Visit the Royal Forest, an easy walk in the centre of Kandy.

Published on July 12, 2024 at 4:00 pm

For travellers who don't fancy climbing the Hantana Mountains, there is a more accessible and equally beautiful walk in Kandy's historic centre, in the Royal Forest. Located just behind the Temple of the Tooth of Buddha, this forest is a 104-hectare protected sanctuary.

Kandy's royal forest trail.

Summary

104 hectares of forest in the heart of Kandy
Why visit the Udawattakele reserve?

104 hectares of forest in the heart of Kandy

The Royal Forest, from its Sinhala name "Uda Wasala Watta", is a 104-hectare forest park located just above the royal palace.

At the heart of bustling Kandy, this immense park has been a forest reserve since 1856, then became a sanctuary in 1938.

Royal Forest, Kandy

Historically, this forest was first used by the Senkandas, a Brahmin caste, who lived in caves dug into the mountain. There are 3 caves in the forest, some of which can still be visited.

Later, the forest was closed to the people and only used by the kingdom, in particular for bathing in the lake. At that time, the Kandyan people called it the Forbidden Forest.

During the colonial period, part of the forest was used to build Kandy's Garrison Cemetery.

Why visit the Udawattakele reserve?

Exotic flora

The Udawattakele sanctuary is an important reserve of species indigenous to Sri Lanka. There are an estimated 460 different plants in this forest. In 2013, a study identified 58 native tree species, including 7 endemics. The forest canopy is very dense, leaving some areas without many plants on the ground due to the lack of light.

The park is dotted here and there with wild orchids.

The wild orchids of the Udawattakele forest.

Exceptional wildlife

Udawattakele is well known to bird lovers. In fact, 80 species of birds live in the forest. Some species are endemic and others very rare, such as the purple kingfisher.

The forest is teeming with life, and it's not uncommon to spot deer, monkeys, sloths, squirrels, mice, snakes, mongooses and even bats. A walk in the forest is a real pleasure for animal lovers.

Monkey in the Royal Forest, Kandy

The Buddhist caves

There are 3 caves in the Royal Forest. These caves are for Buddhist monks and are called Cittavisuddhi-lena, Maitri-lena and Senkadandagala-lena. In 2012, Senkandagala-lena collapsed due to a landslide.

Caves are not easy to find in the Royal Forest.

Peaceful, hidden monasteries

There are 3 Buddhist monasteries in Udawattakele: Forest Hermitage, Senanayakaramaya and Tapovanaya.

The forest lies just behind the Temple of the Tooth.

The lake, the heart of the forest park

Not far from the main entrance is a large lake. This lake plays a key role in maintaining the park's biodiversity. It also acts as a catchment area for the surrounding mountains and provides water for the town of Kandy.

It is thanks to this lake that the city of Kandy is supplied with water.

The rainy season and leeches

Forest paths can be teeming with leeches during the rainy season. These worms like damp, dark environments. To protect yourself, wear long trousers, high socks and tuck your trousers into your socks. If you notice a leech clinging to you, don't panic. Simply place your fingernail or the corner of a credit card, for example, under the suction cup to remove it.

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Practical information

From the Temple of the Tooth, it takes between 15 and 20 minutes to get to the Royal Forest. Head north along the D.S. Senanayaka Veediya road and turn right at the post office, where the entrance is next to the Tapovanaya monastery.

How much does it cost?
570 LKR.

Opening hours
The forest is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Saturday and Sunday.

by Jude JONES

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Kandy