National Spice Garden in Matale

Entrance of the Matale Spice Garden

The National Spice Garden, or something called Matale Spice Garden, is a nice place to visit in the Matale region of Sri Lanka. It covers more than 20 hectares of land. Here you can observe the wide range of spices that are being cultivated in Sri Lanka.

 

Location

Matale Spice Garden is situated 142km from Colombo and 25km from Kandy. It is 4km away from Matale City, and you need to drive the Madulkelle-Kabaragala road to reach the destination. You can come across this either if you are traveling from Kandy to Sigiriya or from Sigiriya to Kandy.

Here is the Google Maps location of the Matale Spice Garden:

 

Physical Address: National Spice Garden, Central Research Station, Matale, Sri Lanka

 

Spices

You can observe more than 15 spices in the Matale Spice Garden, including pepper, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, etc. As well, you can observe beetles and cocoa cultivations here. The resource persons will explain how these spices are cultivated, grown, harvested, and processed. You can apply that knowledge to start your own spice cultivation in your garden. The place is open to all locals and foreigners without charge. It offers guided tours for foreigners.

In the 15th–19th centuries, Sri Lanka was a world-renowned destination for spices. This has given the Europeans a compelling reason to seize this island. Matale is one of the best places on the island to cultivate most of the Sri Lankan spices.

 

Other Facts about Matale Spice Garden

The place is managed by the Department of Export Agriculture Sri Lanka, and the premises include an information center, a library, a sales center, and a conference hall. You can get all the information you need about technical advice, cultivation methods, harvesting, and value addition from their information center. In the library, you can browse many publications, including books and brochures. A sales center is a place where you can buy spice-related products for a reasonable price. Here, you have plenty of traditional remedies, cosmetic items, and much more to buy.

Tourists can also experience a free Ayurvedic body massage. You should note that spices and Ayurveda have a very close relationship. These spices are very friendly to your health. You are lucky in Sri Lanka because you can experience the taste of the spices with most of the Sri Lankan dishes.

 

Opening Times of Matale Spice Garden

Matale Spice Garden is open all days of the week. But it is open from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a normal day, while it is open all Sundays. There is no need to make pre-bookings, and it is open to all. If you have any further information, then you can easily dial the number below:

National Spice Garden Contact Number: 0662 222 945

 

Conclusion

There are many spice gardens in the Matale and Kandy areas. Ranweli Spice Garden is also another place where you can explore Sri Lankan spices. It is also situated close to Matale.

So, finally, we request that you visit this beautiful and significant place if you are touring both the Matale and Kandy areas.

 

Other beautiful places to visit in Matale:

  • Aluviharaya Temple
  • Nalanda Gedige Temple
  • Matale Hindu Temple

Jeffery Bawa’s Lunuganga Garden: A Marvel of Architectural Brilliance

Jeffery Bawa, a renowned Sri Lankan architect, is famous for his innovative style that combines Western modernism with traditional Asian elements. One of his remarkable achievements is the Lunuganga Garden, a stunning oasis of art and nature located near Bentota, Sri Lanka.

Born in 1919 in British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Jeffery Bawa initially studied law but later found his true calling in architecture. He attended the Architectural Association School in London, where he was exposed to different architectural styles that would shape his future work. Bawa’s unique style emerged from his deep understanding of local traditions and passion for creating harmonious spaces that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Bawa’s architectural portfolio includes several iconic projects. The Sri Lankan Parliament Building, the Kandalama Hotel, and the Heritance Kandalama Hotel. These structures showcase his ability to combine functionality and aesthetics while respecting the natural environment.

Situated near Bentota, the Lunuganga Garden is a captivating creation that reflects Bawa’s architectural brilliance. The garden was an experimental canvas for Bawa to explore his ideas and nurture his design passion. Over four decades, he developed this sanctuary by integrating water features, sculptures, pavilions, and lush greenery, creating a tranquil and harmonious ambiance.

Lunuganga Garden showcases Bawa’s mastery of architectural principles, including the use of symmetrical and asymmetrical forms, contrasting textures, and strategic placement of structures. Visitors can explore various elements of the garden, such as the terrace inspired by Italian design, the serene Lotus Pond, and the magnificent Water Garden. Each area offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the captivating beauty of Bawa’s artistic vision.

Today, Lunuganga Garden is home to the Lunuganga Country Estate, a cozy hotel that allows guests to experience Bawa’s masterpiece up close. The hotel provides a peaceful and intimate atmosphere, enabling visitors to stay amidst the garden’s enchanting beauty. Guests can relax in well-designed rooms and suites, savor delicious cuisine, and explore the meticulously maintained gardens.

Visitors are drawn to Lunuganga Garden not only for its architectural splendor but also for the opportunity to witness the legacy of one of Asia’s most celebrated architects. The garden’s serene ambiance, breathtaking views, and timeless design captivate the imagination, providing an inspiring and rejuvenating experience.

