Udawattakele

Shady and cooling atmosphere behind the Maligawa:

Text and Pictures by Ganga PRADEEPA in Kandy

Kandy, with its historical, archaeological and religious value has protected the Udawattakele Sanctuary even during the time when Kandy was the capital of the island.

In fact, Kandy has been named Senkadagala in 1371 AD, during the time of King Wickramabahu, because a Brahmin called Senkada had lived in a cave located in this forest. During the King's reign, the palace was built within the sanctuary, as it provided safety and natural beauty. During foreign invasions, the King used to go in hiding into this area.

Situated to the north of Sri Dalada Temple, this primeval forest is about 257 acres in area and has a large variety of birds, animals and butterflies, belonging to various species. Udawattakele is known as the Forbidden Forest of the Kings of Kandy and it is here that you will find a variety of trees including talipot trees, olive, cinnamon, rattan cane, bo-trees, kitul palms, jak, mara, betel nut and arecanut.

Also known as the Forbidden Forest of the Kings of Kandy, Udawattakele offers a genuine sample of untamed Kandy's wilderness in which visitors can view with fascination tree and plant specimens that have flourished without human intervention.

This trek of rain forest is rich in species that has enjoyed protection from historical times. It is home to many species of bird life. Some of the common birds are Sromted Barbet, Ash Dove, Crested hawk eagle, Hill myna, Orange minivet, Black headed oriole, Shikra and Lorikeet etc. Toque monkies, Porcupines, Mouse deers and butterflies are also very common in this forest.

With the establishment of the Kandyan kingdom, all the ruling kings took appropriate measures to protect this famous 'Udawattakele' or 'Udawasalawatta' rain forest. A large Nuga, Pihimbiya, Niyaghala, Walla, Mee, Etamba, Sapu, Malaboda and Mahogani can be seen in this forest.

Buddhist temples and hermitages

Sri Dalada Sylvan, Rama Temple, Gangaramaya, Keerthi Sri Potgul Viharaya and Siriwardanaramaya were located within the boundaries of Kandyan Kingdom. Buddhist centres such as Sri Visuddhi Cave, Maithre Kutiya, German temple and Senanayake Vihara were built recently.

Kodimale

This is highest peak among other small peaks that are situated within the forest. There is a belief that the National flag and the religious flags have been hoisted on this peak during ancient time. The height of this peak is about 1 800 feet above mean sea level.

Pus Wela

There is a 200 to 300 years old giant endemic liana called 'Pus wela' (Entada pusaetha) near Kodimale. It is an ornamental liana which enhances the natural beauty and the value of the forest.

Lover's walk

This is the narrow lane running around the royal pond through the tall and shady trees.

It is very popular among the youths who visit this forest to enjoy it's serene natural beauty.

The pond

The queen and the other members of the royal family used this pond for water sports during the kings reign. People believe that a golden pot which is filled with the valuables of King Keerthi Sri is buried at the bottom of this pond.

The Marble Seat

There was a flat marble rock inside the forest. This was used as resting place by the royal family who visited the forest to enjoy its natural beauty.

Lady Horton Street

In 1834 Horton who was then the Governor, constructed this path and named it in remembrance of his beloved wife.

This is the first street, which was constructed within the forest.

Garrison Cemetery

This is the cemetery where dead bodies of officers and solders of the British army who died during their invasion of Sri Lanka and buried. There are 163 well preserved tombs existing in this cemetery.

In 1856 the government declared it a forest reserve and subsequently in 1938 it was declared as a sanctuary. Udawattakele is famous as a royal park among the people.

A majority of people think they can't visit this place because of security reasons. But there are many students who come to this forest for their studies.

We decided to give this place some publicity through the hotels which are located in this area. We have a management plan and under that project we hope to develop some foot path, clear the royal pond, refurbish the entrance, build resting places and build a new cafeteria for the visitors before the next year" said Divisional Forest Officer, Udawattakele, Lakshmi Wikramasinghe.