Explore the Stunning Wonders of Seethawaka Botanical Garden
Seethawaka Botanical Garden 42-hectare (106-acre) is located near Avissawella in the village of Ilukovita in Sri Lanka. This botanical garden covers 79 acres. The park was initially established as a rubber and tea plantation in the 20th century and later became a park called “Pannaagula”. Also, this is one of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka.
The Sabaragamuwa mountain range surrounds it, and the views from the garden are breathtaking. The Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden is referred to as “Little Nuwara Eliya” because of its scenic beauty and the cool climate.
Only a 90-minute drive you can reach to this garden, from Colombo. If you enjoy spending time outside close to Colombo, this is the ideal location for that with beauty of the nature.
What is Seethawaka Botanical Garden
Its main purpose is to perform as a research area and conservation area for threatened and endangered plant species in the Sinharaja Rainforest which is a biodiversity hotspot. This is not a traditional botanical garden in the country, the Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens are mainly composed of plants rather than flowers.
The garden has a cool temperature, and the Kumbuk foliage is large, mainly throughout the garden. Also, it’s a calm place where you can further observe well-maintained landscaping.
Why Visit Seethawaka Botanical Garden?
Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to over 500 species of plants, including rare and endemic varieties, the garden is a treasure trove for botany enthusiasts. You’ll find orchids, ferns, medicinal plants, and even carnivorous plants thriving in this ecosystem.
Stunning Landscapes: The garden is designed to showcase the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s wet zone. From cascading waterfalls to serene ponds and manicured lawns, every corner of Seethawaka is a photographer’s dream.
Educational Experience: Informational signboards and guided tours provide insights into the flora and fauna of the region. It’s a great place to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich botanical heritage.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Unlike some of the more crowded tourist spots, Seethawaka Botanical Garden offers a tranquil environment where you can relax and reconnect with nature.
Eco-Friendly Tourism: The garden promotes sustainable tourism practices, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers.
Main Attractions of Seethawaka Botanical Garden
1. Indigenous Flora
Here you can find rare and unique species found nowhere else on Earth, including the captivating orchids, ferns, and medicinal herbs.
2. Orchid Paradise
Seethawaka Botanical Garden is home to a dedicated orchid house. You can lose yourselves in the beauty of these delicate and colorful blooms, each with its own distinctive charm.
3. Japanese Garden
This is the most beautiful location of the garden, and it is hard to imagine that such a picture-perfect scene could exist there. It contains a little bridge and a sand garden in the middle of a lawn with well manicured grass, groomed plants, and smaller flower patches.
4. Ferns Garden
The Ferns Garden has a nice stream running through it, and the entire area is cold and shaded, which creates the perfect climate for the growth of wet zone ferns. It has more than a thousand fern species that are native to the nation’s wet zone.
5. Rose Garden
A great location at the peak. More than 75 different types of colorful roses may be seen in the Rose Garden. There are many different hybrid rose kinds, ranging from red velvet to those with yellow, orange, pink, and purple.
6. View Point
It provides the greatest overall panoramic view of the garden and the nearby mountain range. In the distance, green hills tipped the blue sky, and views of the exquisite garden and picturesque lake provided picture perfect images.
7. Kumbuk Grove
One of the distinctive locations of the Seethawaka Botanical Garden is this Kumbuk forest. You can get the nicest fresh air and a refreshing wind in the cool, shaded location.
8. Hiking Trail
The entire 3.5 mile track is worth trekking for everyone who enjoys the beauty of the outdoors. You may pass many plant kinds, including local indigenous trees. The name and biological name of each tree are listed on a name board. The path has a slight elevation rise, but it is not a difficult or rigorous climb. You can make the hike more enjoyable by the cold, pure air and mountain wind.
9. Boat Ride at Seethawaka Botanical Garden
Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride at the man-made lake built using the natural water flow from the nearby hills.
You can observe many varieties of wet zone plant species in the Seethawaka Botanical Garden. The threatened and vulnerable endemic plant species have been exported to the area from the Sinharaja Rain Forest, and then it has been conserved to grow and protect those plant species.
10. Picnic Areas
Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. The garden has designated picnic spots with scenic views.
Best Time to Visit Seethawaka Botanical Garden
The garden is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (December to April), when the weather is pleasant and the trails are easier to navigate. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for avoiding the midday heat and capturing the garden in the best light.
Food and Beverages at Seethawaka Botanical Garden
A food outlet is situated inside the garden, which is not far from the main gate. You can buy food and other necessities from that outlet. Also, you can bring your food inside the park.
Traveling inside the Seethawaka Botanical Garden
A nicely paved path directs to the summit of the park at which visitors can relax a bit and observe the garden below and the mountainous surroundings. By foot or you can rent an electric golf cart from the entrance if you wish.
Seethawaka Botanical Garden travel inside the garden by golf carts
Facilities of the Seethawaka Botanical Garden
There are good sanitation facilities available in the Seethawaka Botanical Garden. Water taps and resting areas are also available for visitors. The garden is also a fantastic spot for photoshoots. It is also open for shooting a music video or a film.
Getting to Seethawaka Botanical Garden
Seethawaka Botanical Garden is located in Illukowita, between Puwakpitiya and Labugama close to Avissawella. The easiest route to the gardens is through Avissawella Road. Take the Puwakpitiya – Thunmodara road from the Puwakpitiya Railway Station. Travel 6 km to read the garden on the right.
Another route is to take the Bope road from Padukka and reach Labugama from Bope. From Labugama take the Puwakpitiya – Thunmodara road and travel for 3.5 km to reach the gardens.
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as the garden requires a fair amount of walking.
- Carry an umbrella or raincoat due to unpredictable showers in the wet zone.
- Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes and diverse plant life.
- Follow the garden’s rules and avoid plucking flowers or disturbing wildlife.
Other Attractions near by Seethawaka Botanical Garden
From Labugama to Puwakpitiya, you will also pass the Dambora Ella Waterfall and Thunmodara Ella Waterfall. Traveling from Puwakpitiya you will pass the Kumari Wala Ella waterfall. Ella Uda Ella waterfall lies very close to the garden and can be reached from the by-road in front of the gardens.
- Dambora Ella Waterfall
- Thunmodara Ella Waterfall
- Kumari Wala Ella waterfall
- Ella Uda Ella waterfall
Opening Days and Opening Hours
The garden is open the whole year. It is suggested mornings and evenings are the perfect time to visit this beautiful garden.
Open Days all 365 days
Opening Hours 7.30 AM – 6.00 PM
Ticketing Hours 7.30 AM – 5.00 pm
Seethawaka Botanical Gardens Entrance Fees
Local Rates
Local Adults: 200 LKR
Local Children below 12 years and School Children: 30 LKR
Local Adults over 60 (NIC proof needed): 50 LKR
Rates for Foreigners
Foreign Adults: 3000 LKR
Foreign School and University Students ((Must have satisfactory proof): 2000 LKR
Foreign Children (5 to 12 years): 1500 LKR
Electric Car Ride Rates
Electric Cars (4 seater) – 1 hour ride: 1000 LKR
Electric Cars (8 seater) – 1 hour ride: 2000 LKR
Vehicle Parking charged
Location Seethawaka Botanical Garden
Final Thoughts
Seethawaka Botanical Garden is more than just a garden; it’s a celebration of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, this hidden gem offers something for everyone. So, the next time you’re in Sri Lanka, make sure to add Seethawaka Botanical Garden to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!
