Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya

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After we visited the elephant orphanage, we went to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Even though it technically wasn't the "flowering season" there was no shortage of absolutely beautiful flowers and plants.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Though the day was hot, it felt great to walk along the grounds and explore the expansive garden.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

The flowers we saw were absolutely perfect, and all of the gardens were just immaculately maintained.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Bats - and no shortage of them. :)

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

In addition to the gardens there was a orchid house, full of unique and lovely specimens.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Tiny little orchids!

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

The flower below is called the "Buddha Flower."

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

One had fallen from the tree. (I'd worry that somebody picked it, but most of the flowers were far too high to have been pulled.)

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

We walked through the garden for hours. One of my favorite parts of the garden were the large groves... full of bats!

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Na na - na na - na na- na na BAT TREEEEE!

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka

Trees full of bats stretched all along the grove - thousands and thousands and thousands of bats. It was amazing.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens - Sri Lanka Bat Trees

We could have spent all day in the park - but alas, we had to get on the road so we could head up the mountain before dark. Next stop: Ramboda Falls, on our way to the Tea Factory!

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