Stepping through the shaded gates of Udawattakele Forest Reserve instantly silences the blaring horns of the city just a few hundred meters away. The moment you walk under the massive, twisting canopy of giant bamboo and towering mahogany trees, the air temperature drops noticeably. It is a quiet, mystical sanctuary that feels entirely disconnected from the urban hustle.
What makes it interesting is that this dense jungle was once the exclusive, forbidden pleasure garden of the Kandyan royalty. No commoners were allowed inside. When you sit on the mossy stone benches near the central pond, you can actually imagine ancient kings retreating to this exact spot for solitude, surrounded by troops of endemic toque macaques and brightly colored forest birds.
One fun fact people love:
Because of its incredibly dense canopy and high humidity, the forest is home to giant lianas, which are thick, woody vines that are so massive and strong they look like they were pulled straight out of a jungle movie.
Where in Kandy is it?
It is located directly behind the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, perched on a hill that gently slopes down into the city.
How to reach:
A short tuk tuk ride up the hill from Kandy Lake is the easiest option. Strongly avoid trying to walk up the steep approach road in the midday heat, so you can save your energy for the walking trails inside the forest.
Best time to visit:
Year round, though the dry season from January to April makes for the most comfortable walking conditions without the worry of muddy, slippery paths.
Best time of day:
Go either: Early morning around 7 AM or Late afternoon around 4 PM The golden sunlight piercing through the dense canopy looks beautiful, and the birds are highly active during these hours.
Entry fee:
There is an official entry ticket for international visitors, costing around 600 to 1000 LKR, which you purchase right at the main forest gate.
Commute difficulty:
Easy. It is incredibly close to the city center, followed by well marked, flat, and gently sloping dirt trails.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- The monkeys are highly confident.
- Do not carry any food in your hands or leave your bag unzipped. The resident toque macaques are experts at snatching snacks from unsuspecting visitors.
- It is deeply intertwined with Buddhist meditation.
- Walk towards the hidden hermitages deep in the forest. You will see ancient meditation caves that are still used by forest dwelling monks today.
- The viewpoints are often overgrown.
- A lot of people expect sweeping panoramic views of Kandy city. Remember, the forest canopy is highly protected and left to grow wild, which often blocks the city views from the top ridges.
- Wear decent walking shoes.
- The jungle floor is frequently damp and covered in fallen leaves, making flip flops a very bad choice.