National Kandawgyi Gardens

　　The National Kandawgyi Gardens, formerly known as the National Botanical Gardens, now cover a total area of 177 hectares at an altitude of 1,000 meters and are just 69 kilometers from Mandalay, making them one of the most beloved destinations for visitors to Myanmar.

　　The National Lake Gardens were first established in 1915, initially spanning only 30 hectares. The entire garden was designed in the style of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in England. It was officially recognized in 1917, became a Government Botanical Reserve in 1924, was designated as a “Forest Reserve” by the Myanmar Forestry Department on December 1, 1942, and was officially renamed the “National Lake Gardens” on December 1, 2000.

　　The National Kandawgyi Gardens are home to 514 species of native trees and 74 foreign varieties, including 75 species of bamboo and 75 species of croton. Among the 300 flower species, there are 25 types of roses and 6 types of lilies, along with several medicinal plants. Additionally, the gardens host a variety of wildlife such as deer, Burmese star tortoises, and takins, while waterfowl thrive in the nearby wetlands, adding vibrancy to the landscape. The gardens also feature three museums: the Fossil Museum, the Petrified Wood Museum, and the Butterfly Museum. The Fossil Museum houses ancient fossils of mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates; the Petrified Wood Museum showcases colorful stones, palm tree roots, and other plant fossils; while the Butterfly Museum features a dazzling array of species from Nepal, Taiwan, South America, Japan, and Southeast Asia, fluttering beautifully.

　　The National Kandawgyi Gardens once collaborated with the UK office of Botanic Gardens Conservation International on research aimed at providing the most natural growing environments for native flowers.

　　National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens Must-visit reason: One of the most beloved destinations for visitors to Myanmar Continent: Asia Country/Region: Myanmar Province/State: Mandalay Region City: Pyin U Lwin