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National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens

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National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))

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The National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens, located in Pyin Oo Lwin at an elevation of 1,000 meters, were established in 1915 by the British botanist Alex Rodger. Originally known as the Maymyo Botanical Garden, the site was modeled after the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in England and covers an area of approximately 177 hectares. The gardens feature a vast collection of over 480 species of flowers, shrubs, and trees, including a renowned orchid house with more than 300 species of indigenous orchids. In 2000, the park underwent extensive renovations and was officially renamed to its current title to reflect its national significance. Visitors can explore various themed sections such as the rose garden, the bamboo forest, and a dedicated enclosure for the rare takin, a goat-antelope native to the Himalayas. The landmark Nan Myint Tower provides a panoramic view of the surrounding Shan Hills and the garden layout, which remains a vital center for botanical research and conservation in Myanmar.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212428313130303030292623
Rain mm11271532443338303397

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Located in the hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin, the gardens are easily accessible by road from Mandalay, typically taking a scenic two-hour drive or a classic train journey.
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Best season
The cooler winter months from November to February are highly popular, offering pleasant daytime temperatures for strolling and observing the bustling blooming of seasonal flowers.
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Terrain & paths
The park features very gentle terrain with well-maintained walking paths, wooden bridges over water features, and flat grassy expanses suitable for visitors of all mobility levels.
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What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera to capture the orchids and butterflies, and light sun protection are usually sufficient for a leisurely stroll through these expansive botanical grounds.
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Parking
Dedicated parking areas are generally available near the main entrance gates, accommodating both private vehicles and tourist coaches from nearby towns and Mandalay.
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Safety
The gardens are a very safe and managed environment; simply stay on marked paths, avoid feeding any wild animals, and respect the delicate flora, especially in the orchid enclosures.
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Time needed
Visitors typically spend between 2 and 4 hours wandering through the various zones, enjoying the alpine flora, pine forests, and relaxing by the scenic lake within the gardens.

Geography

Coordinates
22.01670, 96.46670

Facts

  • Established in 1915 as Maymyo Botanical Garden
  • Total area covers approximately 177 hectares (437 acres)
  • Features an orchid house with over 300 indigenous species
  • Renamed and officially reopened in the year 2000
  • Located at an altitude of 1,000 meters in Pyin Oo Lwin
  • Home to a sanctuary for the rare Himalayan takin

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pyin Oo LwinPyin Oo Lwin<1 km · WExplore →
Pyin Oo Lwin Strawberry FarmsPyin Oo Lwin Strawberry Farms2 km · SExplore →
Dattawgyaik WaterfallDattawgyaik Waterfall7 km · NExplore →
Mogok Ruby MinesMogok Ruby Mines12 km · WExplore →
Yeywa Hydropower PlantYeywa Hydropower Plant14 km · SExplore →
Peik Chin Myaung CavePeik Chin Myaung Cave16 km · NExplore →
Green Hill Valley Elephant CampGreen Hill Valley Elephant Camp18 km · EExplore →
KalawKalaw21 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (12)

National Kan Daw Gyee Botanical Garden🌳 park

A sprawling alpine garden established in 1915, featuring a large lake and diverse tropical flora.

Orchid Garden Butterfly Museum🏛 museum

A specialized museum within the botanical garden showcasing rare orchid species and local butterfly collections.

Petrified wood museum🏛 museum

A museum exhibiting ancient fossilized tree trunks preserved into stone from the surrounding region.

ထင်းရူးမြိုင်🏺 historical

An archaeological site featuring pine groves and remnants of traditional Burmese structures.

မြိုင်ဟေမာန်🏺 historical

A historical site within the forest area reflecting traditional Burmese landscape heritage.

ကိုလိုနီခေတ်အိမ်🏺 historical

A preserved timber-frame residence dating back to the British colonial period in the cool hill station.

Outdoor Market🎭 culture

Open-air stalls selling fresh mountain produce, flowers, and local snacks.

Myoma Market🎭 culture

The central commercial heart of the city, known for its animated atmosphere and diverse goods.

Pyin Oo Lwin Night Market🎭 culture

An evening street market offering a wide variety of Burmese street food and local crafts.

Governor's Palace📍 landmark

A grand reconstruction of the British Governor's summer residence, showcasing colonial luxury.

Colonial House📍 landmark

A stately brick and timber residence from the early 20th century in European style.

Croxton House📍 landmark

Another notable colonial-era villa set within lush gardens, used as a summer retreat.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Nationaler Botanischer Garten Kandawgyi special?
The garden impresses with its huge variety of native plants and peaceful location right by the lake.
Is the park suitable for walking?
Yes, there are excellently laid-out paths that are convenient for long walks in nature.
What is the best way to get to the Nationaler Botanischer Garten Kandawgyi?
The most convenient way is by taxi, as the park is centrally located but has no direct subway connection.
Are pets allowed in the park?
Pets are generally not allowed to protect the protected flora.
Which season is recommended for a visit?
The cooler months between November and February offer the most pleasant climate for exploration.
National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens: where is it located?
National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens is located in Myanmar (Burma).
National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Kan Daw Gyee Botanical Garden, Orchid Garden Butterfly Museum, Petrified wood museum.
National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens: why is it worth visiting?
The National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens, located in Pyin Oo Lwin at an elevation of 1,000 meters, were established in 1915 by the British botanist Alex Rodger.
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Nearby cities

Pakokku — National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))
Pakokku
A bustling city on the Irrawaddy River, known for its trade in tobacco and cotton.
Magway — National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))
Magway
The capital of the Magway Region, known for the production of edible oil and sesame.

History & landmarks

Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda — National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))
Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda
A tiny golden pagoda spectacularly built on top of a narrow, steep limestone spire.

More places

Amarapura Historical City — National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))
Amarapura Historical City
A former capital of Myanmar, known for its silk weaving and the famous teakwood U Bein Bridge.
Pyin Oo Lwin Strawberry Farms — National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))
Pyin Oo Lwin Strawberry Farms
Agricultural terraces in the temperate hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin, famous for growing fresh strawberries during the cool season.
Shwenandaw Monastery — National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))
Shwenandaw Monastery
A historic Buddhist monastery in Mandalay, famous for its exquisite teak wood carvings and traditional architecture.
Kuthodaw Pagoda — National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))
Kuthodaw Pagoda
A Buddhist stupa in Mandalay that contains the "world's largest book", consisting of hundreds of marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist texts.
Yadanabon Zoological Gardens — National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))
Yadanabon Zoological Gardens
A well-known zoo at the foot of Mandalay Hill, playing an important role in the breeding of endemic Burmese animal species.
Mandalay Palace — National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))
Mandalay Palace
The last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy, built as a walled fortress with a wide moat in the center of Mandalay.
Mandalay Palace Moat Park — National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))
Mandalay Palace Moat Park
An expansive recreational area surrounding the wide, water-filled moat of the historic Mandalay Royal Palace.
Mahamuni Buddha Temple — National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (Myanmar (Burma))
Mahamuni Buddha Temple
One of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, housing a highly venerated Buddha statue.