Best time to travel to Myanmar

Hill Station Botanical Garden in Myanmar

One could spend the entire day wandering Pyin Oo Lwin’s gardens…

Best time: December–May

Hill Station Botanical Garden
Hill Station Botanical Garden

This place is the “hill station” itself, where the legacy of British Burma most visibly lives in Tudor and Victorian-style hotels and grand homes, a clock tower imitating Big Ben, a golf course, church, and a magnificent botanical garden! Stands of pines, oak, and eucalyptus share A space with coffee plantations, fruit orchards, and squares of farmland abundant in vegetables and flowers. National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (or as it is called Pyin Oo Lwin’s gardens) remains an inviting getaway for locals and visitors alike, not only from summer’s humidity, heat, and smog but as a year-around escape from Mandalay’s human and traffic bustle.

You’ll find here more than 300 species of orchids, 75 species of flowering crotons, 25 rose species, 6 lily species, and medicinal plants. In addition, there are 514 species of indigenous trees, 74 foreign tree species, the nearby bamboo forest also lists a collection of 75 various species. The gardens are well laid out among lakes and paths, and there is a beautiful collection of pond fish and lovely black and white swans.

An aviary duplicates life in the wild for a variety of exotic birds with Myanmar’s national symbol, the peacock, well represented with six species. The butterfly museum was built to showcase over 40,000 butterflies and beetles. Another two museums are dedicated to fossils and petrified wood. Each December an annual flower festival is held here to highlight the treasures of the park.

Practical info

What is the best time to visit the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens in Myanmar?

The ideal moment to explore the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens is between December and May for a comfortable climate without the discomfort of summer. It is the perfect period to observe and explore Myanmar's incredible variety in flora and fauna, boasting over 300 species of orchids, 514 species of indigenous trees, 25 rose species, 6 lily species, and much more to discover. The months of October and November can be relatively rainy and make it harder to explore the gardens adequately. Show more

How many species of orchids can be found at the Hill Station Botanical Garden?

The National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens are home to a dazzling variety of plants and trees, including over 300 orchid species, 75 flowering crotons, 25 rose species, and six lily species. Visitors can also find 514 indigenous tree species, 74 foreign tree species, and a wide range of fruits and vegetables in the Gardens. This diverse collection of flora and fauna makes it one of the most remarkable botanical gardens to visit in Myanmar. Show more

Where is the nearby bamboo forest located?

The National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens nearby bamboo forest is situated near the garden entry point, and visitors are invited to explore this exceptional spot with 75 unique bamboo species in two portions: the Giant Bamboo Forest and the Dwarf Bamboo Forest. Visitors can take a short walk and appreciate the natural beauty of the forest with excellent trekking trails. Enthusiastic photographers will relish the opportunity to capture the mesmerizing beauty of the forest's nature through their lenses. Show more

What can visitors see at the aviary inside Pyin Oo Lwin’s gardens?

One of the popular sites at Pyin Oo Lwin garden is its aviary where visitors can observe a variety of exotic birds. The aviary is a natural territory for many types of birds, including six different peacock species, parakeets, Burmese parrots, black swans, and white swans, among others. Visitors will undoubtedly appreciate the uniqueness of these birds as they naturally perch on the branches and trees. Show more

Are there any annual events held at the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens?

The National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens hold an annual event in December called the Flower Festival, aiming to present its most valuable treasures for visitors. This festival offers a perfect opportunity for visitors to enjoy the garden's diverse flora in full color and glory. Visitors will encounter many rare flowers, blooming orchids, and events like the flower arranging competition. The festival is an excellent time to witness local food, cultural performances, and Myanmar's traditions and attracts many tourists from different parts of the world. Show more

Ask a question

Find hotels and airbnbs near Hill Station Botanical Garden (Map)

Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin