Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Udawatta Kele, sometimes written Udawattakele, is a forested ridge that rises directly behind the Temple of the Tooth and the royal palace compound. Its name means the forest of the royal garden, and for centuries it served as a retreat and a private pleasure forest for Kandyan kings. Today it is a protected sanctuary of roughly a hundred hectares, a rare patch of mature rainforest within walking distance of a city center. Winding trails lead under huge trees draped with vines and past old stone remains, and the canopy is alive with birds, monkeys and squirrels. A guided birdwatching trek is the best way to see it, with a naturalist who knows the calls and the habits.

Species you may encounter include the yellow-fronted barbet, the Sri Lanka hanging parrot, the brown-capped babbler and a range of flycatchers and bulbuls, along with the toque macaque, the purple-faced langur and the Indian giant squirrel. Mornings are the best time, when birds are most vocal and the light filters through the trees.

A guide helps you spot movement, identify species and understand the forest's history. Binoculars are useful, and so is a field guide if you have one. Paths can be damp, so wear shoes with grip, and consider long socks against leeches during wet spells.

The forest has a quiet cultural side as well. Buddhist monks have long used it for meditation, and a few hermitages remain on its slopes. A small museum or information point near the entrance explains the ecology. Because the sanctuary sits above a busy city, you can reach it on foot from the temple area, and it makes an ideal short escape from heat and crowds. An entrance fee is charged at the gate, and rules protect the wildlife: no feeding, no loud music and no leaving the paths.

A walk here pairs well with a morning at the lake and temple, or with an afternoon nap before the evening puja. For birders it is a convenient first stop to tick off endemic species, and for casual visitors it is a way to feel the green heart of the hills without traveling far.

Bring water, insect repellent and a rain jacket, and go early. On weekends local walkers and joggers fill the trails, so weekdays are quieter. If you hear a rustle overhead, look up: troops of macaques and langurs are often just above you. Respect the monkeys' space and keep food hidden, because they are quick to grab snacks.

The trek is also a gentle introduction to Sri Lanka's endemic wildlife for travelers who plan to visit larger national parks later in their trip, offering a quiet, low-pressure place to practise spotting small birds and listening for calls.

A local naturalist can also point out the old trees, medicinal plants and the remains of the royal retreat, which adds depth to the walk. Plan to arrive at opening time, keep voices low, move slowly and pause often, because patience is the key to spotting small birds in the canopy. A light rain jacket is worth carrying, as showers pass quickly and the forest looks magical afterwards.

Check the opening hours and fee at the gate, because the sanctuary runs on a daytime schedule, and ask the guide for the best trail for the weather. A notebook helps if you like to keep a list of sightings.