About ten kilometers from Nuwara Eliya, along the Nuwara Eliya–Badulla road, Hakgala botanical garden extends across nearly 28 hectares overlooking the Uva plains. Sri Lanka's second-largest botanical garden, it brings together a rich collection of orchids, roses, ferns, and centuries-old trees, thriving in the cool climate of the highlands.

Why visit Hakgala Garden

With nearly 10,000 plant species, Hakgala stands out for its rare botanical diversity in Sri Lanka. Its altitude (around 1,700 m) allows it to host temperate species found nowhere else on the island: heirloom roses, Himalayan cedars, cypresses, pines. The site combines scientific interest, historical value, and stunning landscapes, with sweeping views across the Uva plains. The cool air makes a visit pleasant even in the middle of the day, unlike lower-altitude sites.

A history tied to cinchona and tea

The garden was established in 1861 by botanist George Henry Kendrick Thwaites, then director of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya. The site originally served as an experimental plot for cinchona cultivation, the tree from which quinine is extracted for use against malaria. Cinchona saw rapid growth in the 1860s–1870s before giving way to tea, which became the dominant crop in Sri Lanka's highlands.

Hakgala was then repurposed for tea plant trials, then transformed in 1884 into a botanical garden open to the public. Over the decades, the collections expanded with subtropical and temperate plants adapted to the highland climate. The site is now managed by the Department of National Botanical Gardens and ranks among the country's principal reference gardens.

Areas to explore

The garden is best discovered on foot, via a network of paths connecting several themed zones. Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your pace.

• The rose garden: imported varieties with staggered blooms, one of the most photogenic areas.
• The orchid greenhouse: indigenous and hybrid orchids, flowering and ornamental varieties.
• The fern greenhouse: species from Sri Lanka's high plateaus, including several remarkable varieties.
• The flowering plants and succulents greenhouse: begonias, cacti, and succulents.
• The rock garden and Japanese garden: narrow paths between rocks and shrubs, with streams and small Japanese-inspired bridges.
• The bulb garden: lilies, agapanthus, gladiolus.
• The arboretum: set on higher ground, it shelters sometimes century-old trees (cypresses, pines) and Himalayan cedars, rare at these latitudes.

When to visit

Thanks to its altitude, Hakgala enjoys a temperate climate year-round. Temperatures range between 16°C and 30°C, with a cooler period from December to February.

The most striking blooms occur in March and April, when the rose garden reaches its peak. The April to August window remains favorable, with beautiful flower displays and fresh foliage. From October to December, blooms are less dense, but the misty atmosphere suits a more leisurely visit.

The region experiences two monsoon periods, May to August and October to December, with more frequent showers late in the day. It's best to plan a morning visit and bring a light jacket, as the air can be humid.

How to reach Hakgala

The garden is easily accessible from Nuwara Eliya by following the main road toward Welimada and Badulla.

• By local bus: buses run regularly from Nuwara Eliya, Welimada, or Bandarawela along the Welimada–Badulla road. Ask to get off at the Hakgala Garden stop, located near the entrance.
• By tuk-tuk: a flexible option from Nuwara Eliya, practical for timing your visit as you wish.
• By car with driver: a comfortable solution if you want to combine Hakgala with other highland visits on the same day.

Practical information

• Hours: open daily during daylight hours. Official hours cover much of the morning and afternoon; arrive early to enjoy the light and avoid crowds.
• Admission: paid entry with specific rates for foreign visitors (adults and children) and a reduced rate for residents. Budget moderately for a family.
• Visit duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your pace.
• What to bring: comfortable shoes, light jacket, water. Guided visits may be available on-site.

Nearby attractions

Hakgala fits naturally into a highland and south Sri Lanka circuit. Combine it with:

• Nuwara Eliya and its tea plantations, about ten kilometers away.
• Adam's Peak, the island's iconic pilgrimage summit.
• Buduruwagala, a Buddhist rock site in the southeast, accessible via Wellawaya.
• Ritigala, an ancient monastic forest to further explore the heritage.

To incorporate Hakgala into a comprehensive itinerary across the highlands and the rest of the island, check our Sri Lanka travel suggestions.