Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
උඩවත්තකැලේ
The former royal forest reserve behind the Temple of the Tooth, where you can hike, spot birds, and see monkeys and ancient trees right in town.
Udawatta Kele, meaning 'the garden forest above the royal palace', was once the royal preserve of the Kandyan kings and is now a sanctuary of about 100 hectares directly north of the Temple of the Tooth. Several trails wind through the forest past small ponds, where you may see hornbills, kingfishers, toque macaques, giant squirrels, and a few hermitages. Entry for foreigners costs several hundred to over 1,000 rupees, and the sanctuary is generally open from about 07:00 to 17:00. After rain, watch out for leeches, and don't feed the monkeys.
Opening hours
07:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Kandy National Museum & Royal Palace
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- British Garrison Cemetery
- Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
- Kandy Lake
- Arthur's Seat Viewpoint
- Kandy Municipal Central Market
- Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue