Sri-Lanka is not only popular for its beautiful parks and gardens but also very bio-diversified. This should be enough incentive for eco-tourists to come scout Sri Lanka, yes, we are that confident, these are a select few places you should visit.
The Royal Botanical Garden (Peradeniya Garden)
1.4 million annual visitors are no small feat for a garden. Cited as the most visited place in Kandy, lavishly sprawling across 60 hectares of immaculate lawns, 4 miles from Kandy City Centre. The rich variety of flora and fauna, a natural painter’s heaven, providing scenic arenas to one of the best Sri-Lankan nature shows; Gargantuan Javan tree’s and regal-looking palm trees. Christmas comes early in the botanical garden when the orchids bloom delicately complementing the garden. An eye-feast.
Victoria Park of Nuwara Eliya
If variety is the spice of life, then Victoria Park is tear-tendering spicy Hawaiian pizza. The trees, a must-see for eco-tourists and conservationists spice up colour variations and add architectural drama to the landscaped gardens. Colour peaking occurs between March and May, when it is said that some flowers cannot be found anywhere else in the island.
For bird-watchers, with a little luck, might be able to spot the Kashmir flycatcher, Indian pitta and grey tit. Floral and Faunal royalty.
Lunuganga Garden (The Lunuganga Estate)
The Lunuganga Estate was the former country residence of the internationally-renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa who is the most renowned architect in Sri Lanka and was among the most influential Asian architects of his generation.
Lunuganga is, quite simply, a work of art. with astonishing views and breathtaking gardens , offers guests a rare opportunity to step inside the private life of one of the world’s most celebrated architects.
The wettest and most fertile area of the island is the land around Lunuganga. Beside it, the mysterious Sinharaja Forest, a throbbing historic landmark. Situated in an estate bordered by two low hills with the Indian Ocean splashing against coral reefs below.
The air is unbelievably fresh, you can literally breathe in the green.
Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo
An exquisite mesh of Florida-like palm trees, lamp-posts magically lighting up the walkway during the evening. It could serve as a photo-shoot location! There is a rock aquarium and a World War Memorial, for marine-life lovers and veterans. The children have an adventurous play-area that is delightfully slippery after the sprinklers are turned on from 5 P.M.
Makandawa Forest Reserve
This reserve should be a must on your to-go checklist. Home to rare and endemic birds such as the black eagle, the trogon, Sri Lanka Orange-billed babbler, and the Red Faced Malkoha. It can rightfully be said that bird-watching is a preferred activity for many.
Trekking heaven is spying birds flitting and flirting on dainty,sturdy branches, as water gushes over table-shaped boulders.
The pitched chirp, the gush of gentle water could lull you to staying forever.
Hakgala Botanical Garden
Nowhere else will you find such a harmonious blend of a garden backed by mystical mountains and Kingly cited legends.
Teeming with foreign and local plants, it is one of the four botanical gardens in Sri Lanka laden with hues and scents, especially between March and April. You can finally awe your eyes with the majestic backdrop of the Madulsima and Namunukula ranges.
Sri Lanka has a lot to offer in terms of green-tourism. The Gardens, Parks and Reserves are blooming to have you interact with them.