Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens
Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens
Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens
4.5
About
This 42-hectare garden used to be a former rubber and tea plantation but now has been transformed into a research and conservation area for wet zone flora in Sri Lanka. Here, you can marvel at gorgeous trees and flowers across the rose, medicinal and spice gardens, and also paddle out on the beautiful lake on a swan boat. You can also walk uphill to the viewpoint where you can get stunning views of the garden and the surrounding valley. Located less than 30 miles from Colombo, the garden is a great spot for a half-day tour from the Sri Lankan capital. – Tripadvisor
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4.5
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The Travel Couple - Chathu & Ishanka
Kalutara, Sri Lanka1,629 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Latest addition to Sri Lanka’s botanical garden list. Located not far from Colombo and reachable within 2 hours from Colombo. You don’t find much flowers here like other gardens in the island. But the landscaping is absolutely amazing with many wet zone plants. There’s some area to cover and it will take around 3 hours to complete the tour. If needed you can hire a buggy as well. Swan boat rides also available.
Good place to hang out with friends and specially for young couples to have some quality free time.
Good place to hang out with friends and specially for young couples to have some quality free time.
Written 9 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Umesha Perera
Gampaha, Sri Lanka10 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
🥳 Very beautiful, calm quiet environment. That’s naturally cool is awesome. Please save it for our future generations. Big parking area. Wheelchair accessible. Beautiful destination in our country .
Written 14 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maddu Bandara
Katunayake, Sri Lanka346 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Gardens, Avukwella Town, Puwakpitiya-Thummodara main road, built at Ilkuwita village. The total extent of the Udubaddara National Park is about 105 acres. The Botanical Gardens which were the last Botanical Garden in Sri Lanka are the Botanical Gardens of Seethawaka. Opened to the public in late 2014.
Written 17 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hemal M
Gampaha, Sri Lanka150 contributions
May 2014 • Family
This new Model Wet zone Botanic gardens is situated in far end of the Colombo district . It has got identical fauna and flora for the wet zone.
Written 23 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohamed A
50 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
Roads which leads to the seethawaka botanical gardens are not that superb. But have plenty of parking space which is totally free of charge and they do charge for entrance tickets Rs.50 from local. If you need to take vehicle also inside they have a few structure for that as well. Got a nice lake view to start up and then gardens specific for rose as well. Got a nice plant nursery where the plants are for sale which is for very low price. We also bought 5 plants which didn't even cost us a dollar. Can't bath or swim in the lake. But can take foods inside since the restaurant was not in operation. Need to improve a lot with regard to route map and numbering the way or showing paths or sign boards which would be very helpful.
Written 22 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madhawa Habarakada
Colombo, Sri Lanka55 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
The place is awesome. One beautiful place with natural heritage. There are nothing special to see. But you can feel the cool air under tree shades.
The roads through the woods is maybe little hard to walk as there is around 30 degrees slop in some parts. But you can walk slowly breathing the fresh cool air.
The best place inside the Garden is the "Kumbuk Garden" there is a small but beautiful man made but natural looking stream under shades of "Kumbuk" trees.
There are no roofs inside the garden other than the cafeteria at the entrance. So if you are going in the rainy season take an umbrella with you. Also leaches may be there in the rainy seasons.
Toilets are available in several locations. They are clean and tidy.
It would be better if you can take food with you as there's not much to get from the Cafeteria and also there are no shops around the location.
An evening Tea with some snacks under the tress shades and cool breeze would be pretty nice.
The roads to the location from Labugama is little rough.
The shortest and the best path to the location from Colombo is only 48km.
If you are coming from Colombo, take the road Colombo > Meepe on the Colombo Batticolo high way. Then Turn right from Meepe junction towards Ingiriya, after 1km, turn left to Waga road from "Pinthaliya Junction". From Waga to Labugama road...... (meepe - Waga road is renovated and is in very good shape. Though the road from labugama is little hard. For a Van or a SUV, it would be no issue).
Many wedding photo shoots are also carried out at the location due to its natural beauty.
The roads through the woods is maybe little hard to walk as there is around 30 degrees slop in some parts. But you can walk slowly breathing the fresh cool air.
The best place inside the Garden is the "Kumbuk Garden" there is a small but beautiful man made but natural looking stream under shades of "Kumbuk" trees.
There are no roofs inside the garden other than the cafeteria at the entrance. So if you are going in the rainy season take an umbrella with you. Also leaches may be there in the rainy seasons.
Toilets are available in several locations. They are clean and tidy.
It would be better if you can take food with you as there's not much to get from the Cafeteria and also there are no shops around the location.
An evening Tea with some snacks under the tress shades and cool breeze would be pretty nice.
The roads to the location from Labugama is little rough.
The shortest and the best path to the location from Colombo is only 48km.
If you are coming from Colombo, take the road Colombo > Meepe on the Colombo Batticolo high way. Then Turn right from Meepe junction towards Ingiriya, after 1km, turn left to Waga road from "Pinthaliya Junction". From Waga to Labugama road...... (meepe - Waga road is renovated and is in very good shape. Though the road from labugama is little hard. For a Van or a SUV, it would be no issue).
