Richmond Castle - Kalutara

Words:

A century old country mansion with the outward appearance of the 19th Century British noble residencies, the Richmond Castle as of yet has only given us an initial taste of her grandeur through her surrounding beauty and imposing exterior grounds. It is later, upon entering the premises that we learn of her luxury and opulence of which evidence still remains and the tale of her stately past.

A story unveils:

The tale of Richmond Castle's past is a gripping saga of events running parallel to that of its owner, Nanayakkara Rajawasala Appuhamilage Don Arthur De Silva Wijeysinghe Siriwardena, the Mudaliyar of Kalutara District during the early decades of the 1900s.

The son of a wealthy and influential planter, the young Arthur De Silva Wijeysinghe was schooled in Britain.On completion of his studies in England he was bestowed the position of Mudaliyar by the King and returned to Sri Lanka to take up rank.

On returning to his homeland, the Mudaliyar inspired by the palace of his old school pal, the Maharaja of Ramnad in India, built the Richmond Castle. A symbol of splendour and power with every inch boasting of luxury, all essential supplies for the building were sourced from abroad beginning with the floor and roofing tiles to timber, stained glass and decorative items, even bathroom fittings. The Mudaliyar moved into Richmond Castle upon his marriage to a young beauty of noble rank, Clarice Matilda Maude Suriyabandara.

The park of Richmond Castle was completely cultured in fruit and flower, while the mansion often hosted banquets for dignitaries, both foreign and Sri Lankan, with its own 50 manned troupe of performers for the entertainment of its guests. The Mudaliyar was the owner of a grand white horse driven carriage - a symbol of power in the time of British rule in Sri Lanka and employed a small private army for protection; he lived and was respected much like a provincial king.

Though the young couple was blessed with every happiness and comfort in life they lacked one of the greatest, that of a child of their own. The Mudaliyar it was told, laid marble statues of infants all about the park and it is said that the couple was often seen lovingly gazing upon them from atop the balcony, now the possessors of almost every joy in the world.

This fairytale however had a tragic ending, the couple separated later in life and the Mudaliyar bequeathed all his wealth to the Public Trustee. He lived as a hermit having no contact with the outside world, residing in room number 77 of the Queen's Hotel in Kandy for the remainder of his life never returning to Richmond Castle and never attending to his estates thereafter. He died in 1947 at the age of 59 but made provisions for Clarice till the time of her death in abode at a nunnery at the age of 80.

DID YOU KNOW?
 RICHMOND CASTLE is a HOTSPOT for theatrical productions,it was even a location for the internationally acclaimed ‘WATER,' by filmmaker Deepa Mehta.

Architectural genius:

The mansion is an example of architectural fusion blending the styles of the masters of structural design on a trail from the East to the West. It encapsulates four distinct styles of architecture. The local courtyard tradition, the Maharaja and Roman-Dutch style of architecture, the latter an influence believed to have been derived from the Mudaliyar's Roman Catholic roots as well as an inclusion of Greek genre of architecture.

Ruling upon 42 acres of land with a staggering 99 doors and 38 windows, Richmond Castle has accomplished some very amazing feats of structural design.

The banquet hall, which at times doubled as a performance arena for the entertainment of the Mudaliyar's guests has an underground ventilation system, which harbours the cool air of the Kalu Ganga directing it into the hall through an ingenious underground pathway that runs right through the foundation, naturally air conditioning the hall and keeping its guests cool and comfortable. The hall also showcases intricate Embekke style carvings on 12 great Rangoon teak pillars connecting six massive decorated arches that hold up its roof.

The giant staircase greeting any guest by the front entrance set upon checkered marble floors, is another very unique piece of architecture with a fusion of western and local carving patterns embedded in it. This magnificent piece of art separates right at the centre and reaches the top floor in two separate stairways, the pure pomp of it doubles the richness of the mansion.

The bedrooms on the upper floor have been ingeniously designed to be soundproof, and the techniques used are directly visible with certain parts of the lime puttied walls now peeling off in its ripe old age. However, the purpose of using this substance was to maintain a comfortable temperature within the mansion interior no matter what time of day or year.

Past and present:

Richmond Castle is now a monumental historic site made open to the public by the Public Trustee Department, who also maintain a children's home within. The large servants quarters are now renovated and washed in colour making a loving home for the less fortunate young ones and certain rooms of the mansion are designated study areas for them.

The master bedroom has been converted into a memoir to the past splendour of Richmond Castle as the proud chaperones who guide the numerous groups that visit the site everyday draw their attention to old photographs depicting the grand wedding celebrations, the parties and banquets, the Mudaliyar's gallant achievements and his preeminent acquaintances.

In its heyday, no doubt in par with the luxuries in the likes of the Pemberlies of 19th Century England, the long ago memories of Richmond Castle remain in the form of a grand old house and vast cultivated grounds, living proof evident of a resplendent past.

