The short answer
Udawattakele Forest Reserve: what visitors should know first
Good for birdwatchers and walkers who want shade. Go early on a dry day with water and sturdy shoes; leeches appear after rain. The visitor entrance is a short walk or ride from the temple, and the main paths are easy to follow.
History and context
The story behind Udawattakele Forest Reserve
In the Kandyan period the ridge was a royal pleasure garden. It was designated a forest reserve in 1856 and a sanctuary in 1938, and a British garrison cemetery lies next to it.
Useful facts
Udawattakele Forest Reserve facts at a glance
- Location
- Ridge above the Temple of the Tooth
- Experience type
- Forest walk and birdwatching
- Area
- About 103–104 hectares
- Wildlife
- About 80 bird species, toque macaques, slender loris
- Status
- Forest reserve 1856, sanctuary 1938
Why it matters
Why Udawattakele Forest Reserve is worth your time
Udawattakele was a royal pleasure garden of the Kandyan kings, known as the Uda Wasala Watta, the garden above the palace. Public access was restricted, which earned it the nickname Forbidden Forest. It was declared a forest reserve in 1856 and a sanctuary in 1938.
Today it is one of the few remaining patches of forest inside a Sri Lankan hill city, and its biodiversity includes endemic birds, mammals and land snails. It is a useful counterweight to the temple-and-lake circuit: green, quiet and close enough to fit in an afternoon.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Endemic birds
Layard's parakeet and the yellow-fronted barbet are among the endemic species recorded.
- 02
Royal pond
The quiet pond and shaded path are the most popular area.
- 03
Forest in the city
A real forest on a ridge minutes from the temple, with tree cover that cools the walk.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Go with the first light for the best chance of birds. The reserve has roughly 80 recorded bird species, including endemics such as the Layard's parakeet and the yellow-fronted barbet, and monkeys are easy to see. Walk the shady paths slowly, listen for calls and stop at the royal pond.
The visitor entrance is on the western side of the reserve, about 15–20 minutes on foot from the Temple of the Tooth. Parking and a refreshment stall are near the gate. Pick a short loop rather than the longer paths, some of which are overgrown, and keep to the marked trails.
If it has rained recently, wear long socks and closed shoes and carry insect repellent. The paths hold moisture for hours, and leeches are common. A local guide can make the walk more rewarding, especially for birds and the endemic slender loris and snails that live in the forest.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Wear closed shoes and long socks for leeches
- Carry water and repellent
- Stay on marked paths
- Bring binoculars for birds
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Ridge above the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
- Time needed
- 1.5–3 hours
- Best time
- Early morning on a dry day; January to March
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The main paths are shaded but uneven and can be slippery or steep, with few benches. Choose a short loop near the entrance, wear closed shoes, and expect leeches in the wet season. Not ideal for wheelchairs.
- Tickets and access
- There is an entrance fee, higher for foreign visitors. Check the current rate at the gate. Guides for birdwatching can be arranged locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The main paths are shaded but uneven and can be slippery or steep, with few benches. Choose a short loop near the entrance, wear closed shoes, and expect leeches in the wet season. Not ideal for wheelchairs.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Are there leeches?
Yes, especially in the wet season and after rain. Closed shoes and repellent help.
How do I get there?
The visitor entrance is on the western side, about 15–20 minutes on foot from the Temple of the Tooth, or a short tuk-tuk ride.
Is it good for birdwatching?
Yes. About 80 species are recorded, including several endemics.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
