Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Peradeniya Botanic Gardens, Kandy

Located 6 km from Kandy, this is the largest botanic garden of Sri Lanka and covers 60 hectares. Although popular with both residents and foreigners alike, there was a much higher representation of Sri Lankans (including school groups), partly due to the great differences in price between the two admission tickets. In addition to taking quite a few photos in the orchid house, it was pleasurable wandering the paths of the well-manicured gardens and tree-covered areas. Young affectionate couples sat at the base of massive tree trunks. School groups ate a snack under the massive Javan fig tree on the expansive lawn.

Avenues specialized in specific types of trees, including one for cannonball trees, cabbage palms, and the avenue of double coconut palms. Those coconuts were massive and deformed-looking, weighing from 10-20 kg (22-44 lbs). Near the meandering Mahaweli Ganga River, bamboo burst forth in bunches. Also present was a small Japanese garden, jungle-like spice garden, and some sausage trees.

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