreciates natural beauty, the garden promises a refreshing and unforgettable experience. From the impressive collection of roses to the peaceful walking paths lined with unique flora, Hakgala offers something for everyone.
Come and explore the spectacular plant life of Sri Lanka at Hakgala Botanical Garden!
