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Udawattakele or Royal Forest Park is declared as a forest reserve in 1856 and 1938 as a sanctuary. The extent of this forest is about 257 acres and located behind most sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha. This was a important place in establishment of Kandy city. One of the hermit named 'Senkanda' who meditate in 'Senkandalena' cave shelter in this forest who informed king Wickramabahu (1371 A.D.) to establish Kandyan kingdom. The new kingdom also named as 'Senkadagalapura'. As tradition the royal palace and tooth temple also was constructed near the forest. The British constructed, The Pavilion building or the president house.
The historical and important places’ within the forest are, The Garrison Cemetery, Lady Horton Street, Senkanda Cave Shelter, Pus Wela - the Liana, Kodimale (flag mount), Royal Pond. The garrison cemetery is the place where the dead bodies of the soldiers and generals of the British Army were buried during their period. There are 167 nicely prepared tombs existing in the cemetery. Lady Horton Street named after the wife of 1834, the governor of Ceylon, Sir Robert Horton. Senkada cave shelter is the place of Senkanda hermit who meditate here. There is a 200-300 years old giant endemic liana called Pus (Entada pusaetha). Kodimale is the highest peak among other small peaks that situated within the forest. In ancient time different flags were hoisted during special occasions there. The Royal pond were used by royal family..There is a large number of endemic plants and animal species showing adaptations of different environmental conditions within the forest. Three storied vegetation namely the canopy (dominant), sub canopy and underground layers can be identified here. Toque monkey, porcupines, mouse deer's, birds and butterflies are very common in this forest. Some common birds and mammals are found in the forest. The endemic birds of the forest are Sri Lanka Lanyard's Parakeet, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Sri Lanka Hill Myna, Sri Lanka Brown Capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Yellow Fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon.
"We are glad to meet Cyril. He is very kind and patient, very professional in his work. He have lot of knowledge about history of the places and the things that happened in Sri Lanka. He knows all the roads and places very well. Very friendly and stand on time. The tour he recommended us and places were excellent. He replied immediately for mails which we send. He was flexible when we asked him to stop in different places and to change our program. He speaks very good English and explanations..." Ruty Ben Haim from Isarel
"Thank you so much Cyril for guiding us around your beautiful country. We thoroughly enjoyed our time which was made particularly special by your professionalism, enthusiasm and friendliness. We wish you all the best in the future. Warm regards from, Aonghus O'Keefee and Sheela Hendricks- Ireland " Aonghus and Sheela Hendricks- Ireland
"Dear Cyril, Sincerest apologies for this delayed email --- reason being that I had been extremely busy with work & travel, since returning from Sri Lanka and just got a breather now, to download our photos and catch up with private matters. Hope this email finds you & family, in the best of health & spirits. Your granddaughter must be keeping you busy and giving you & Mrs. Baddegama immense joy. At this end, we are doing fine. Nikhita is back at school, now in Grade 7 and havi..." Pradeep Kumar Menon - Singapore
"Thank you so much for your great service and making our honeymoon in Sri Lanka, so special and joyful. Best regards from Yuffa and Elad Abbo – Israel- 10 July 2008 " Yuffa and Elad Abbo - Israel
"We had excellent 8 days tour with CYRIL TOURS. It's all credit goes to Mr. Cyril. From the welcoming at Air port to hotels we stayed,food we had and driver who was provided was excellent. We always introduce CYRIL TOURS to all who wiling to tarvel to Sri Lanka. Swaran Kaur and family Kuantan - Malaysia 2012 May 18 - 25 May" Swaran Kaur and family from Malaysia
"Thanks a lot for making great arrangements for the visit. The visit was very well organized with good hotels and the vehicle/ driver. I would highly recommend your agency and its services to everyone who wants to visit Sri Lanka. Anastasia - Russia, Feb 2011 " Anastasia
"If you ever plan to visit Sri Lanka (and I think you should) this is your guide!!! Martha Iordanidou - Thesoloneki - Greece " Martha Iordanidou
"Dear Cyril, We just got back to Singapore today...I am will be back to work tomorrow.. :) Sad but true ha ha……. We were very lucky to have you as our guide. I don’t think there will be anyone else who could have done an excellent job that you have done. We will spread the word around and will surely sell your services...do keep in touch so we can work something out. Thanks for the photos they are great Will visit your website soon and put in some good words for you.. Ti..." Shuhanth Haridas from Singapore
"Thank you Cyril for making our Christmas holiday fun so smoothly and easy. We loved Sri Lanka and look forward to retuning again. Cyril, your knowledge and service was outstanding and it was so refreshing to have such a very highlevel of service. We will be sure to recomond your service and travel agency to our friends. Please feel free to use us as a reference, you can use my email or phone number to clients." Bruce Larson & family from USA
"We had an excellent and memorable trip and all credits to Cyril. In-depth knowledge about the places, roads and history and culture. From the airport assistance - Food, accommodation provided and the vehicle was excellent. Very matured and patient, We being on safe hands. Thanks for making it a memorable experience for all of us. " Aubry De Souza and group from Dubai
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