Jeffery Bawa’s Lunuganga Garden stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and creative vision. This remarkable oasis showcases the harmonious relationship between architecture and nature, inspiring visitors from around the world. As a living masterpiece, Lunuganga Garden showcases Bawa’s architectural genius and leaves an indelible mark on the world of design.

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(Cover Image Credi Goes to the original owner. Image Souce: Unseen Sri Lanka)

Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Peradeniya Botanical Garden in Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Botanical Garden is one of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka. Located on the outskirts of the city of Kandy, this beautiful garden is known for its diverse collection of plants and its serene ambiance. Spread across an area of 147 acres, the garden is a paradise for nature lovers, horticulturists, and anyone who wants to spend some time amidst nature’s bounty.

 

History of Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Peradeniya Botanical Garden was established in 1821 by the British colonial rulers who wanted to experiment with exotic plants such as rubber, coffee, and tea, that could be grown in Sri Lanka. The garden was initially used as a research center for these plants, and it gradually expanded to become a public garden. Today, the garden is managed by the Department of National Botanic Gardens of Sri Lanka and attracts over 2 million visitors annually.

 

Flora and Fauna

Peradeniya Botanical Garden is home to over 4000 species of plants, including orchids, palms, ferns, and medicinal plants. The garden is divided into different sections, each showcasing different types of flora. The most popular sections include the Palm Avenue, the Giant Bamboo Grove, the Spice Garden, the Orchid House, and the Royal Botanical Collection. Visitors can spend hours exploring the garden and admiring the beautiful flowers and plants.

Apart from plants, the garden is also home to a variety of fauna. Visitors can spot various species of birds, butterflies, and monkeys, which add to the garden’s natural beauty.

 

Attractions

Peradeniya Botanical Garden has several attractions that visitors should not miss. One of the most popular attractions is the Orchid House, which houses over 300 varieties of orchids. The orchids are displayed in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes, making it a feast for the eyes.

Another must-visit attraction is the Giant Javan Fig Tree, which is over 130 years old and spreads over an area of 1600 square meters. The tree is a natural wonder and a favorite spot for visitors to take pictures.

The garden also has a beautiful suspension bridge, known as the “Sita Ella Bridge,” which offers breathtaking views of the Mahaweli River that flows through the garden.

Visitors can also take a boat ride on the garden’s lake or enjoy a picnic in the open grassy areas.

 

Conclusion

Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a natural gem in Sri Lanka and should be on every traveler’s itinerary. The garden’s diverse collection of plants, beautiful flora and fauna, and peaceful ambiance make it an ideal place to spend a day. The garden is also a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. So, if you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, don’t miss out on this beautiful garden.

(Featured Image Credit:  @meganhankin from Instagram) 

Udawattakele Sanctuary in Kandy City

Udawattakele Sanctuary

Udawattakele Sanctuary, or Royal Forest Park, is a wildlife sanctuary in Kandy city. You can observe this sanctuary behind the Temple of the Tooth Relic. It covers almost 104 ha (257 acres). Udawattakele was declared as a forest reserve in 1856 by the British government. Then it became a sanctuary in 1938. Today, travelers can enter this forest park, which can be described further as ‘ a nice place to trek in the Kandy area’.

Udawattakele Royal Forest has a long history. It runs when the Kandyan Kingdom starts torment. It runs when the Kandyan Kingdom starts in the 14th century. In those days, this was a large forest area, which was considered a rainforest. Later, this was called the “Udawasala Watta’ during the Kandyan era. The British captured the Kandyan kingdom in 1815, and the forest area became destroyed because of the cutting of trees. However, today it is a conservation area that is a habitat for many wild plants and animals.

You can see the canopy, sub-canopy, and underground forest covered here. The dense forest cover doesn’t allow sunlight to penetrate to the floor. Therefore, you can experience a very cool climate. As we mentioned earlier, you can observe many types of plants. Sources say that Udawattakele Sanctuary is home to 405 plant species, and almost 100 of them are endemic to Sri Lanka. Apart from that, it is home to 81 bird species and 21 snakes. The forest area is also a water source and it supplies essential water to the Kandy Lake.

You need to buy a ticket to enter to the forest and it is open between 8am to 5pm.But you are not allowed to take plastics and polythene.  This is certainly a fabulous place to do a relaxing walk with fresh air. You can further experience a stunning view of the Kandy City from here. Giant Pus Wela is key attraction of the Udawattakele Sanctuary. Waterpond, Kodimale, Senkada Cave and Garrison Symmetry are the other major attraction of this forest.

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(Udawatta Kele Image Source: I Love Kandy facebook page)

Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya

Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya

Gregory Lake is an attractive place to visit in Nuwara Eliya. It was built by Sir William Gregory in 1873. The place is very popular among local and international travelers. There are many activities to do based on this reservoir. It covers 90.2 ha and the surface elevation is 1874 m.

