Saturday, 8 February 2014 00:00
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By Tashiya De Mel
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a relatively unknown forest reserve sitting on a hill-ridge in the city of Kandy. There are a number of secluded walking paths and many trekking routes worth exploring inside. Considering the forest is located in the middle of Kandy, just behind the Temple of the Tooth, there is an unusual silence and sense of isolation found within the sanctuary.
Udawatta Kele was designated as a forest reserve in 1856, but only became a sanctuary in 1938. There are two Sri Lanka Forest Department offices located inside the premises. Groups of school children and students regularly visit the forest and the education centre for academic and educational purposes. The forest is also very popular with bird watchers. There is a significant religious importance to the place since it contains three Buddhist meditation hermitages and three rock shelters for Buddhist monk hermits.
Flora and fauna
The sanctuary is famous for an abundant variety of over 460 plant species, especially lianas and shrubs, and an abundance of wildlife such as porcupines, toque monkeys, and wild boars. There is also a large population of snakes and other reptiles that are found here. Look out for the giant ‘Pus Wela’, a famous, ancient liana that has entwined its way across treetops and the forest floor, covering vast distances inside the forest.
The giant lianas are entwined by creeping vines and block out the sun in most areas of the reserve. There are many different paths to follow inside characterized by overgrown hills, dense foliage, and little light. Different paths lead to caves, various meditation centres, hermitages, and even a cemetery.
History
It has been recorded that a brahmin by the name of Senkanda once lived in a cave in this forest and the rock-shelter now known as the ‘Senkandagala-lena’, is said to be named after him. It is said that Senkada brought a sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi here and planted it in what is now the present day site of Natha Devala.
During the days of the Kandyan Kingdom, Udawatta Kele (meaning the garden situated above the royal palace in Sinhala) formed part of the royal complex and was used by the King and his family for their leisurely activities. The forest was reserved strictly for the Royal family and the pond situated in the forest was used as a bathing site by the family. The public was restricted from accessing the forest at one time and was even known as ‘Thahanci kele‘ (forbidden forest).
Udawattakele is a great place to escape and let your mind unwind if the stresses of the city life are getting to you. It’s remarkable that an area of such wild, pristine nature exists in the heart of Sri Lanka’s second biggest city. Do check it out if you are in Kandy, you will not be disappointed.
(Trekurious together with the Weekend FT explores Sri Lanka for the curious traveller. Trekurious works with talented individuals and great brands to create amazing experiential tours, activities, and events in Sri Lanka. You can find out more at www.Trekurious.com.)
