Located on the slope of Mahweli River, Peradeniya botanical gardens is prime tourist destination in Srilanka that attracts travelers and tourists from across the globe throughout the year. Home to the second oldest university in Srilanka the university is a surprise element in Peradeniyas attractions. The university has a colonial style reflecting all over. A mix of colonial and Indian style reflecting on the building makes it an interesting attraction. The greenery in the surrounding, the lush vegetation of the hill country, the agriculture lands all add to the beauty of Peradeniya in addition to the main attraction – The Royal Botanical garden of Peradeniya.The Garden dates back to as far as 1371. It was initially where a temple was initially built by King Wimala Dharma but was later destroyed by the British who were taking over Kandy. Thus began the ground work for this beautiful Royal garden at Peradeniya. When the garden came to form in 1843 the initial plants that were brought here were Kew garden, Colombo and the Kalutara garden.
Weather in Peradeniya
It is extremely hard to predict the weather condition in Peradeniya. It’s the unpredictable weather conditions of Peradeniya that make it challenging for tourists and travellers to arrange a trip but that does not stop them from pursuing the journey anyways. It’s the rainfall in the region that should be looked out for. If you can figure out an average of rainfall received over the months in the region then you should have if not a lot but at least little heads up in planning your trip to Peradeniya. It is safe to state that Peradeniya receives at least 200 days of rainfall throughout the year.
Attractions and things to do in Peradeniya
- Royal botanical gardens top the chart of must visit place in Peradeniya. It is located at about 5.5 kilometer distance from Kandy. The wide collection of orchids has attracted millions of tourists from across the globe to pay visit to this garden. Spices, medicinal plants and palm trees have also contributedto the gardens beauty. This garden is 1 147 acre of colorful treat to the naked eye.
- There is a national Herbarium within the park that can be visited too.
- Avenue of palms is classical and is present within the royal botanical gardens.
- The canon ball tree is of significant importance as it was planted by King George V and Queen Mary in 1901. The tree bears fruits that appear like cannonballs.
In 1912 the garden came under the administration of department of agriculture. The garden has survived the test of time for ages. During the Second World War it even served as the headquarters of the South East Asia Command led by the supreme commander Lord Louis Mountbatten.