Dominating Kandy to the north, the forest reserve of Udawattakele and its luxuriant vegetation provides sanctuary for monkeys and many species of birds (Layard parakeets, yellow-headed bushtits and blue-winged verdins). This former royal forest is now riddled in walking paths from which it is best not to stray because of leeches which will suck the blood from your legs and the macaques that enjoy rifling through pockets and rucksacks!