National Kandawgyi Gardens — Attraction in Pyin Oo Lwin District

National Kandawgyi Gardens – Myanmar’s Natural Crown Jewel

Stepping into Pyin Oo Lwin’s National Kandawgyi Gardens feels like entering a cool, emerald paradise. The moment you arrive, the crisp highland air (a refreshing 18–25°C year-round) and the scent of thousands of flowers instantly melt away stress. This isn’t just a garden—it’s a national treasure, home to rare orchids, towering pine trees, and tranquil lakes that mirror the sky. Why It’s Special: Biodiversity Haven: Spot playful squirrels, colorful birds, and even butterflies flitting between 480+ plant species. The on-site zoo and aviary (though small) offer close encounters with native wildlife. Family-Friendly Bliss: Wide-open lawns are perfect for picnics, while shaded pathways invite leisurely strolls. Kids adore the mini waterfalls and hidden gazebos. Cultural Touchpoints: Don’t miss the replica of Myanmar’s iconic landmarks in miniature, a nod to the country’s heritage.

Visitor Tips: Best Time: Mornings (6–9 AM) for misty, crowd-free serenity. Hidden Gem: The wooden watchtower offers panoramic views of the Shan Highlands. Cafés: Try local coffee or avocado shakes at garden-side kiosks.

A Minor Note: Some pathways need maintenance, but the lush beauty more than compensates.

Final Verdict: A 5/5 experience for nature lovers. Whether you’re solo, with family, or seeking creative inspiration, Kandawgyi Gardens is a must-visit slice of...

Founded in 1915 and carved out by Turkish prisoners captured by the British during WWI, this lovingly maintained 435-acre botanical garden features more than 480 species of flower, shrub and tree. The most appealing aspect is the way flowers and overhanging branches frame views of Kandawgyi Lake’s wooden bridges and small gilded pagoda. Admission includes the swimming pool, the aviary, the orchid garden and butterfly museum and the bizarre Nan Myint Tower.

Details Nanda Rd Hours 8am-6pm, aviary to 5pm, orchid garden & butterfly museum 8.30am-5pm, Nan Myint Tower lift to 5pm Price adult/child under 12yr US$5/3

Looking like a space rocket designed for a medieval Chinese emperor, the 12-storey tower offers panoramic views, which are better appreciated from the external staircase than through the grease-smeared windows of the observation deck.

Unfortunately, you can’t use a bicycle to get around the grounds, so bring walking shoes and allow around two hours to do the place justice. Using the southern entrance slightly reduces the walking you have to do. By 6pm both gates will probably be locked, so watch the time, as there are no closure warnings.

The garden’s two entrances are both on the eastern side of Kandawgyi Lake, around a mile south of smaller...

The National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens is a 177 hectare botanical garden located in the Alpine town of Pyin U Lwin (formerly Maymyo), Myanmar, situated at an elevation of 1000 metres (3,605 ft) and 69 km (43 mi) by road from Mandalay.The current official name is National Kandawgyi Garden.

National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardensကန်တော်ကြီး အမျိုးသား ရုက္ခဗေဒ ဥယျာဉ် park LocationPyinoolwinArea437 acres (177 ha)Created1915Operated byMinistry of Natural Resources and Environmental ConservationStatusOpen all year. It was first established in 1915 as the Maymyo Botanical Gardens by Alex Roger, a Forest Officer. The original site was 30 acres (120,000 m2), and was modelled after the Kew Gardens of England with the help of an amateur gardener called Lady Cuffe. In 1917, the government granted it official recognition, and in 1924, the site was declared a Government Botanical Reserve. On 1 December 1942, the Ministry of Forestry designated the Botanical Gardens a "protected forest area". On 1 December 2000, Sr Gen Than Shwe renamed it "Kandawgyi National Gardens". It has been used to promote...