Location – Kandy
Central Province
Sri Lanka
Udawatte Forest also known as the ‘Royal Forest Arana (Rajakeeya Wana Arana)’ is an unknown place to many visitors who visit Kandy. You can reach this beautiful forest by walking along Sangamitta Mawatha which runs in front of the Temple of the tooth to the Kandy municipal council. It covers an area of 275 acres.
Udawatte Forest was popularly known as the resting place of the kings who ruled the kingdom of Kandy. Earlier people believed that the forest was used to provide food for the elephants in the Palace. Also Villagers believed that King Senasammata Wickramabahu built a palace called ‘Uda Wasala’ in this forest and lived there. This beautiful forest has been preserved by the department of forest conservation in 1940.
- There is a cycle track that can be used for cycling if you wish
- Great place for wildlife photographers to take photographs freely
- One of the best natural wildlife sanctuaries in the country
- Great Place to observe wildlife and plants for Children and University undergraduates
- Biodiversity and the Nature
Udawatte Forest has a great biodiversity and many years old trees. There are some animal species inherent to Udawatte Forest.
Butterflies
Four-limbed animals
Birds
Fishes
Reptiles
Amphibians
Turtles
Special Spiders
Squirrels
Geese
- Raja Pokuna
When you entering the forest, you can be seen a Pond called ‘Raja Pokuna’. It is believed that it was the swimming pool of kings and queens in that period. According to the records there was a tunnel from royal swimming pool to the palace. The highest point here is Kadimale.
- Giant Puswela
There is a very famous Puswela in this forest near Kodimale. It is very old and It has a 200-300 years old history. Giant Puswela is a must visit tree in this place.
- Na Forest and the Forest Museum
While you are going through the forest you will come across the Na Forest
There is also a Vihara and a forest museum.
