hike · Central
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary — Kandy
Cover photo: Micah Camper (Unsplash)
- District
- Kandy
- Province
- Central
- Best for
- Hikers and birders; shaded forest trails with monkeys and giant squirrels
About this place
Forest reserve directly behind the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy city. Several marked trails of 1-3 hours; go in the morning with water and leech socks in wet season. Small entrance fee at the gate; guides available for birding.
Visitor brief
Good to know before you go
- Open daily roughly 6 AM-5 PM; go in the morning for birds and monkeys before heat builds.
- Several marked trails of 1-3 hours; carry water and wear leech socks in wet season.
- Small entrance fee at the gate; birding guides available for a fee.
- Stay on marked paths; giant squirrels and monkeys are common but wild.
How to travel there
Directly behind the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy city; walk from the lake or take a short tuk-tuk to the Tapovanaya monastery-side gate.
Where to stay
Stay in central Kandy (lakeside budget-mid guesthouses); the sanctuary gate is a short walk from downtown.
Nearby places
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Royal Palace complex, Kandy View Point (Arthur's Seat)
Comments & tips