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Kandy Udawattakele Sanctuary: royal forest reserve trails, giant lianas, and birdwatching?

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H
Hannah Liana•915 rep

What wildlife species and historic hermitages line the forest walking circuits of Udawattakele Sanctuary directly behind the Temple of the Tooth?

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5 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Udawattakele Sanctuary (Royal Forest Park) is a 104-hectare historic forest reserve crowning the ridge directly behind the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Historically reserved as a private pleasure garden and retreat for Kandyan royalty, it features dense tropical rainforest canopy dominated by century-old canopy trees and massive woody lianas (Entada rheedii / Pus-wela). A quiet 5km trail network loops around the royal pond, passing Senkandawala cave hermitage and Lady Horton's Walk. It is a premier urban birding site, home to the endemic Layard's Parakeet, Yellow-fronted Barbet, and Brown-capped Babbler.

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D
Dr Bandara DWC•1890 rep

The reserve opens daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM; tickets (approx. 1,000 LKR for foreign visitors) are bought at the main gate behind the temple.

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H
Hannah Liana•915 rep

Toque macaques patrol the entrance; secure all food and water bottles inside zipped backpacks to avoid monkey snatching.

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S
Sarah Field Scout•1720 rep

Carry insect repellent and wear closed shoes; moist leaf-litter sections support harmless forest land leeches during monsoon months.

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Minoli Heritage•1850 rep

The forest canopy buffers city noise, providing an oasis of tranquil nature within a 10-minute walk from downtown Kandy.

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D
Dr Senarath CCF•1920 rep

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