Sprawling lush gardens of Sri Lanka
Who doesn’t like walking through a beautiful garden? Sri Lanka is a gardener’s paradise with an array of vibrant tropical and jungle gardens to visit during your holiday in Sri Lanka.
We highlight some of our favorite gardens, all of which are just a short drive from one of our collection of small boutique hotels and luxury villas in Sri Lanka.
Lunuganga Estate
Established in 1948 by the renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa, the Lunuganga Estate is a masterpiece where the orient meets typical European designs. Drawing inspiration from his brother’s, Bevis Bawa’s Brief Garden, the gardens Lunuganga espouse Italian Renaissance are fashioned out of two plantations one of rubber and the other of cinnamon, while the buildings showcase island designs. The lush gardens are surrounded by the shimmering waters of Dedduwa Lake. It is indeed a breathtaking sight.
Exploring the gardens is a beautiful “flora and aqua” treat for the eyes, where nature is celebrated and quiet spaces for relaxation in abundance.
Know before you go – Just a 20 minutes’ drive from either Taru Villas – Rock Villa, The Muse, The Long House or River Cottage. Tours are only at certain times during the day, however your Villa Guardian at Taru Villas will be able to book you on a tour and arrange transport.
Learn more about our collection of small boutique hotels and luxury villas in Bentota here.
Brief Garden
Located inland from Bentota, this is the house and garden of renowned Sri Lankan landscape architect, Bevis Bawa, the older brother of architect Geoffrey Bawa. Established in 1929 on the grounds of a former rubber plantation, Bawa transformed the landscape into a verdant jungle garden it is known for today.
With creeping vines and overgrown palms, the garden has an intimate and secluded feel, making you feel that you are deep within the rainforest. Narrow paths wind though the dense jungle, revealing statues and you may even spot a stoic horse sculpture hidden in the undergrowth. Exploring the main house is also worth a look, filled with sculptures and art that reflect Bawa’s quirky sense of style and humour.
Know before you go – The tour lasts one and half hours and is around a 20 minutes’ drive from either Taru Villas – Rock Villa, The Muse, The Long House or River Cottage.
Mirijjawela Botanical Garden
Mirijjawela is a floriculturist’s dream to visit this botanic garden, garden dedicated to the collection, cultivation, preservation and display of a wide range of flora endemic to Sri Lanka.
Covering an expanse of 300 acres, Mirijjawela is the first botanical garden located in Sri Lanka’s dry zone, containing specialist plant collections such as cacti, succulents, herbs and medicinal plants.
Know before you go – The gardens are situated approximately an hour’s drive from Taru Villas – Mawella. Visitor services at this botanical garden include tours, educational displays, art exhibitions, book rooms, open-air theatrical and musical performances, and other entertainment.
Taru Villas – Mawella promises an intimate holiday in paradise with exclusive facilities designed to celebrate privacy while you relax in a colonial setting where time stands still with the ocean breeze gently lulling you in to a tropical daydream.
Learn more about Taru Villas – Mawella here.
Henarathgoda Botanical Garden
Established by the British in 1876 to research exotic plants, it is now exists today as a tropical low country botanical garden. The garden consists of a large variety of plants and many of them are from every corner of the tropical climatic zones and covers a vast area over 40 acres.
Within its expansive gardens,ff discover a collection of palms, orchids and trees endemic to Sri Lanka, as well birds, butterflies and mammals including the Sri Lankan Flying Squirrel. Did you know that the first imported Brazilian rubber tree in Asia was planted here? It is believed that the seeds were smuggled out of Brazil by British explorer Sir Henry Alexander to Kew Gardens in the UK before being planted in Sri Lanka when the gardens were first established.
Know before you go – Located 50 minutes from Taru Villas – Riva in Negombo. The garden becomes alive during the monsoon season as the foliage transforms into a lush tropical green.
Learn about the wonders of Sri Lanka with our destination guide here.
Mahika Chandrasena – Brand Guardian at Taru Villas
