Hikers on a forested trail: A group of visitors walking along a shaded dirt path surrounded by lush green trees and exposed roots within udawatta kele Senctuary

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary: Kandy’s Hidden Royal Forest Escape

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary located directly behind the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary kandy (also known as Udawattakele Forest Reserve) is a 104-hectare tropical rainforest rising above the historic city of Kandy.

Once designated as Thahanci Kele (Forbidden Forest) reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty, today it serves as a complete Udawatta Kele Sanctuary Kandy guide to hiking trails, wildlife,and visitor tips.Furthermore, it offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, hikers, and birdwatchers.

Quick Visitor Essentials

Detail	Information
Distance from Kandy City	1.5 km (5–10 minute tuk-tuk ride or short walk behind Temple of the Tooth)
Opening Hours	7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (Ticket counter closes around 4:00 PM)
Foreign Visitor Fee	Adults: ~LKR 930
Local Visitor Fee	Adults: ~LKR 75
Ideal Time Required	1 to 2 hours

Mindfulness & Mental Relaxation

A shaded dirt hiking path winding through the lush green trees and dense canopy of Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, featuring stone benches along the side.

Stepping into Udawatta Kele instantly shields you from the traffic and bustle of downtown Kandy. As a result,the thick forest canopy lowers the temperature.

Additionally,the rustle of giant creepers and rhythmic cicada calls create a peaceful environment ideal for forest bathing, light meditation, or simply clearing your mind.

What to Expect Inside Udawatta Kele Sanctuary Kandy

The 1-Hour Hiking Loop

Take the main trail (part of historical gravel paths like Lady Horton’s Drive). This well-marked, beginner-friendly circular route takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes under dense shade.

Hikers on a forested trail: Three visitors walking along a shaded dirt path surrounded by lush green trees, exposed roots, and a stone bench within Udawatta Kele Sanctuary.

The Royal Pond (Small Lake)

Royal Pond in Udawatta Kele: Two visitors standing near the edge of a serene forest pond surrounded by dense tropical trees and lush greenery within Udawatta Kele Sanctuary.

Nestled deep within the reserve, this serene water body was once the private bathing site for Kandyan queens. It attracts waterbirds, monitor lizards, and dragonflies.

Stony Cave (Senkanda Cave / Senkandagala-lena)

A historic rock shelter where the Brahmin hermit Senkanda lived. Legend tells that the city of Kandy (Senkadagala) was named after him.

Senkanda Cave in Udawatta Kele: Visitors standing in front of the historic rock shelter, also known as Senkandagala-lena, nestled within Udawatta Kele Sanctuary.

Meditation Monasteries

Meditation Monastery in Udawatta Kele: A quiet forest trail and wooden sign leading toward one of the active Buddhist hermitages surrounded by dense greenery within Udawatta Kele Sanctuary.

Specifically,Udawatta Kele houses active Buddhist forest hermitages (such as Cittavisuddhi-lena and Tapovanaya) where monks practice silent meditation amidst ancient liana vines. Consequently, visitors are requested to maintain a quiet, respectful atmosphere throughout this section.

Viewpoint Balcony (Kodimale & City Overlook):

Head up to the designated viewpoint balcony for photos overlooking Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Tooth, and the surrounding hill country.

Kodimale Viewpoint: A couple standing at a scenic overlook, looking out over Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Tooth, and the surrounding city from within Udawatta Kele Sanctuary.

Wildlife You Can Spot in Udawattakele Forest Reserve Kandy

Despite its urban location, Udawatta Kele is rich in biodiversity:

Mammals: Toque macaques, endemic purple-faced langurs, Tufted Grey Langurs, Layard’s Striped Squirrels, Indian Crested Porcupines, and gentle Barking Deer (Muntjac).

Birds & Reptiles: A hotspot for endemic bird species like the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Layard’s Parakeet, and Crimson-fronted Barbet, along with land monitor lizards and wet-zone butterflies.

Spotted Deer Several deer standing together in a sunlit, forested glade

Two vibrant green parrots perched on a mossy branch with wings spread against a dark leafy backdrop.

A brightly colored kingfisher with a rich brown head and vibrant blue wings perched on a thin branch.

Toque Macaques in Udawatta Kele: A group of toque macaques perched together on tree branches and vines within Udawatta Kele Sanctuary.

Why You Should Add This Forest to Your Kandy City Tour Itinerary

Most standard Kandy city tours focus solely on urban landmarks like Kandy Lake and the Tooth Temple. However, additionally,adding a 1-to-2-hour morning walk through Udawatta Kele offers a natural reset right in the city center. Consequently,for example, you can visit the Temple of the Tooth early, then stroll straight up to the sanctuary entrance before finishing with lunch in town.

Bookmark this Udawatta Kele Sanctuary Kandy guide for hiking trails before your trip to easily plan your morning walk.

Official Udawatta Kele Sanctuary Overview & Regulations

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