Udawattekele Sanctuary 
 

Kandy is one of the most attractive travelling destination in Sri Lanka. It is a city which has a historical value as well as religious value. I f you visit Kandy you can get a better experience through visiting many places such as Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage etc. Not only that travelers can visit the Bahirawakanda Temple, Lankathilaka Temple as well as the Temple of the Buddhist, “Temple of Tooth Relic” to get a spiritual healing. These all places are more famous places among people. 

But in Kandy, there are some places which not such famous places. “Udawattekele Sanctuary” is one of them and, of course it’s about more than just greenery.  Also it is the only forest in the world bordering a city.

Udawattekele Sanctuary is located behind the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Udawattekele is within walking distance of Kandy city center and is well maintained Accessible routes for pleasant walking. It is also a place of religious and historical significance This is because it contains three Buddhist monasteries on either side of the Temple of the Tooth and two ancient Aranya Senasana. It is 104 hectares in size. During the Kandyan period, this area was a protected royal area. In 1816, at the beginning British colonial rule, the royal forest from Kandy Lake to the Mahaweli North and East. It became a reserve in 1856 and a sanctuary in 1938.

Although the reserve is completely surrounded by Kandy and surrounding areas and cultivated large areas with and invaded exotic tree species, which still contain a large wealth of biodiversity including several mammals. In floriculture, Udawattekele contains many native and endemic shrubs and small tree species which have medicinal and economic value The sanctuary is famous for its extensive species.  It is rich in biodiversity and have to about 405 species of plants. Also about 100 species of plants are endemic to our country. It also includes a variety of plant species, especially, Lianas & small trees. Not only that many small & medium sized mammals living in Sri Lanka can be seen here. Snakes and several other reptiles also can be seen. This valuable forest area provides essential air purification activities to the city of Kandy which is surrounded by several hills.


Udawattekele contains a large number of native and endemic shrubs and small tree species which have many medicinal and economic value. Some of them are Rare endemic wild betel leaf, fragrant orange jasmine wild pepper zeylanica and Horse wood. Also Orchids, such as the one-piece lip aerangis hologlottis, have horticultural value, including largely epiphytic. Not only that some native trees also there. In the Udawatte forest, an area of nearly two hectares is covered with a 200-year-old giant writing place. As its longest large spikes nearly 5 feet long.



One of the best things that you can see is monkeys. Rabbits, squirrels, various birds and insects are living in harmony.

Various reptiles also inhabit the forest. Among the snakes is the Green Pit Viper endemic to Sri Lanka Cat Snake, Banded Kukri and Boie's Rough-sided Snake. Among the lizards are the rare and endemic hump main lizard, the Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard and the whistling lizard. There are also several endemic species: Geese and endemic leopards, frogs and toads. Travelers also can see butterflies such as the Blue Mormon, King Scorpions, fireflies, beetles, jewel bugs, bees and wasps, and spiders such as the poisonous Sri Lankan Ornamental Tarantula. 

The forest is an important bird-watching site.
Endemic birds that are often observed include the Brown capped Babbler, Ceylon Shikra, Crested Serpent Eagle, Dull-blue Flycatcher, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Whiterumped Shama, Layard’s Parakeet, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot and in the cool season the Sri Lanka Paradise Flycatcher. Common birds that are present include the Hill Myna, Emerald Dove, Indian Pitta, Forest Wagtail, White-rumped Munia, Brown Fish Owls, woodpeckers, orioles, leaf birds, sunbirds, bee-eaters and bulbuls.




                                                                                      In middle of the jungle your eyes may catch a pond. It was the place where queens use to bathe & amuse themselves in the past.


However, atmosphere around eth Udawattekele has been somewhat mysterious. The noise of Cicadas deepens the mystery, evokes reverence and fear. Apart from that pond you can see some attractive places within this forest.

Giant Bamboo is one of them and it is a large bamboo tree which is about 35 meters of height and diameter of about 35 centimeters. Also visitors can get a fantastic view point of the Kandy city and Lake through the city view point. There are two forts, the Senanayake Monastery and the German Temple. They are playing their roles as mediation centers. Also there is a mountain road leading to a place about high. This is the highest point in the Udawatte forest. The national flag was hoisted at this place during the region of the kings.  

If you are a Sri Lankan, you can visit the Udawattekele Sanctuary within just Rs. 30 & if you are a foreigner the entry fee is Rs. 570. Travelers can visit there every day.  But it is not safe to visit here during the rainy season. There is an Information center and it provides all information regarding the forest to the visitors. If you love nature and are curious this is one of the places you must visit. Even the Udawattekele is somewhat uncommon traveling destination in the heart of the busy city Kandy it is more valuable place in Sri Lanka because of its biodiversity as well as historical value. Anyone who like to get a different experience and seeking of knowledge can visit there and enjoy well. So don’t forget to enter in Udawattekele whenever you are travelling in Kandy. However, we all have a major role to protect that much valuable places.