A visit to the Botanical Gardens in Hakgala is one of the most sought-after leisure trips around Nuwara Eliya. Located 16 kilometres from the town itself, these picturesque gardens let you discover a fine array of over 10,000 species of plants, including sub-tropical plants, orchids, and roses. Established in 1861, the gardens were often found at the heart of legendary tales with its account of King Ravana’s abduction of Sita being a noteworthy occurrence.