Many wedding photo shoots are also carried out at the location due to its natural beauty.
Written 31 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chathuranganie P
Colombo, Sri Lanka67 contributions
July 2015 • Friends
The Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens is about 45 minute drive from my hometown - Padukka. We visited the garden in an evening and had such a pleasant, serene experience.
Since it was open just a few months ago, may be the place is not that popular and it wasn't very crowded in a Sunday evening. The garden was well maintained and we later learned that people from the village itself are employed there, which is a very good thing.
The garden has still a lot of way to go. Don't expect it to be the same as Haggala or Peradeniya botanical garden where you have more flowers than trees. At the Wet Zone, it's more like a rain forest, and less flowers, but it doesn't compromise the beauty or the view or the feel of the nature. We also learned that several flower plantation projects (specially roses) are on the way. The garden has hundreds and thousands of tropical rain-forest trees. We didn't see many birds, though.
Stone paths are built all around so that you can comfortably walk around. There's enough information with maps and boards to help you with your walk and observations. Most trees have name-boards so you can also get to know a lot of trees. The entire place is very photogenic, if you are photographer, or looking for a shoot - this is your ideal location.
The most scenic and serene place of the entire wet zone garden is the large lawn with a series of Kumbuk trees and a small lake (see the photos). It's great for photos, it's very clean and the view is superb. Sitting under kumbuk trees, you feel the most exquisite tranquility.
There are enough washroom facilities even within the forest. No food outlets are yet there inside, so you may have to bring food/water inside - BUT PLEASE make sure no to pollute this amazing land. There are a few small hut-like shops outside the garden, across the road. Once we left the garden, we found a newly opened 'Hoppers Hut' which served us hot hot hoppers and it was a heavenly treat.
It's a 'must-see' close to Colombo, but perhaps if you wait a few more months, you'd get to see more than we did.
Since it was open just a few months ago, may be the place is not that popular and it wasn't very crowded in a Sunday evening. The garden was well maintained and we later learned that people from the village itself are employed there, which is a very good thing.
The garden has still a lot of way to go. Don't expect it to be the same as Haggala or Peradeniya botanical garden where you have more flowers than trees. At the Wet Zone, it's more like a rain forest, and less flowers, but it doesn't compromise the beauty or the view or the feel of the nature. We also learned that several flower plantation projects (specially roses) are on the way. The garden has hundreds and thousands of tropical rain-forest trees. We didn't see many birds, though.
Stone paths are built all around so that you can comfortably walk around. There's enough information with maps and boards to help you with your walk and observations. Most trees have name-boards so you can also get to know a lot of trees. The entire place is very photogenic, if you are photographer, or looking for a shoot - this is your ideal location.
The most scenic and serene place of the entire wet zone garden is the large lawn with a series of Kumbuk trees and a small lake (see the photos). It's great for photos, it's very clean and the view is superb. Sitting under kumbuk trees, you feel the most exquisite tranquility.
There are enough washroom facilities even within the forest. No food outlets are yet there inside, so you may have to bring food/water inside - BUT PLEASE make sure no to pollute this amazing land. There are a few small hut-like shops outside the garden, across the road. Once we left the garden, we found a newly opened 'Hoppers Hut' which served us hot hot hoppers and it was a heavenly treat.
It's a 'must-see' close to Colombo, but perhaps if you wait a few more months, you'd get to see more than we did.
Written 27 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harshana W
Maharagama, Sri Lanka112 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
Visited the park on December 31, 2016. Traveling from Colombo would take approximately one and half hours to two hours, and may differ depending on the level of traffic and the day you travel. Drive to the location would be a partly a comfortable drive, where the roads and perfect with carpeted roads, the last bit of the road leading to the park is a bit of bumpy ride. However, does compensate with the view of the surrounding.
Reached the park around 10:30 am in the morning, and I would suggest that if someone is visiting, to visit there to be reach by at least 08:00 am. Please do take your adequate water as you do need it.
Whilst the lower part of the garden is maintained similar to a botanical garden with beautifully arranged flower patches, perfectly cut grass, and well maintained lake, where one can go for a boat ride.
The best would be the walk that you could do up a hill, getting the chance to see many varieties of trees, and many species of birds. If interested in seeing birds, then i would advice anyone to visit the place at a time where there a less people in the park like a weekday, and early as possible.
Some of the birds that I saw whilst my visit to the park, were captured on my camera, with some i missed thanks to all the noise made by visitors. If you are really interested and keen in enjoying nature, and the wildlife, my advice would be for anyone is to visit there in the morning hours, and on a weekday where there is no holidays.
Please note that this is a park, where there is no opportunity for have activities such as cricket, and foot ball being played, and it is definitely and ideal place for a photo shoot.
For those who like, the park does provide the service of transport at a fee, with golf carts. However, for a person like me who loves to see things and go slow and enjoy the surrounding, then I do not recommend to obtain the vehicle facility.
There is only one restaurant, and i would recommend individuals to take there own food, and refreshments. However, please do keep the place clean.
