Henarathgoda Botanical Garden

What is Henarathgoda Botanical Garden?

Henarathgoda Botanical Garden covers about 18 hectares and sits near the Attanagalu Oya river, surrounded by paddy fields and secondary forest. The garden is divided into themed sections, including an orchid garden, a palm collection, a Japanese garden, and a medicinal garden with rare trees. Visitors can walk landscaped paths, cross a bridge over the river, and take boat rides. The garden is home to around 2,000 plant species, as well as birds, mammals, butterflies, and dragonflies.

The history of Henarathgoda Botanical Garden

The garden was established in 1876 by the British during colonial rule, mainly to experiment with economic plants like rubber. It became the site of the first rubber trees planted in Asia, using seedlings brought from the Amazon via Kew Gardens. The garden played a key role in distributing rubber seeds across Sri Lanka and other British colonies in Asia. Over time, it expanded and added new plant collections, and many trees from the 19th century still stand today. The garden is now managed by Sri Lanka’s Department of National Botanic Gardens.

What there is to see

The garden is laid out with various themed areas, including an orchid garden with rare specimens, a palm garden, and a medicinal section featuring trees from Africa and Malaya. Landscaped paths wind through the grounds, and a bridge and boat rides have been added for visitors. The garden’s tropical lowland climate supports a wide range of plants from around the world, and new sections have been added over time to expand its collections.

When to go

Open all year, Henarathgoda Botanical Garden is a popular spot for locals and tourists, especially after the monsoon when the plants are in full bloom. It serves as a center for botanical research, conservation, and education in Sri Lanka. The garden is also a favorite destination for young people and families, offering opportunities to see rare plants and wildlife and to enjoy outdoor activities.

Parts and collections

The garden features several specialized areas, such as the orchid garden with rare orchids like the Queen of Orchids (Cattleya), a Japanese garden, and a medicinal plant section. Some of the original rubber trees planted in the 19th century are preserved as a national monument. The plant collections include both native and exotic species from tropical regions worldwide.

Why Henarathgoda Botanical Garden matters

Henarathgoda Botanical Garden is significant in Sri Lanka’s botanical history as the site where rubber cultivation in Asia began. The remnants of the first rubber trees are protected as a national monument. The garden also supports botanical research and education, and its collections reflect the island’s plant diversity and colonial history.

Questions people ask about Henarathgoda Botanical Garden

Good reading and sources

• Henarathgoda Botanical Garden on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data