Nestled in the historic hills of island city of Kandy, historically known as the ‘UdaWasalaWatta’ in Sinhalese which translates to “The garden above the royal palace” the UdawattaKele sanctuary sits towering behind the Temple of the Tooth overlooking the Kandy lake and city. A major hotspot to Sri Lanka’s extensive avifauna and a variety of unique plant species, the forest spans across an area of 257 acres. The UdawatteKele sanctuary is a pleasant escape from the buzz of the main city within reach. Considered to be a private reserve for the royalty of the Kandyan kingdom which served as a much needed escape for the kings and the queens, the forest consists of a pond in the midst of the forest which was utilized by the royalty which resulted in the common kandyan folk being barred by entry. Several hermitages and Buddhist temples scatter the forest while the most notable areas for site seeing include the Water Pond, “Kodimale” the highest peak, the Garrison Cemetery and the “Senkada Cave”.

The forest plays a huge roll as one of the main water catchments which feeds the Kandy lake while the rich vegetation supplies much needed fresh air to the Kandy city which is nestled surrounded by hills. The verdant forest remains to be a lush environment being home to a number of fauna such as wild boars, monkeys, scaly anteaters, porcupines and etc. Extending all the way down to the Aruppola suburbs the Udawatte Kale sanctuary also serves as a popular bird watching and trekking site. More than 80 species of birdhas been recorded in the forest a few being endemic to Sri lanka. It is said that in the past, majestic beasts such as elephants, elk and leopards traversed throught the forest.During a trek through the forest one might experience brief glimpses of the sprawling city of Kandy below through the dense vegetation that runs throughout the forest. A heavy canopy roofing the entire forest sets the scene with a cold, calm and mysterious atmosphere which makes streaks of sunlight dazzle like beacons through the picturesque trek that awaits. A giant “Pus Wela’ or “EntadaPusaetha” which is believed to be 200 – 300 years old creeps along the forest which might intrigue the hidden botanist in you, along with various other flora endemic to the region. The shrill sounds of cicadas set the mood as you enter the forest and as you reach the Garrison Cemetery, the path divides to several other pathways built by the British governor Horton during the colonial era. Some of the most notable pathways include “Lady Horton’s drive which was built in remembrance of his wife which is about 3 miles long and Lady Gordon’s road, Gregory path, Russell path, Lady Anderson’s road and Byrde lane some of which has been reclaimed by the forest.

While traipsing through the winding roads of the bustling city of Kandy one might definitely face the towering mass of greens and foliage standing still behind the gleam of the Temple of the Tooth. What lies within, is a serene mystery that remains to be unraveled by the wanderlust traveler in you.