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| Sunday, 20 June 2004 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Boost for Gampaha Gardens by Chanuka Mannapperuma You might not find the time to be away from the busy life of the city. But located within around 20 kilometres from Colombo, the Heneratgoda Botanical Gardens better known as Gampaha Gardens will provide you with an ideal place to relax, enjoy and gain some knowledge.
Annually, more than 100,000 visitors come to this unique garden which has around 1500 varieties of plants, flowers and trees. The gardens also has play ground and several other fun places for kids. It is 36 acres in extent. Situated about 500 yards from the Gampaha Minuwangoda road (Just 18 miles from Colombo), you can easily reach the garden passing the Gampaha Railway Station. There are several significant features of these 127 year old garden which also went into the history books as Asia's first rubber tree was planted there. Acting Directress of Gampaha Gardens Ms. Gomes said that apart from the 1500 varieties of plants, flowers and trees, there is a precious spice garden with a variety of spice like nutmeg, clove pepper and cinnamon. The gorgeous Japanese garden which has a Japanese setting and Sri Lankan as well as Japanese plants is laid according to the Green gardens system. The Gardens also boasts an 'orchid house' more of than hundred hybrid varieties. The plant house contains many different kinds of beautiful and rare local and foreign plants like Anthurium, Begonia and Alocasia among others. It also has beautiful flower beds - the Rose garden which has delightful varieties attracts most of the visitors. The Garden also caters to children. Mrs. Gomes said that the main objective of the newly opened children's park is to ensure the convenience of the visitors coming with children. The Ceylon Hotel Corporation is running cart services for visitors to the Gardens. At the sales point, plant lovers could buy plants at reasonable prices. She said that earlier, visitors' vehicles were prohibited from entering the Gardens but now vehicles are allowed in for a fee. Adult entrance tickets are priced at Rs.20 and childrence's Rs 5. Mrs. Gomes said that there are several new development projects which are to be launched in the near future to make Gampaha Gardens a more attractive place. |
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