Richmond Castle, Tekkawatta, Palatota, Kalutara South

Opening Hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays

Kalu Ganga

KALU GANGA is a relatively slow flowing river for most of the way, so there is no need for any specialist canoeing skills.  Along the route you will be able to see many vegetation types and changing landscapes.  Just passing the populated Ratnapura town area, the riverbank environment becomes more scenic and peaceful, with lonely sand collectors’ houses surrounded by thick vegetation and palm trees! During most of the ride the only noises you will hear are the bird calls and the sound of your paddle dipping into the calm water.  For a bit more adventure, it is possible to continue down the river where you will negotiate some basic rapids (full training will be given).  The journey finishes at the west coast town of Kalutara which is famous for its impressive ‘Gangatilaka Vihara’ (Buddhist shrine), fine basketware and the best mangosteens in Sri Lanka!

Overview

The Srilankan Expedition CANOEING CAMP is located right next to the river – an ideal place to enjoy a refreshing river bath after a day of canoeing.  Forget any ideas about cramped tents and sitting on the ground for mealtimes – this is camping in style!  The site is set up prior to your arrival, with everything from the kitchen sink, chairs and tables, toilets, showers and cold beer being transported in.

In the evening you can enjoy a hearty barbecue meal in a magical setting – the whole area is lit up with traditional flame torches and a roaring campfire. So sit back, relax and let our experienced staff cater to your every need.

Nearby Locations – Suggestions for Ongoing Itineraries

Ratnapura (‘City of Gems’), Kalutara

Activities

Bird Watching, Kayaking and Canoeing, Participatory/Luxury/Super Luxury Movable Camping

Fa Hien Cave (Pahiyangala Cave)

Pahiyangala caves lies in Yatagampitiya, which is a remote village about 5 km away from Bulathsinhala (40Km along Piliyandala-Horana road), in the Kalutara District. Excavation has proved that these caves were inhabited by prehistoric cave men some 37,000 years ago. This cave is supposed to be the largest natural rock in Asia and this is also known to be the most ancient pre-historic human settlement in Asia.

The cave lies 400 feet above sea level, At its entrance, the cave is 175 feet high and over 200 feet long. It is believed that 3000 people can be easily accommodated in this cave. The natural tunnels running inside the caves are now blocked and is not accessible. The cave has been divided into four sections of which the left side cave is the largest and is the centre of it. There is a deep pit dug out by the Archaeological Department for an excavation. In is in this pit that archeologists found five human skulls which were identified as 37,000 years old by carbon dating in USA. Some weapons made of stone and animal bones were also recovered during the excavation. It has been found out that these were used to kill monkey, deer, porcupine and others. They have also consumed acavus, a species of edible snail and wild breadfruit.

Biologically, this cave dweller known as Pahiyangala Manawakaya (Pahiyangala Man) had a short vertebral structure, wide jaw bones , a large palette and big grinding teeth.

The name of the cave is derived from the name of the Chinese mahayana buddhist priest ” Fa- Hsien” who visited the cave in the 5th century. This Chinese scholar- bhikkhu, was a tireless wanderer in strange lands. It is learnt that Fa-Hsien, having taken the path of Gautama Buddha, sailed with two friends Bhadantachariya and Buddhaghosa. The latter was a Pali scholar, commentator and author of Vissuddhi Magga (a classic manual of the Buddhist doctrine and meditation), and they sailed from the mouth of the Hooghli river in Calcutta to Sri Lanka in the year 411 AD.

Fa- Hsien obtained a copy of the Disciplines and Long Agamas when he visited Anuradhapura and from there he was determined to climb the Sacred Mountain “Sri Pada” and pay homage at the Buddha’s foot print. His pilgrimage to Sri Pada lasted several months because the route to the peak was through Bulathsinghala, Kalawana, Nivitigala, Ratnapura and Gileemale.

On his journey, it is believed that he had lived several months in the Pahiyangala cave and a vessel which was supposed to have used by him was discovered during the excavations.

According to some Chinese people, in the 1940s, a Chinese monk named Thiashu Sangaraju who visited Sri Lanka had stayed in the cave.

Later this cave has been converted to a Buddhist temple by a priest called Porogama. Ven. Porogama thera had used a 6 ft. Yakula which was similar to an iron crowbar. This iron crowbar is so heavy that even six people find it difficult to carry it. He used this to push the debris and soil that obstructed the entrance to the cave. He was also able to level the ground. The Yakula is now tied to the feet of the reclining Buddha statue which is 40 ft long. Ven. Porogama thera also made two colossal door frames for the Vihara which can be seen at the entrance.

Kalutara Bodiya

The Kalutara Bodiya is one of the religious place which is venerated by all Buddhist in Sri Lanka. Anybody who comes from Colombo or Galle Stop over at the Sacred Shrine to pay their respects by way of worshipping and offerings. Here is a hollow dagoba with interesting paintings. During 2nd century AD the Ven. Mahinda Thera has directed that 32 saplings taken from the Sri Mahabodhiya be planted at certain points around the country it is believed that the present Bo-Tree in Kalutara is supposed to be one of the 32 saplings of Sri Maha Bodiya. The Kalutara Bodiya is located just after the Kalutara River from the Colombo side.