The Udawattekele Sanctuary
The Udawattekele Sanctuary
The Udawattekele Sanctuary is a historic forest reserve located just behind the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It was once a royal forest used by Kandyan kings for recreation and protection of the city.
In 1938, it was officially declared a sanctuary to conserve its natural and cultural value.
Covering about 104 hectares, Udawattekele is rich in biodiversity, with many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and native plants.
The sanctuary features walking trails, caves, and small ponds, creating a calm and cool environment within the busy city. Today, Udawattekele Sanctuary is an important center for wildlife conservation, environmental education, and eco-tourism in Kandy.