Information
Landmark: Udawatta Kele SanctuaryCity: Kandy
Country: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, or the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, is a lush sweep of green climbing the ridge just behind Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where tall trees sway gently in the humid air, equally important famous for its rich wildlife, quiet forest paths, and deep history, the sanctuary draws nature lovers, birdwatchers, and anyone craving a peaceful break from the city’s clamor, where the soft rustle of leaves replaces car horns.Tucked away in Kandy, in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary spans about 104 hectares (257 acres), on top of that first declared a forest reserve in 1856 and later a sanctuary in 1938, it once served as a royal retreat for Kandyan kings and shielded the sacred Temple of the Tooth from intruders.Today, its dense tropical rainforest shelters towering Nuga and Maha Ratmal trees, rare orchids, tangled lianas, and plants prized for medicine, and over 80 bird species flit through the canopy-emerald doves, yellow-fronted barbets, the elusive Kandyan flycatcher, and the tiny Sri Lanka hanging parrot among them.Toque macaques leap between branches, giant squirrels chatter overhead, and porcupines rustle through the undergrowth, while snakes, lizards, frogs, and a kaleidoscope of butterflies add to the forest’s life, besides winding trails lead visitors deep into the shade, where the air smells of damp earth and blossoms, roughly You can wander Lady Horton’s Walk, a shaded path named for a governor’s wife, or tackle the slightly tougher Senanayake Trail, where bright kingfishers dart between branches, furthermore the Giant Lianas Loop winds past thick ropes of vine you won’t spot anywhere else.To be honest, History lingers at Garrison Cemetery, a quiet colonial resting venue on the sanctuary’s edge, and in the ancient hermitages and caves once used by Buddhist monks for meditation, after that climb Kodimale Hill-the highest point here-for sweeping views over Kandy and the hills beyond, slightly Cool streams and still ponds like Forest Pond glint through the trees, sheltering fish and dragonflies, also long before, this was a royal retreat for Kandyan kings and their families.During the Kandyan Kingdom, this forest was sacred ground, strictly off-limits to commoners, subsequently it formed a living shield for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, its dense canopy hiding the shrine from danger.Interestingly, For centuries, Buddhist monks have meditated in its cool caves and quiet retreats, deepening its spiritual weight, not only that today, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary opens daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an entrance fee of about 660 LKR for foreigners and lower rates for locals; guides are available for an extra charge.Just a short walk or tuk-tuk ride from Kandy’s center, the path to the gate climbs gently uphill, besides visit early or late for cooler air and the chatter of birds, and skip the rainy days when the trails turn slick.Along the way you’ll find the occasional bench to rest, though restrooms are only near the entrance, while bring binoculars for the sanctuary’s rare and migratory birds, wander its trails for peace and shade, and keep your camera ready for wild orchids or a flash of wings in the green.Thick green canopies, sparkling streams, and darting wildlife make the forest a photographer’s dream, while quiet hermitages tucked among the trees invite peaceful meditation; wander into ancient caves or up Kodimale Hill to connect with its deep history, wear sturdy shoes for the uneven trails, carry water and a snack but pack out every crumb, respect the animals and plants, keep to marked paths, and when you’ve soaked in the sanctuary’s calm, explore nearby gems like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the still waters of Kandy Lake, or the lush Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens-together, they make Udawatta Kele a rare blend of wild beauty, rich heritage, and quiet spirit, as well as whether you’re trekking up a shaded trail, pausing to spot a flash of blue in the trees, or simply soaking in the stillness, this sanctuary offers a rare chance to experience nature and the vibrant culture of Kandy all at once.If you’re heading to Sri Lanka’s hill capital, don’t miss it-it’s the kind of spot where the scent of fresh tea leaves hangs in the air.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-12
