The second largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka

Take a relaxing stroll through the immaculately maintained hilly terrain of Hakgala Botanical Gardens, just a 10-minute drive from Nuwara Eliya town.

According to folklore, the history of Hakgala Gardens dates to the time of Ramayana. It was the location where Sita, the wife of Rama, was held captive by Sri Lankan King Ravana after being kidnapped from India. The place finds mention in the Ramayana as Ashok Vatika.

The best time to visit the gardens is from mid-March to end-April, popularly known as the Nuwara Eliya season. This is the period when the garden puts up its best display of annual flowers, roses and orchids.