Peradeniya Botanic Gardens
At one time these beautiful botanical gardens were reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty. Today even commoners are allowed in to what are, at 60 hectares, the largest and most impressive botanic gardens in Sri Lanka.
The many highlights include a fine collection of orchids and a stately avenue of royal palms. Another big hit is the giant Javan fig tree on the great lawn. Covering 2500 sq metres, it’s like a giant, living geodesic dome.
On weekends and holidays the gardens are packed with romantically inclined local tourists, and it can be hard to move without tripping over yet another canoodling young couple.
CAMPING
The experience of sleeping under the stars surrounded by nature in one of the island.s national parks is second to none. Campsites are sited in the most beautiful locations off the tourist trail. Camping is available in most national parks and nature reserves – from participatory camping where guests work with the staff to run the campsite, to standard and super-luxury (camping under canvas) where the experience is similar to that of a five-star hotel.
Stay in an adventure park in the low country hills to relish the thrill of experiencing not just one but a variety of activities from, abseiling and zip-wiring over lush and fertile valleys to and canoeing on a tranquil lake. Accommodation ranges from tents to tree-houses.
HIKING
Hiking and Trekking
Take a demanding trek high in the mountain rainforest of the Knuckles Range, and see the valuable spice – cardamom – growing in the forest, catch sight of rare orchids and birds, and enjoy the exhilaration of exploring spots where few have been before.
Traverse virtually unexplored country in the southeast, past the renowned Yala National Park where leopards prowl and elephants roam, past the bird-rich Kumana wetlands and into a region where literally hundreds of ruined temples and maybe even cities lie awaiting discovery in the forests.