Nature Tour to Udawatte Kele Sanctuary, Kandy from Bentota

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka and looking for a way to combine nature and culture in one day? This Udawatte Kele Sanctuary tour from Bentota offers a well-rounded experience that takes you into the heart of Kandy’s historic forest, with plenty of birdwatching, plant spotting, and cultural insights. From the moment we read about it, we appreciated how this tour promises a mix of engaging outdoor activity, educational stops, and local cuisine—all in a manageable day.

What draws us in? First, the chance to walk through Sri Lanka’s only forest reserve within a city’s limits—Udawatte Kele. Second, the inclusion of a visit to Senkada Cave, where a hermit lived in solitude, adding a mystical touch to the trip. Lastly, the opportunity to see around 80 bird species, appealing to avid birders and nature lovers alike. The only possible caveat? The tour’s early start at 6:00 am means an early wake-up call, but that’s often the best time for wildlife spotting.

This tour feels ideal for those interested in a balanced adventure—a mix of nature, culture, and local flavor. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore Sri Lanka beyond beaches, yet prefer a relaxed pace with comfortable transportation and insightful guides. If you’re a keen birder, history buff, or simply want a taste of Kandy’s green spaces, this experience is likely to check a lot of your boxes.

Key Points

• Authentic Nature Experience: Walk through the only forest reserve within Kandy, rich in diverse plant and animal life.
• Birdwatching Highlights: Spot approximately 80 different bird species, making it a favourite for bird enthusiasts.
• Historic & Cultural Insights: Visit sites like Senkada Cave and learn about the forest’s significance in local history.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and a local Sri Lankan lunch.
• Expert Guiding: Knowledgeable guides and a dedicated nature expert enhance the experience.
• Good Value: For around $149, you get a full day’s activity combining nature, culture, and good food.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown and What to Expect

The day kicks off at 6:00 am with a pickup from your hotel in Bentota. Yes, it’s early, but as many reviewers point out, this allows you to enjoy the wildlife at the most active times and avoid the midday heat. You’ll be transported comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a real plus given the early start and the long day ahead.

Stop 1: Udawatte Kele Sanctuary
This is the core of the tour—a historic forest reserve that once served as a royal garden. It’s the only one within Kandy city limits, making it more accessible than some of Sri Lanka’s more remote reserves. The walk is described as moderate, which means you should wear comfortable shoes—hiking shoes if you have them. The trail is not overly strenuous, but it does have some ups and downs, perfect if you’re looking for a bit of a workout without it being too tiring.

According to reviews, the guides here are interesting, helpful, and full of local knowledge. They point out the various plant species—lianas, shrubs, small trees, including nine endemic varieties—adding an educational layer to the walk. The mention of 460 plant species highlights how biologically diverse this sanctuary is. Expect to see lush greenery, some interesting flora, and potentially some mammals or reptiles that are native to the area.

A key highlight is the chance to visit Senkada Cave, once home to a hermit. The cave offers a quiet, contemplative spot, and visitors can feel a sense of stepping back into a more spiritual, tranquil part of Sri Lanka’s history. The fact that the forest is also a religious site—containing three Buddhist hermitages—adds to its depth.

The Cultural Stop: Kandyan Cultural Centre

After about two hours exploring the forest, you’ll head to the Kandyan Cultural Centre. Here, you’ll get a taste of the area’s royal history and spiritual life. The site includes ruins and notable landmarks like Lady Horton’s Road, the Royal Pond, and the Marble Seat. These sites are accessible and allow a deeper understanding of Kandy’s significance as a former Kandyan kingdom capital.

Visitors have noted that the centre offers great educational and recreational appeal, making it suitable for all ages. It’s an easy-access site that works well for families or groups interested in history and local culture.

Lunch and Relaxation

A Sri Lankan local restaurant serves a traditional set lunch, which many reviewers praise as a highlight of the day. The meal offers a genuine taste of Sri Lankan cuisine, adding to the experience’s cultural authenticity. The tour includes bottled water, so hydration is taken care of, especially important in Sri Lanka’s warm climate.

Return Journey

Post-lunch, you’ll head back to your hotel in Bentota, typically arriving around 4-6 pm. The overall duration of 8 to 10 hours makes this a full but rewarding day, blending outdoor activity, cultural insights, and relaxation.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $148.95 per person, this tour packs in a lot—transport, guided walks, cultural visits, and lunch. The cost might seem high compared to simpler excursions, but considering the comprehensive nature, it’s quite reasonable. The inclusion of a professional nature guide and expert commentary enhances the experience, especially for those new to Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna.

Reviewers mention “fantastic and memorable” days with guides who are “interesting, helpful, and informative”. This indicates that the tour’s quality hinges heavily on the guiding staff, making it more than just a walk in the woods.

What Makes It Special?

• The unique location within Kandy city limits makes it easier to access than remote reserves.
• The combination of nature, culture, and food offers a well-rounded experience.
• Early morning birdwatching ensures prime wildlife spotting opportunities.
• The presence of endemic plant species and the chance to learn about local religious sites adds depth to the visit.
• The group size of up to 15 travelers keeps the experience intimate and engaging.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

The early start might not suit everyone, especially those who prefer relaxed mornings. Also, the walk is moderate, so travelers should be prepared for some physical activity. As with all outdoor excursions, weather can influence the experience—be sure to wear sun protection and comfortable footwear.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for nature lovers keen to learn about Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna, as well as those interested in cultural history. It’s ideal for avid birders wanting to see a variety of species in a manageable setting. Families or groups looking for a day of outdoor activity with educational value will find it very satisfying.

Travelers who value guides with local expertise, good food, and a mix of outdoor exploration and cultural discovery will feel they received excellent value. If you want an active, enriching day that’s not overly strenuous, this tour ticks many boxes.

The Sum Up

This Udawatte Kele Sanctuary tour from Bentota offers a thoughtfully curated experience emphasizing nature, history, and local culture in one seamless day. The inclusion of birdwatching, plant identification, and visits to iconic sites like Senkada Cave makes it a compelling choice for adventurous travelers. The knowledgeable guides ensure you’ll learn and appreciate the environment and history, making the experience more meaningful.

The tour’s logistics—early pickup, comfortable transport, and a local Sri Lankan meal—add to its appeal, making it convenient and enjoyable. For those who crave authentic wildlife encounters coupled with cultural insights, this trip delivers good value and memorable moments.

While the early start might not suit every traveler, the payoff is a day packed with discovery, beautiful scenery, and a richer understanding of Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural landscape. Suitable for a wide range of travelers, this tour is an excellent way to experience Kandy’s green heart in a single day.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation from your hotel in Bentota and back, making logistics straightforward.

What should I wear for the walk?
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended; a hat and sunblock are advisable given Sri Lanka’s sunny climate.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult. The moderate walking makes it suitable for most ages.

How long do the different stops last?
The forest walk at Udawatte Kele lasts about 2 hours, and the cultural site visit takes roughly an hour. Lunch is included after these activities.

Are there any additional costs?
Beverages or extra food outside the provided Sri Lankan set lunch are not included. Entrance fees are free, as stated.

What’s the best time of day for birdwatching?
Early morning, around 6 am when the tour starts, is ideal for spotting the most active bird species.

This detailed, honest review aims to help you decide if this engaging and diverse Sri Lanka tour fits your travel style. Whether you’re a birder, culture enthusiast, or nature explorer, it offers a genuine taste of Kandy’s green treasures.