Kandy is considered as one of the main and
historically important cities in Sri Lanka. In 1371 King Wickramabahu
established his kingdom and named this city as “Senkadagala” in remembrance of
the Brahmin called “Senkada” who lived in a rock cave in Udawattekele forest.
Thereafter all the kings who ruled took appropriate measures to conserve
“Udawattekele” forest and regarded it as a part of the Royal Palace. This resulted in declaring the forest as a
property of the crown and a restricted zone for the public. (Known as Thahansi
Kele) The Royal family used this as a pleasure garden. During foreign invasions
and wars, this forest helped the royals to retreat and hide themselves and also
as a passage for them to flee to other safer areas.
Bio Diversity
Udawattekeleforest being situated in the hill country within the intermediate climatic
zone, the species combination has been complemented by both wet and dry zone
species. Studies reveled that there are about 400 species of plants inclusive
of herbs, ferns and orchids. The park is mainly covered with some introduced
tree species, while the area around the lake is dominated by exotic Mahogany
trees. The native liana called “Wewal” and other exotic creepers provided the
forest a breathtaking beauty.
The rich vegetation of the forest is home to
many wild animals. The park hosts 80 bird species including endemic birds like
Sri Lankan Myna, Layard’s Parakeet, Sri Lankan Horn bill, Yellow fronted barbet
etc. Apart from this 15 species of mammals, 32 species of butterflies and
several species of reptiles and amphibians.
Lady Horton Drive
This
3 K.M. long road was constructed in 1834 by the governor Wilmot Horton and name
after his beloved wife as a remembrance and it is the first and main road
passing through Udawattekele. Among the few other smaller walks, which branch
off from the main road. Lovers walk encircle the Royal Pond. Lady Gorden’s
drive which was constructed by governor Gorden in 1881. This track ideal for
bird watching, many species including Fish Owl can be seen at all times of the
day.
Royal Pond
According
to the legendary information it is believed that the pond located within the
Udawattekele forest was used by the Royal family for bathing purpose. This pond
is one major water source of Kandy Lake.
Giant Bamboo
This large
bamboo tree called Giant Bamboo is an introduced species for ornamental purpose
which is native to Southeast Asia. It can attain a height of about 35 meters
and a diameter of about 35 centimeters.
Kodimale (Flag point)
There
is a ridge-way trekking leading to a point which is about 550 meters high from
the sea level. This is the highest peak within the Udawattekele forest. During
the period of kings’ rule, the national flag had been hoisted at this point.
City view point
This
place provides fantastic view of the Kandy city and Lake. The close view of
Hantana and Alagalla rocky mountains also can be seen.
Hermitages and Caves
There
are two hermitages located within the forest names “Senanayake Aramaya” and
“German Temple”. They function as meditation centers. One rock cave named
“Chitta Visuddhi lena” also used for meditation by Buddhist monks.
Puss-wel (Giant Liana)
A giant liana called Puss-wel which is about
200 years old and spreading over an area of nearly 2 hectares can be found
within the Udawattekele forest. In spite of its enormous length, it carries a
large pod which is nearly 5 feet long.
Ironwood Forest
Ironwood
tree which is locally called “Na” is the national tree of Sri Lanka which is
belongs to the family Clusiaceae. A patch of forest consisting of this species
are found within the forest which is believed to be planted in 1926. It has
beautiful foliage consisting of bright red young leaves and fragrant white
flowers.
https://www.attractionsinsrilanka.com/travel-directory/alagalla-mountain-range/
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