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Udawattekele Sanctuary Kandy: royal forest hermitage caves, giant lianas, and leech protection?

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L
Lukas Forest•910 rep

What historical monastic caves, endemic birds, and trail rules govern walks through the royal forest reserve located directly behind the Temple of the Tooth?

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4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Udawattekele Sanctuary (Royal Forest Park) is an ancient 104-hectare urban rainforest reserve situated on the ridge directly behind Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. Historically reserved as a royal sanctuary and military retreat (Uda Wasala Watta), it houses ancient monastic rock shelters—notably Senkanda Cave, where the hermit who advised King Wickramabahu lived. Shaded trails pass massive woody Entada phaseoloides lianas (elephant creepers) and a historic royal pond. Walking the gravel loop takes 1.5 to 2 hours, offering sightings of the endemic Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Yellow-fronted Barbet, and Layard's Parakeet.

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D
Dr Senarath CCF•1920 rep

The sanctuary entrance ticket office is located at the northern forest gate along Tapodhanarama Road (entry fee approx. 1,000 LKR for foreign adults).

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L
Lukas Forest•910 rep

Toque macaque monkey troops patrol the lower entrance trails; secure food containers and water bottles inside zipped backpacks.

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S
Sarah Field Scout•1720 rep

Damp trail sections harbor terrestrial land leeches after morning rain showers; wear ankle gaiters or apply citronella/tobacco oil around shoes.

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D
Dr Wasantha Flora•1840 rep

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