Gregory Reservoir: History

Britain controlled Sri Lanka during the period of 1796–1948. In 1872, Sir William Gregory was appointed as the new governor of Ceylon. His ruling time was from 1872 to 1877. After seeing wet land there, Sir Gregory went to Nuwara Eliya and decided to build this reservoir. The dam was constructed after damming the Thalagala Stream.

During the British era, the lake was used for recreational and water activities. The water in the lake decided to direct itself into a tunnel for hydropower generation. That happened in 1913. The major aim of that hydro station was to generate essential electricity for the town.

Activities in Lake Gregory

The lake has been very popular for water activities in the past. You can do speed boat riding, swan boat riding, dinky boat riding, normal boat riding, and windsurfing. As well, there is a nice park around the lake. It is very beautiful because of the flowers on it. Furthermore, you can do pony rides, cycling, and leisure walks.

The seaplane can take you to Gregory Lake. You can book your seaplane tour from Colombo and it will take around 30 minutes to get to Nuwara Eliya. There are many hotels, restaurants, and other facilities out there for visitors.

More facts about the Area

Nuwara Eliya is beautiful city that is situated on the central highlands. The cool and wet climate attract many visitors to the location. April month considered as the best time to visit the Nuwara Eliya and Gregory Lake.

If you are planning Nuwara Eliya City Tour, then you can arrange it with Mahaweli Tours and Holidays. We are a leading tour agency in Sri Lanka. Call: 0777 111553 or email: info@mahaweli.lk for more details.

(Gregory Reservoir Cover Image Credit: OviCourt)

Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya

Victoria Park Nuwara Eliya

Victoria Park is a popular place to visit in Nuwara Eliya. It is a public park that is situated near the Nuwara Eliya post office. The park is open all year and is managed by the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council.

Queen Victoria Park got this name in 1897 to commemorate the 60th jubilee of Queen Victoria. Initially, this was a research field for Hakgala Botanical Garden. Oak was the first plant established here. The entire park covers 27 ha (27 acres). Annually, more than 100,000 visitors come to Victoria Park. This also includes 4,000–5,000 foreign visitors.

Victoria Park is a beautiful place with many plants, flowers, and birds. The ever-green atmosphere is superb for anyone to free their minds. This is considered a rich place for birds, which includes the Kashmir Flycatcher and Indian Pitta. There you can see different types of flowers that multiply the beauty of the park. The months of March, April, August, and September are the flower-booming seasons in Nuwara Eliya.

There is a kids’ play area and train tours for adults. It is open from 7 am to 7 pm every day. Visitors should buy tickets to enter. Ideal place for a family trip. Nanu Oya flows through the park, which has generated a few small lakes.

Nuwara Eliya is a fabulous place for tourists. The cold climate attracts tourists, and that has given the name of ‘Little England in Sri Lanka” to Nuwara Eliya. The annual rainfall is around 2500mm and the annual temperature is around 15’C. Tea is the major crop in this area, and the majority of the people are Tamil.

Other than Victoria Park, Single Tree Hills, Lovers Leap Waterfall, Horton Plains, Gregory Park, and Hakgala Botanical Garden are some of the other places to visit in the Nuwara Eliya region.

You can plan your Nuwara Eliya City Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays. Just call: 0777 111 553 or drop a mail to: info@mahaweli.lk

Hakgala Botanical Garden

Hakgala Botanical Garden in Sri Lanka

Hakgala Botanical Garden is a nice place to visit in the Nuwara Eliya region of Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the five botanical gardens in the country. The other four botanical gardens are as follows:

  • Peradeniya Botanical Garden.
  • Mirijjawila Botanical Garden
  • Henarathgoda Botanical Garden.
  • Seethawaka Botanical Garden.

Hakgala Botanical is the second largest of those five gardens. This was established in the British Era in 1861.

You need to turn your vehicle into the Badulla–Nuwara Eliya route in the Nuwara-Eliya main town. Driving 6km along that road will take you to the garden. It is really easy to find the location. You can use Google Maps. Buying a ticket is essential to enter the garden.

Annually, 500,000 visitors come to the Hakgala Garden to enjoy its beauty. It contains a variety of plants and species, over 10,000. You can also see a lot of floral verities. The orchid garden and rose gardens always attract visitors. Nobody forgot to take some nice photographs from there. All around, the entire garden is comprised of beautiful landscapes. The place is managed and operated by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka.

Hakgala Botanical Garden is situated near the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve. But you can’t go to the nature reserve. The elevation of the place is 5400 ft. from sea level. It has spread over 28 hectares. You can experience a cool climate all around the year. But the December through February season is the coolest time period. The average temperature is between 16C and 30C.

April is considered the best month to visit here. The period is the spring season in Nuwara Eliya. So, a lot of travelers never forget to come here. March is the off-season for many floral plants, so you will not see many flowers. Hakgala Botanical Garden is open all year round and the opening times are 8am to 6pm. It is a very relaxing and ideal place to visit with your family and friends.

(Cover Image Source: Ceylon Footprint Holidays Facebook Page)