Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Located just up the hillside behind the Temple of the Tooth, the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a historic forest reserve that offers a quiet escape from the city. Spanning roughly 257 acres, this dense jungle canopy served as the private pleasure garden and royal forest reserve for the Kandyan monarchs for centuries. During the days of the kingdom, the forest was strictly protected, and entry was forbidden to the public, allowing the jungle to serve as a natural defense barrier for the royal palace below.

Today, Udawatta Kele is a protected sanctuary renowned for its rich plant life and diverse bird species. The forest is characterized by a thick canopy of giant lianas, endemic hardwood trees, and wild climbing vines. A network of dirt paths cuts through the forest, leading hikers past historical sites hidden deep within the jungle.

Key highlights within the sanctuary include the Pus Wela, a massive, centuries-old giant woody climber that winds across the forest floor, and the historic Kodimale (Flag Hill), the highest point in the forest where the royal flag was flown during times of war. The sanctuary also houses several ancient rock-shelters and meditation caves, such as the Senkanda Cave, where hermit monks have lived in deep isolation for centuries. The forest is a paradise for birdwatchers, providing a home to rare endemic species like the Layard's parakeet, Sri Lanka hanging parrot, and the colorful Oriental dwarf kingfisher, alongside families of toque macaque monkeys moving through the trees.