Hakgala botanical garden is best location to see different fauna and flora. The garden was established in 1861, under George Henry Kendrick Thwaites as an experimental cultivation of Cinchona. situated on the Nuwara Eliya-Badulla main road, 16 km from Nuwara Eliya. 5,725 feet above the sea level.
It is a beautiful place with many sections.. Rose garden, glass house, Upper Flower Garden, Fernery, Rock Garden, Arboretum, Central pond, Bulb Garden, and plenty of path ways, shady areas, canteen, toilets and plantations. The place is well maintained with a golf car service to take you around which you have to pay in extra. The car has a guide and he was really good and well informed.
The best time to see the gardens enclosures is most likely from about mid March to the end of April, commonly known as the Nuwara Eliya seasons. The gardens set up their best show of mild yearly blooms, Roses and Orchids amid this period.
Charges for the entrance Tickets and Golf car service
Ticket price for locals : Rs.60
Ticket price for Overseas Tourist : Adult & Child (over 12) Rs.1500 | Child (below 12) Rs.750 | School & University Student (Must have proof) Rs.1000
Golf Car Charges : Chargers are up to 3 persons Rs.500, up to 7 persons Rs.1000. (It’s worth driver with guide you and show you lots of things in the garden.)
Distance From,
Bandaranaike International Airport to Hakgala (via A7) – About 160.4 Km (About 5 hours)
Colombo to Hakgala (via A7) – About 178.8 Km (About 5h 19min)
Mirissa to Hakgala (via Colombo – Galle – Hambantota – Wellawaya Rd) – About 237.7 Km (About 6 hours)
