Udawattakele Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka

Udawattakele is a forest of about 100 hectares on the ridge directly behind the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Its name means "the garden above the royal palace", and in the days of the Kandyan kings it was a reserve where ordinary people were forbidden to enter. Today it is a sanctuary, and one of the easiest places in Sri Lanka to walk in thick forest without leaving a city.

What to see

• The trails. Wide, shaded paths loop through the forest. Many keep their colonial names, such as Lady Horton's Drive, and they're easy to follow. A full circuit takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
• The royal pond. A dark, still pool surrounded by trees, said to have been used by the royal household. Legends tell of treasure hidden beneath it.
• The giant liana. A huge woody climber, said to be centuries old, that twists across a large area of forest.
• Caves and hermitages. Buddhist monks still live in forest monasteries here, so keep noise down and respect any signs.
• Wildlife. Toque macaques are everywhere. You may also see giant squirrels, barking deer and many birds, among them the Layard's parakeet and the yellow-fronted barbet. Bring binoculars if you're a keen birder, and see our birdwatching guide.

Practical information

• Entrance: the gate is on the north side, about a 15-minute uphill walk or a short tuk-tuk ride from the temple. Tickets are sold there, with a higher fee for foreign visitors.
• Hours: the forest is open in daylight hours, and you should be out well before dusk.
• Leeches: after rain, leeches are common on the paths. Wear closed shoes and long socks, and carry salt or repellent.
• Monkeys: keep food and bags closed.

Safety

Udawattakele is safe for most visitors, but it is a quiet forest. In the past, there have been occasional reports of thefts and harassment on isolated paths. Go in the morning, when there are more walkers about, stay on the main trails and avoid going alone, particularly if you're a woman travelling solo. Our solo female travel guide has general advice.

When to go

Early morning is best for birds and cooler air. January to April is the driest period. In the wetter months the forest is at its greenest, and the leeches are at their busiest.

Combine a walk here with Kandy Lake and the temple for a full day in the city without a vehicle.