Birdwatching Trek in Kandy Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Quick answer
Is Birdwatching Trek in Kandy Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve worth booking?
Birdwatching Trek in Kandy Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve is a 5-hour experience in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from $38 per person. It scores 46 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 46 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $38 per person
The 4-hour Udawattekele Forest Reserve Hike gives you the opportunity to hike through the ancient forests of Kandy. Step into a different world ruled by the jungle. Hike through trails underlaid with stone that were once
What you get
About this experience
The 4-hour Udawattekele Forest Reserve Hike gives you the opportunity to hike through the ancient forests of Kandy. Step into a different world ruled by the jungle. Hike through trails underlaid with stone that were once pretty little avenues in colorful green pleasure gardens, centuries ago. Sight rare and endemic bird species. Come upon ancient ruins of dwellings used by monks. Identify a number of orchids and other species of plants amongst the undergrowth. Sense the mysterious aura of this dense patch of forest right in the middle of the urban landscape.
What's included
Included
- Naturalist.
- Refreshments.
Not included
- Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off.
- Food and Beverages.
- Personal Expenses.
What you'll see and do
You will be starting your tour at 6:30 am from the entrance of Udawattakele Sanctuary. After getting the tickets your naturalist guide will take you on an interesting trail through the forest. You will be stopping periodically to rest and refresh yourselves. The 104 hectare Udawattekele Forest Reserve in Kandy has an interesting history behind it. Historical records state that the caves within the forest were used by monks as dwellings for millennia. Your naturalist might take you for a visit to some of these dwellings. Later during the Kandyan kingdom, the forest was beautifully maintained with wide avenues for taking walks and was used as a pleasure garden reserved for the Royal Family. As such, the forest was forbidden for all except these family members and those who received special invitation from them. With the arrival of colonials this use of the forest stopped, though the British used it for long walks. You will notice this by some of the overgrown stone walkways with names like Lady McCarthy's Drive, Lady Torrington's Road, Lady Gordon's Road, Russell Path, and Byrde Lane. As you go deeper you will find many rare flora and fauna, especially a large number of birds. A survey in 2013 identified 58 tree species, 61 shrubs and small trees, 31 indigenous herbs - of which 12 are orchids, and 57 types of lianas, creepers and vines; many of which are endemic. Amongst the fauna are 80 birds; including endemic birds such as Layard's parakeet, yellow-fronted barbet and the brown-capped babbler and rare birds such as the three-toed kingfisher. There are also several mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies that you may see. Your naturalist will help you identify them and explain their specific characteristics. The hike through the forest will have you returning back to the entrance by approximately 11:30 amcompleting your tour. SKU: LK60023400
300 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Lakpura LLC
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Personal effects for warm/windy/rainy conditions should be carried by clients
- The experienced and well-trained guide would take every precaution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests on tour as your safety is our prime concern. However, Paradise Island Safari or its employees do not accept any liability for death, injury or illness of guest while on tour caused by any animal, reptile, insect, and events of nature or any type of accident.
- We do not accept any liability for the loss or damage of any personal belongings while on tour
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $38 to $160
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 46
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Birdwatching Trek in Kandy Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kandy.
How much does Birdwatching Trek in Kandy Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve cost?
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Prices start at $38 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kandy usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Birdwatching Trek in Kandy Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kandy is not rushed.
Is Birdwatching Trek in Kandy Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 46 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Kandy, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Birdwatching Trek in Kandy Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Birdwatching Trek in Kandy Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Birdwatching Trek in Kandy Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kandy can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kandy and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Birdwatching Trek in Kandy Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kandy within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kandy?
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On Outty we rank every Kandy experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Explore Kandy City Tour by Tuk Tuk, Tours and Transportation in Sri Lanka, Chauffeur guide and Tour organizer. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kandy?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kandy?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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