Udawattakele National Reserve: The Royal Forest Sanctuary of Kandy
Rising silently behind the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Udawattakele National Reserve (locally known as Udawatta Kele Sanctuary) is a lush historic rainforest oasis nestled within the city limits of Kandy. Originally known as Uda Wasala Watta ("the upper garden of the royal palace"), Udawattakele National Reserve served as a forbidden pleasure park, defense shield, and spiritual retreat for kings throughout the ancient Kingdom of Kandy.
Spanning 104 hectares (257 acres) of dense semi-evergreen canopy, Udawattakele National Reserve provides travelers with a tranquil sanctuary filled with towering century-old trees, giant woody lianas, serene meditation hermitages, and vibrant endemic birdlife. For nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and history lovers, walking through Udawattakele National Reserve is one of the most refreshing outdoor excursions in the Central Highlands.
Royal Sanctuary & Hermit Heritage: The Origin of Senkadagala
According to historical chronicles, Udawattakele National Reserve holds the very origins of Kandy's ancient name, Senkadagala. In the 14th century, a Brahmin ascetic named Senkanda lived in a secluded cave within this forest. King Wickramabahu III consulted the hermit and chose this sheltered hillside to establish his new capital city. During royal eras, entering Udawattakele National Reserve was strictly forbidden to commoners under penalty of law, allowing this virgin ridge to remain pristine for centuries.
Top Sights & Walking Highlights in Udawattakele National Reserve
The well-marked gravel walking paths inside Udawattakele National Reserve guide visitors through several historic and natural landmarks:
1. The Royal Pond (Nuwara Wewa View)
A serene historic freshwater pond constructed during the Kandyan era, where ancient royals bathed surrounded by towering bamboo clumps and reflective jungle foliage.
2. Senkanda Cave
The sacred rock shelter where hermit Senkanda meditated, later used as an emergency secret escape route and hiding vault for royal treasures during colonial invasions.
3. Kodimale (Flag Peak Lookout)
The highest elevation point in Udawattakele National Reserve (standing roughly 115 meters above Kandy Lake), where royal spotters hoisted royal flags and surveyed approaching armies.
4. Giant Woody Lianas (Pus-Wela)
Massive twisted liana vines (Entada rheedii) snake across the canopy, some estimated to be over two centuries old, creating natural forest swings and surreal jungle scenery.
Biodiversity & Birdwatching in Udawattakele National Reserve
Despite being enveloped by modern urban Kandy, Udawattakele National Reserve functions as a vital ecological sanctuary home to remarkable endemic wildlife:
- Endemic Avian Treasures: Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA), the forest shelters the Sri Lanka hanging parrot, Layard’s parakeet, yellow-fronted barbet, brown-capped babbler, and the striking blue-eared kingfisher.
- Mammals & Reptiles: Visitors frequently encounter troops of endemic Toque macaques, purple-faced langurs, Indian flying foxes roosting in the tall emergent trees, and harmless barking deer quietly grazing near undergrowth.
- Active Forest Hermitages: Secluded within the eastern boundaries of Udawattakele National Reserve are Buddhist meditation hermitages (such as the German Dharmaduta Society hermitage), where Buddhist monks dwell in austere silence.
Udawattakele National Reserve: Practical Visitor Information
| Category | Details | Traveler Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily | Early mornings (7:30 AM – 10:00 AM) offer prime conditions for birdwatching, active wildlife, and cooler forest air. |
| Entrance Ticket | Approx. 1,000 LKR (Foreign Visitors) | Tickets are purchased at the Forest Department entrance office and include access to the small forest education museum. |
| Trail Circuits | 3 km to 5 km (1.5 – 2.5 Hours) | Flat, shaded gravel tracks suitable for casual walkers, families, and senior travelers. Wear comfortable walking shoes. |
Visitor Advice & Forest Etiquette
- Monkey Awareness: Do not carry open plastic bags, food items, or snacks in your hands. The resident Toque macaques are inquisitive and may attempt to snatch visible bags.
- Leech Prevention: Following heavy tropical rains, land leeches can be present along moist trail sections. Applying citronella oil or wearing higher socks is recommended during wet months.
- Quiet Demeanor: Maintain peaceful silence along the paths, particularly around the active Buddhist hermitages and bird-nesting zones in Udawattakele National Reserve.
- Perfect Central Pairing: Easily combine your morning walk here with a visit to the nearby Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Kandy Garrison Cemetery.
Explore Udawattakele National Reserve with Sri Lanka Eden Travels
Experience the tranquil historical mysteries of Udawattakele National Reserve on a personalized Kandy city tour with Sri Lanka Eden Travels. Our curated Central Province itineraries combine comfortable private transport, knowledgeable naturalist guides, and seamless visits to Kandy's most treasured landmarks.
