The emerald isle is indeed a land blessed with an abundance of charming destinations that one might want to escape to. Choose from scintillating coastlines, soaring mountains to even iconic archaeological sites that have won fame throughout the world. Whatever your tastes are, Sri Lanka is the place to head over to, away from the clutches of mundane routines and right into the centre of adventures and excitement. A vacation in the central highlands of the country is what you should be thinking of if you want to savour the sights and sounds of a truly breathtaking holiday. Visiting the country’s well maintained botanical gardens is one such adventure you are hardly bound to forget.
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, found to the west of Kandy, has known to attract millions of travellers, both local and international. The area, which is said to have originated during the reign of King Wickramabahu the 3rd, once housed a Buddhist temple which was later victimised by the British. However, through the years, the gardens have gone onto become one of the most sought after of retreats that one may take time to savour. Possessing in excess of over 4000 species of flora which include palms, orchids, herbal plants and some of the finest spices, Peradeniya’s botanical gardens, which was unveiled in the year 1843, is a journey that will entice your every sense.
However, for those of you voyaging to Nuwara Eliya, a stop at the Hakgala Botanical Gardens will lead you past well manicured paths that hold a wealth of pleasing sites. Further, it occupies the focal point of ancient folklore in Sri Lanka as the place is believed to have been where the (now misunderstood) demon King Ravana hid Queen Sita, Lord Rama’s consort. Inaugurated in 1861, Hakgala is nestled 16 kms from Nuwara Eliya and has a vast amount of flower gardens and trees that are simply stunning to walk by while being swathed in the cool swirling mists rthat typify mountainous regions. Meander past beautiful roses and orchids that are sure to thrill you and leave you with fond memories to recall.
As part of your travel Sri Lanka experience, talk to local booking specialists Elegant Travels, who are adept organisers of Sri Lanka tours, and who will be more than happy to schedule your holiday in Sri Lanka.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+