Peradeniya is a favorite getaway for Kandian couples

Kandy is a rambling old town that requires no more than a day to see just about everything. At night, the best spot we’ve found is the Pub Royale, located in the Queen’s Hotel building, where — on a good night — a magnificent 4 piece accordion band plays Besame Mucho and other hits from the past. 

Here at WoWasis, we found the venerable Peradeniya Botanic Gardens to be a “can’t miss,” and highly recommended for a few-hour stroll. Located 6 km outside Kandy, the garden dates back to 1371, but was formally laid out by Alexander Moon in 1821. It includes more than 300 varieties of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees, and encompasses 147 acres. Highlights include the avenue of palms, the avenue of cannon ball trees, and the magnificent ficus picosa, with its extensive roots system. In our opinion, the highlight of the garden is the avenue of Giant Java Almond trees, all of which have majestic roots resembling leaves of fungus. They’re spectacular. Meandering through the paths is lovely, particularly on a hot day, where the shade is welcome. In the middle of the park, there’s the lovely Royal Botanical Garden Café, where you can sit on the verandah or inside, and have tea and coffee. There’s a bookshop there, too.

Giant Java Almond trees at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Peradeniya Botanic Gardens, Kandy, Sri Lanka
GPS 7°16′16″N 80°35′44″E
Open daily 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Take bus 654 from the Kandy clock tower