Five of the World's Best Gardens

There’s little more exhilarating than heading out into untouched wilderness, ploughing through the jungle floor, or climbing high to overlook a carpet of dense forest. Mankind has long seeked to replicate the beauty of the wild, and has done so in part by creating gardens. These compacted, curated landscapes are human-owned slices of nature; an art form that sends a nod of appreciation to all that grows.

Whether untamed and rugged or meticulously mown, large-scale gardens are an almost worldwide cultural phenomenon. As symbols of identity, they can represent national pride, status and artistic style, or even form a capsulised version of an entire ecosystem. In celebration of these ‘worlds in miniature’, read on to take a walk through the most incredible gardens of TravelLocal.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica

The perfect example of a natural microcosm, La Paz throws a figurative umbrella over the stunning waterfalls, lush vegetation and tropical wildlife of Costa Rica and entices visitors to experience them all in one easily hikeable vicinity. Meandering, rainforest trails of 3.5 kilometres link five gorgeous waterfalls, trout lakes and viewing platforms; while a butterfly conservatory, hummingbird garden, jungle cat exhibit and aviary of tame, rainbow-coloured toucans will keep you busy the rest of the time. It’s a fantastic option for families, but remember to bring light raincoats - the rainforest climate can be unpredictable!

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, South Africa

This 36 hectare haven in Cape Town is a natural marvel and a botanist’s dream, all with a backdrop of stunning Table Mountain (which is accessible from the garden’s scenic hiking routes). South Africa is home to 22,000 plant species and 9,000 of them are here, inundating the grounds with trees, shrubs and pockets of yellow, red and purple flowers. The Tree Canopy Walkway takes visitors along a snaking, timber and steel bridge that rises up into the trees, affording wonderful views of the whole area. Kirstenbosch won ‘International Garden of the Year’ in 2015, and its evening concerts that run throughout summer are a Cape Town institution.

Majorelle Garden, Morocco

Nestled among the hubbub of Marrakech, Jardin Majorelle is an idyll of desert flowers, cactuses and lilypad ponds growing around a deep blue-painted villa. It was named after landscape painter Jacques Majorelle, who owned the art-deco studio and its surrounding gardens in the early 20th century. In order to preserve his vision for the garden, Yves Saint Laurent bought the grounds in 1980, cultivating its 300 plant species and Moroccan desert vibe until it emanated from every flower pot, fountain and palm tree. There’s a superb museum of Berbère artefacts on-site which adds a historical context to your visit. Arrive here first thing to relish the sound of morning birds in relative peace and quiet.  

Bagh-e-Fin (Fin Garden), Iran

A proud pillar of Iranian artistry, the traditional Persian Garden was born from the concept of a walled paradise on Earth, and is thought to have originated as far back as 6 BC. The notion has informed elegant garden designs across the world, the most famous being the Taj Mahal in India. Bagh-e Fin, an oasis of symmetry hiding just off central Kashan, is perhaps the epitome of this regal art form. The focus is to combine the elements of sunlight, shade, water and architecture in one space; a goal it splendidly achieves. Trickling fountains and sprawling turquoise pools centre around a grand two-storey pavilion, linked by pathways lined by flowers and cypress trees. When you’re done wandering this historic gem, there is a small museum and lovely Persian teahouse to while away some time in the shade.

Ryoanji Temple’s Rock Garden, Japan

Garden design is an art form in Japan that stretches back over 1000 years. You need only admire the hundreds across the country, awash with pink sakura, worn wooden bridges and lily ponds to appreciate their stellar aesthetic. More spiritually significant is the concept of the Japanese rock garden, the most famous of which resides at Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto. This Zen Buddhist temple dates back to 1450; before that it was an aristocrat’s villa - but the origins of the garden are uncertain. The artist never revealed the meaning of the 15 rocks placed inside an oblong of meticulously raked sand, framed by trees swaying beyond the earthen wall. Still, the centuries-old scene draws throngs of visitors. To sit and contemplate for yourself without the crowds, try to arrive early in the morning on a weekday. Take a walk around the rest of the exquisite grounds when you’re done.

Make it happen

If you want to delve into the gardens of the world as part of your travelling adventures, visit our Japan, Costa Rica, South Africa and Morocco pages. For more information or to chat about your travels plans, you can contact us in office on +44 (0) 117 325 7898.