Seethawaka Botanical Garden​ In Sri Lanka

How the name “Seethawaka Botanical Garden” came about

The beautiful Western Province of Sri Lanka is home to the Seethawaka Botanical Garden. The name of the garden comes from the Seethawaka Kingdom, a major power in the 16th century. In the past, King Rajasinghe I ruled the area. He was famous for fighting against Portuguese colonisation. As a tribute to this bygone age, the name of the garden combines history with the peaceful beauty of nature.

How Seethawaka Botanical Garden was built and its history

Compared to other botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, Seethawaka Botanical Garden is fairly new. It was built to protect rare and threatened wet-zone plant species. The garden is on more than 106 acres and has a well-thought-out pattern that blends nature and design. It’s a great place for nature fans and photographers because the paths wind through thick vegetation, calm lakes, and flower-filled landscapes. The garden’s natural beauty is enhanced by the structures of bridges and gazebos, which provide ideal spots to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

A Guide to Getting to Seethawaka Botanical Garden

It is about 55 km from Colombo to the Seethawaka Botanical Garden, which is in Illukowita, Avissawella. Many types of transportation can get people to the garden:

You can drive or take a cab from Colombo. The A4 Colombo-Ratnapura highway makes it easy and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

By bus: From Colombo to Avissawella, regular buses run all the time. A tuk-tuk or other local transportation can get you to the garden in 20 to 30 minutes from Avissawella.

Taking the train from Colombo to Avissawella is a beautiful way to see Sri Lanka’s scenery. The park is just a short tuk-tuk ride away from Avissawella resort.

When to visit Seethawaka Botanical Garden at its best

From December to April is the best time to visit Seethawaka Botanical Garden because the weather is dry and nice for walking around. Since this is a wet-zone park, it rains a lot. However, going in the morning will make the experience cooler and fresher. Monsoon seasons, especially from May to September, can make trails wet, but they also have their own special charm with misty views and lots of bright green plants.

Things to Know Before You Go to Seethawaka Botanical Garden

  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Since you’ll be walking a lot in the yard, clothes that are light and shoes that are sturdy are best.
  • Towels or an umbrella should be brought: Because it’s in a wet zone, it often rains when you least expect it.
  • Bring water and snacks with you. There are places to rest in the park, but it’s best to bring your own drinks and snacks, especially on hot days.
  • Please respect nature and don’t pick flowers or bother animals. Many kinds of birds and insects live in the garden and help keep its environment healthy.
  • Plan to Get There Early: Being there early in the morning means fewer people and better lighting for photos.

Places in Seethawaka Botanical Garden to Watch the Best Views

There are a number of beautiful places in Seethawaka Botanical Garden that draw people in:

In the Lake Area, there is a beautiful lake with lotus flowers in bloom and images of hills in the water.

The Flower Gardens: Bright colours and blooms that come with the seasons make the garden look beautiful and make it a great place to take pictures.

Cascade Walkways: These are raised paths through thick vegetation that give you a bird’s-eye view of the garden’s lush greenery.

A peaceful stretch of tall bamboo trees swaying slowly in the wind makes up the Bamboo Grove.

Hidden Trails: Hiking off-the-beaten-path trails lets people enjoy pristine nature and quiet times away from the crowds.

Strategies for Getting Ready for the Visit

Things you should do to get the most out of your trip to Seethawaka Botanical Garden are:

  1. Check the weather report before you go to make sure you won’t be interrupted by heavy rain.
  2. Begin the trip early in the morning to get the most time to explore.
  3. If you like taking pictures or watching birds, bring a camera or binoculars.
  4. Use insect spray to keep mosquitoes and other bugs from biting you.
  5. Fill a small bag with things you’ll need, like water, sunscreen, and some light snacks.

These places are close to Seethawaka Botanical Garden.

  • While Seethawaka is a peaceful place to stay, there are a number of places to stay close for those who want to extend their stay:
  • Seethawaka Regency Hotel and Seethawaka Miracle resort is a nice place to stay close to Avissawella that has modern amenities and serves food from the area.
  • If you want to get away from it all in an eco-friendly way, Leaf Watagala is the place to go.
  • Near the Kelani River is a hidden gem called Ruskin Island, which is great for people who want to mix adventure with relaxation.
  • There are a lot of places in Colombo, and Seethawaka is only a day trip away if you’d rather stay there.

Thoughts for now

For people who love nature, history, and relaxing, Seethawaka Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to visit. It’s a must-see place in Sri Lanka because of its peaceful scenery, wide range of plants, and beautiful views. This garden will make you feel good whether you’re travelling alone, with your family, or as a couple looking for a romantic getaway. Make a good plan for your trip, enjoy the peace and beauty of one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful botanical parks.