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Seethawaka (Sitawaka) Wet Zone Botanical Gardens was opened in 2014 covering 106 acres ( 43 hectares) with the primary purpose of serving as a research area and a conservation area for threatened and vulnerable endemic plant species in the Sinharaja Rain Forest region. Improving export floriculture, ex-situ conservation of wet lowland plants, and bamboo cultivation are also promoted in this garden.
The land used by this garden was established in the 20th century as a plantation for Rubber and Tea, which was known as “Pannagula”. Most of the land area was abandoned with time, which was taken over by the Land Renew Commission. The construction of the Botanical garden on this reclaimed land commenced in 2008.
There is a food outlet in the garden but you can take your food inside. Generally, vehicles can be taken inside but generally, vans are not allowed in most botanical gardens. If you wish you can hire an electric golf cart from the entrance.
The lower part of the garden is maintained similarly to a botanical garden with beautifully arranged flower patches, perfectly cut grass, and a well-maintained lake, where one can go for a boat ride. Further up, there is a high platform where you could have a grand view of the garden below and the mountainous surroundings. If you like bird watching, it’s recommended to go there early on weekdays when there will be less crowd.
Seethawaka Botanical Garden is located in Illukowita, between Puwakpitiya and Labugama close to Avissawella. The easiest route to the gardens is through Avissawella Road. Take the Puwakpitiya – Thunmodara road from the Puwakpitiya Railway Station. Travel 6 km to read the garden on the right. Another route is to take the Bope road from Padukka and reach Labugama from Bope. From Labugama take the Puwakpitiya – Thunmodara road and travel for 3.5 km to reach the gardens. On this route, you will also pass the Dambora Ella Waterfall and Thunmodara Ella Waterfall. Traveling from Puwakpitiya you will pass the Kumari Wala Ella waterfall. Ella Uda Ella waterfall lies very close to the garden and can be reached from the by-road in front of the gardens.
Seethawaka Botanical Gardens Opening Hours
| Open Days | all 365 days |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 AM – 6.00 PM |
| Ticketing Hours | 7.30 AM – 5.00 pm |
Seethawaka Botanical Gardens Entrance Fees
| Description | LKR |
|---|---|
| Local Adults | 200 |
| Local Children below 12 years and School Children | 30 |
| Local Adults over 60 (NIC proof needed) | 50 |
| Foreign Adults | 3000 |
| Foreign School and University Students ((Must have satisfactory proof) | 2000 |
| Foreign Children (5 to 12 years) | 1500 |
| Electric Cars (4 seater) – 1 hour ride | 1000 |
| Electric Cars (8 seater) – 1 hour ride | 2000 |
| Vehicle Parking | charged |
Electric Cars and other facilities are available only in certain locations and prices may be increased regularly.
Also See
- Attractions of Sri Lanka
- Heritage of Sri Lanka
- Waterfalls of Sri Lanka
- Nature and Wildlife of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of the Seethawaka Botanical Garden
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Traveling to Seethawaka Botanical Garden
| Route From Colombo Seethawaka Botanical Garden (route I) | Route From Colombo Seethawaka Botanical Garden (route II) |
| Through : Kaduwela – Hanwella – Puwakpitiya Distance : 52 km Travel time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on google maps | Through : Kaduwela – Hanwella – Waga – Labugama Distance : 49 km Travel time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on google maps |
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