Hakgala Botanical Garden, near Nuwara Eliya, is Sri Lanka’s second-largest botanical garden, spanning 28 hectares. Established in 1861, it houses over 10,000 plant species, including rare orchids and roses. With a cool, temperate climate and stunning mountain views, it blends natural beauty with legend, believed to be Ashok Vatika from the Ramayana, where Sita was once kept.
The gardens are beautiful year-round, but April (Nuwara Eliya season) and April–August (rose season) showcase the best blooms.