Hakgala Botanical Garden
The Hakgala Gardens is one of five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. Contiguous to the Hakgala Nature Reserve, this garden is thought to have been a pleasure garden of King Ravana and one which he gifted to Queen Seetha to lessen her sorrow. Also referred to as Asoka Vatika, the Queen is thought to have spent her captivity here. It is said that Lord Hanuman first saw the Queen in the gardens and presented her with King Rama’s ring with news of his plans to rescue her. Legend speaks of Hanuman attempting to destroy the gardens in his quest to demonstrate to King Ravana the strength of the forces against him.
The garden was expanded during the time of British rule, and is home to over 10,000 species of flora. The Hakgala Garden is famed for its exotic collection of orchids and roses.
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