Have you ever been to one of the finest botanical gardens throughout the whole Asia? If not,let me introduce you about the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens situated in Pyin Oo Lwin,a blessed and beautiful town in Myanmar.

 

The National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens is similar to the Kew Gardens of England.It can be arrived 69 km by road from Mandalay and is located at an elevation of 1,000 metres in the hilly town of Pyin Oo Lwin.Pyin Oo Lwin itself stands as one of the most gorgeous towns in Myanmar because of its mild climate and numerous charming blossoms everywhere.It is also famous for its wonderful falls and got its alternative names as waterfall-city as well as flower-city.In 1915, the National Kandawgyi Botaanical Gardens was established by Mr.Charls Alex Rodger,a forest officer and an author.Later,the Government has specified it as a protected forest area since 1942.The Gardens has an area of 437 acres (177 ha),though it was just 30 acres at its first establishment.

 

The National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens welcomes its visitors with flooded sunshine and cool fresh air.Some  coffee bars and restaurants lie along the entrance.A picturesque lake hosting beautiful black and white swans will make you feel pleasant.On the sight of colourful flower beds in every direction would bring you a refreshing mind.The Gardens displays 514 species of indigenous trees ,300 species of indigenous orchids,74 foreign species and 75 species each of croton and bamboo,25 rose species and 6 land lily ones.In addition to flora,the Gardens is a home to some fauna like takin,hog deer,Eld’s deer,Burmese star tortoise,water fowl and pheasant.If you want a comfortable tour,electric vehicles running around the Gardens are also available.

 

Museum lovers are attracted by three museums located in National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens:the Fossils Museum,the Butterfly Museum and the Petrified Wood Museum.The Fossils Museum hosts fossils of reptiles,invertebrates and mammals including 7 feet elephant,crocodile,tortoise,sea-horse,rhinoceros,pig,ox and crab which are displayed in details.At the Butterfly Museum,over 30,000 different colourful butterflies can be watched.Fossils of plants,toddy-palm roots,colourful stones and the souvenirs created from plant fossils can be found in the Petrified Wood Museum.

 

The National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens’ indigenous orchid conservation is cooperated with the UK based organization,BCGI(Botanic Gardens Conservation International).Many tourists enjoy the enchanting flower festival held in every December.Over 400,000 visitors make a tour to the Gardens annually. Personally,I would definitely recommend to explore the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens  for it will give you moments that make your travel so worth it.

 

Written  By,

Ms.Nyein Chan Htwe