Overview
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a forest sanctuary within the city limits of Kandy, Sri Lanka.
It's a very old reserve on some hills just behind the old city. It harbours some endemic forest species and some more common birds.
Birds
Notable Species
Several endemic species like Layard's Parakeet, Yellow-fronted Barbet or Crimson-fronted Barbet can be found here. The newly split Crimson-backed Goldenback is also a possibility.
Around the Royal Pond Brown Fish Owl is hunting in early morning and late evening.
Rarities
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher is a flagship species of the sanctuary, however this species is only rarely found. Spot-bellied Eagle Owl used to roost near the entrance but according to the staff people started to take photographs with flashlight and the Owl is no longer found regularly.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Little Cormorant, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shikra, Crested Hawk-Eagle, Asian Koel, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Layard's Parakeet, Brown Fish Owl, Common Kingfisher, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Brown-headed Barbet, Crimson-backed Goldenback, Spotted Dove, Emerald Dove, Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrike, Black-naped Monarch, Indian Paradise-Flycatcher, Jerdon's Leafbird, House Crow, Indian Jungle Crow, Cinereous Tit, Barn Swallow, Red-vented Bulbul, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Square-tailed Bulbul, Dark-fronted Babbler, Indian White-eye, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Lesser Hill Myna, Common Myna, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Loten's Sunbird, House Sparrow
Other Wildlife
Toque Macaque is a common inhabitant and also found in the city. Wild Boar may also be encountered and if you are lucky Fishing Cat.
Water Monitor Lizard and terrapins can be seen at the royal pond.
Site Information
The entrance gate can be reached by tuk-tuk or on foot. It's within walking distance of the city centre. From D S Senanayake Veediya (the main road from the entrance of the temple of tooth to the north) turn right at a small post office. The road passes the city council and a college. Go uphill about 10 minutes and you reach the ticket office. There is a map in front of the gate. Some unpleasant encounters and mugging has been reported from the park, if you feel unsure don't go birding alone in early morning.
History and Use
The forest was used by the kings of Kandy to grow food for their elephants. Nowadays it's a popular place for walking and cycling. It's also known as a place where young, unmarried couples can meet away from the eyes of their families and neighbourhood on the so called lovers walk.
Some small monasteries are also found in the forest.
Areas of Interest
You will hear or see the first birds before you arrive at the gate. Just after the gate lies the royal pond. Check out for Brown Fish Owl. Check also the trees and bushes around the pool, especially at the further end for Babblers or even Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher.
Several paths are possible. A good one, Lady Horton's Drive, turns left from the pond and left again, leading a circular way around the main ridge. This path is usually more silent than then one around the pond. A poorly signed path leads up to the ridge to a viewpoint. However, don't expect a any view as you will find yourself surrounded by big trees.
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is also close to Kandy and offers some good birding. However, the place is very popular and can be crowded. It's good to be there first in the morning (7.30am) to do some birding. A big colony of Indian Flying Foxes can be found in the gardens. A tuk-tuk will need about 15 to 20 minutes from the city centre, entrance fee is 1000 Rupees.
Access and Facilities
The sanctuary is theoretically open from 6am to 6pm. However, if you want to enter before 8am you will have to talk to the staff at the entrance the day before. The entrance fee is 644 Rupees (2013).
It's a very popular place and can be crowded at weekends or evenings.
