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All Sri Lanka Kalutara Richmond Castle in Kalutara

Richmond Castle in Kalutara

This palatial, 99-doored Colonial mansion is a marvel of architectural fusion.

Kalutara, Sri Lanka

Added By
Kanya Mae
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Richmond Castle, Kalutara   Martina Katz / Alamy
Richmond Castle, Kalutara   Martina Katz / Alamy
Backyard of the castle   LondonE3Traveller
Backyard View   LondonE3Traveller
Teak wood stair case   LondonE3Traveller
Historic photo of Richmond Castle   National Archives UK
Don Arhur De Silva and his Sinhalese guards of honor   National Archives UK
Statues in the front garden   KanyaMae1992 / Atlas Obscura User
Statues in the front garden   KanyaMae1992 / Atlas Obscura User
Don Arhur De Silva’s wedding day photo   LondonE3Traveller
The entrance to the castle, seen from the road   Travel Kalutara [ Used with permission ]
A glimpse of the mansion from the estate   Travel Kalutara [Used with permission]
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About

Once upon a time in the land known to many as “paradise,” there lived a wealthy landowner and philanthropist by the name of (brace yourself) Padikara Mudali Nanayakkara Rajawasala Appuhamilage Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena.

Don Arthur de Silva, as he is more commonly known, dreamed of owning his own castle built according to the great architecture and art of the buildings he admired during his education in England as well as the palace of the Maharaja of Ramnad in India. His dream came true in 1910 when the majestic Richmond Castle opened its doors—99 of them, to be exact.

Sprawled across a 42-acre estate, the castle features intricate carvings, 34 windows embellished with stained glass of exquisite designs, an immense dance hall and staircase of teak especially imported from Burma. The architectural gem is a fusion of different styles from the East and West—tiles from India, window panes from Italy and Scotland, Roman-Dutch style details. 

The palatial castle was fit for a fairytale, but Don Arthur de Silva needed a princess. When he wed his bride Clarice the couple was welcomed by not just a throng of locals but the Maharaja of Ramnad and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Unfortunately, the marriage did not survive long, for the couple was devastated by their inability to conceive children and separated.

Don Arthur de Silva left the Richmond Castle and all his grand possessions to destitute children who needed a shelter, and lived the remainder of his life in a room at the Queen’s Hotel in Kandy. Today the castle, somewhat deteriorated, is owned by the Public Trustee and open to the public to tour its unique architecture and 100-year history. 

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Castles Architecture Design Palaces History

Know Before You Go

The Richmond Castle is located in Tekkawatta, Palatota in Kalutara South. It’s open for public viewing from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays, except for public holidays such as Poya Days. Cost for entry is LKR 50 for locals and LKR 500 for foreigners.

Community Contributors

Added By

KanyaMae1992

Edited By

Meg

  • Meg

Published

November 10, 2017

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond_Castle,_Kalutara
  • http://trips.lakdasun.org/richmond-castle-kalutara.htm
  • http://www.travelkalutara.com/attractions/architecture/richmond-castle-kalutara.html
  • http://www.serendib.btoptions.lk/article.php?id=213
Richmond Castle in Kalutara
#58 Richmond Court Avenue
Kalutara
Sri Lanka
6.601518, 79.975318
Get Directions

Nearby Places

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miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Sri Lanka

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