Reached the park around 10:30 am in the morning, and I would suggest that if someone is visiting, to visit there to be reach by at least 08:00 am. Please do take your adequate water as you do need it.
Whilst the lower part of the garden is maintained similar to a botanical garden with beautifully arranged flower patches, perfectly cut grass, and well maintained lake, where one can go for a boat ride.
The best would be the walk that you could do up a hill, getting the chance to see many varieties of trees, and many species of birds. If interested in seeing birds, then i would advice anyone to visit the place at a time where there a less people in the park like a weekday, and early as possible.
Some of the birds that I saw whilst my visit to the park, were captured on my camera, with some i missed thanks to all the noise made by visitors. If you are really interested and keen in enjoying nature, and the wildlife, my advice would be for anyone is to visit there in the morning hours, and on a weekday where there is no holidays.
Please note that this is a park, where there is no opportunity for have activities such as cricket, and foot ball being played, and it is definitely and ideal place for a photo shoot.
For those who like, the park does provide the service of transport at a fee, with golf carts. However, for a person like me who loves to see things and go slow and enjoy the surrounding, then I do not recommend to obtain the vehicle facility.
There is only one restaurant, and i would recommend individuals to take there own food, and refreshments. However, please do keep the place clean.
Written 5 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hasitha T
Colombo, Sri Lanka12 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
Hey guys just go and feel the nature.....
it's about 20 miles from Colombo city ....
and if you end-up in a rainy day, don't feel bad about it
'cos when it rains in this wet zone garden ..WOW... its like your in Nuwara Eliya ..
So have some fun guys....
it's about 20 miles from Colombo city ....
and if you end-up in a rainy day, don't feel bad about it
'cos when it rains in this wet zone garden ..WOW... its like your in Nuwara Eliya ..
So have some fun guys....
Written 22 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isuru Premaratne
Gampaha, Sri Lanka246 contributions
June 2018 • Solo
Indeed a unique place in Sri Lanka to observe the features of wet-zone flora. It has a great collection of trees but very low number of flowers. This garden is specially for trees.
Access is not difficult. Easiest way is coming from Colombo - Avissawella road. At Puwakpitiya(near railway station) turn to Puwakpitiya - Labugama Road. Drive 4 km and you can find the garden next to the Ilukowita School. Plenty of parking space available. Public transport - There's a bus service operating between Avissawella and Padukka via this road. (No. 239/1 and 239/2, about two buses per hour)
Cafeteria available. Sufficient space. Outside food allowed within the cafeteria and other small huts in the garden. Can have rice and curry for lunch but have to order it before 10.30am.
Two hours will be sufficient. Depends on your interest on spending time at certain places. Best time to start is early morning 8:30-9:30am. There's a small hill which has a properly made path to walk to the top. There you can find a view point to see the lakes and main ground of the garden.
There are three lakes which have been built by using the natural streams. Small streams, trees and green turf creates an unbelievable scene which is great for nature photography.
Access is not difficult. Easiest way is coming from Colombo - Avissawella road. At Puwakpitiya(near railway station) turn to Puwakpitiya - Labugama Road. Drive 4 km and you can find the garden next to the Ilukowita School. Plenty of parking space available. Public transport - There's a bus service operating between Avissawella and Padukka via this road. (No. 239/1 and 239/2, about two buses per hour)
Cafeteria available. Sufficient space. Outside food allowed within the cafeteria and other small huts in the garden. Can have rice and curry for lunch but have to order it before 10.30am.
Two hours will be sufficient. Depends on your interest on spending time at certain places. Best time to start is early morning 8:30-9:30am. There's a small hill which has a properly made path to walk to the top. There you can find a view point to see the lakes and main ground of the garden.
There are three lakes which have been built by using the natural streams. Small streams, trees and green turf creates an unbelievable scene which is great for nature photography.
Written 20 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nandaseeli M
Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
Is there a separate bus from Avissawella to go there? If there are such buses, what are the bus departure times?
Written 28 April 2024
When i step down from අවිස්සාවේල්ල railway station , can upls tell me how to go seethawaka wet zone botanic garden , if there are busses please mentioned the bis number
Written 16 February 2023
I saw the odd bus coming from Avissawella via Puwakpitiya yes. Not frequent. On their website or via dialing 0363 795 295 you hopefully get better bus info, Google Maps does not have that region covered well.
Written 16 February 2023
Avissawella-Hatton bus, I presume these are existing. You need to get off at the junction of the gardens road a few km before A'wella. From there 3-4 km; possibly another local bus or otherwise tuktuk.
Written 3 November 2022
What are the bus should I catch to reach there from Ja-ela ?please can someone answer this question ?
Written 31 August 2022
open karanne mona welawatada kenek dala thibba kumari elle nanna puluwan kiyala eka aththada ?
Written 25 October 2021
Gampaha to kaduwela and from kaduwela get avissawella bus,get down puwakpitiya.
Gampaha to pagoda to kosgama,from kosgama to puwakpitiya.you don't have any bus from puwakpitiya to park only three wheeler.
Written 18 November 2019
Is it's open 365 days,without curfew days
Written 11 November 2019
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