other · Kandy · $12 · 90km from Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest botanical garden, 147 acres on a bend of the Mahaweli River about 5.5 km west of Kandy, formally founded in 1843. Highlights are the orchid house, the palm avenues, the spice garden and the giant Java fig on the Great Lawn.

Best time to visit

Morning, before the midday heat

Typical visit duration

2 to 3 hours

Tips

Open 7:30am to 6pm, with tickets sold until 5pm. Pick a few collections, such as the orchid house and the Great Lawn, rather than trying to see everything.