• If you’re looking for a calm, nature-filled getaway near Colombo, the Henarathgoda Botanical Garden
• (also known as the Gampaha Botanic Garden)
• is the perfect place to explore.Located just 30 km from Colombo , this lush garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka ,
established in 1876 during the British colonial period. It was originally created to experiment with rubber
cultivation — and the first-ever rubber tree planted in Sri Lanka can still be seen here today.Today, the garden is a peaceful escape filled with tropical trees, colorful flowers , and serene ponds
ideal for nature lovers, couples, families, and photography enthusiasts.
- Historic Rubber Tree🌳: The first rubber tree ever planted in Sri Lanka — a living symbol of the country’s
plantation history.
- Palm Avenue🌴 : A long, shady lane surrounded by towering palm trees, perfect for a leisurely walk and photos.
- Orchid House 🏠: Beautiful and rare orchids from Sri Lanka and around the world.
- Medicinal Plant Garden🌿: Learn about traditional herbal plants used in local Ayurveda.
- Lakes & Bridges🏞️: Calm ponds, wooden bridges, and benches for a quiet moment in nature. Whether you’re
spending an hour or a half day,the garden offers peace and greenery all around.
- From Colombo 🚂: Around 1 hour by car or train to Gampaha Station.
- From Negombo 🚗: 35–40 minutes by car.
- Public Transport 🚌: Buses run regularly along the Negombo–Gampaha route.
- Parking 🅿️: Available at the main entrance.
- Bring water🌊, sunscreen🌞, and comfortable walking shoes👟.
- Don’t miss the historic rubber tree and Orchid House🎋.
- Great spot for picnics or couple photography📷.
- Avoid noon hours☀️— it can get quite hot.
- Respect the environment🌱, 🌳, 🌲 — don’t pluck flowers or feed animals.
Morning🌅 Visit Plan (Half-Day Trip)- 8:00 AM – Arrive at Henarathgoda Botanical Garden🥬🌸🌼
- 8:15 AM – Walk through Palm Avenue and explore Orchid House🏡
- 9:30 AM – Visit the first rubber tree and take photos🌳📷 by the pond
- 10:30 AM – Relax or enjoy snacks🍪🍫😋🥨 at a nearby café in Gampaha town
