Travel Guide to Hakgala Botanical Garden

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving, start from Kandy, the nearest major city. Take the A26 road heading towards Nuwara Eliya. After approximately 25 kilometers, you will reach the town of Peradeniya. From Peradeniya, follow the signs for the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway (A5). Continue on this highway for about 12 kilometers until you reach Hakgala. The garden will be on your left side. Parking is available at the entrance.

• Public Bus

  To reach Hakgala Botanical Garden using public transportation from Kandy, head to the Kandy Bus Station. Look for buses heading to Nuwara Eliya, and ensure they stop at Hakgala. The bus fare is typically around 100 LKR. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Once you arrive at the Hakgala bus stop, it is a short walk to the entrance of the botanical garden.

• Taxi or Ride-Sharing

  For a more comfortable and direct option, consider taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service from Kandy or any other location in Central Province. It is recommended to negotiate the fare beforehand or check the app for an estimated price. The cost may range from 1500 to 3000 LKR depending on your starting point and traffic conditions. The ride will take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

• Train

  Although there is no direct train service to Hakgala, you can take a train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. From the Nuwara Eliya train station, you will need to take a taxi or a local bus to Hakgala, which is about 10 kilometers away. Train tickets vary in price depending on the class, but expect to pay around 300 to 1000 LKR. The train ride itself offers stunning views of the countryside.