Located in Kalutara away from the busy metropolis, Richmond Castle is a grand establishment that gives the vibes of a colonial mansion. The Mahamudali of Kalutara Region, Arthur de Silva was the owner of this grand castle. Here’s what you need to know about this unusual yet astonishing attraction.
The history behind the Castle
After being inspired by his friend, Maharaja of Raman’s mansion, Arthur de Silva was eager to construct a grand castle in Sri Lanka upon returning to Kalutara and being appointed as the Mahamudali of the region. Constructed in the area called Palathota, close to Kalu River, the mansion is 1 acre in size, and the garden extends up to 42 acres. Arthur chose the highest point of the land to build the mansion to look grand and tall across the field.
What to Observe
The mansion’s architecture boasts of extravagance, with graphite statues, spiral staircases with metal carvings, glass panels with embedded floral patterns, and a grand banquet hall are the highlights worth mentioning. A public trustee manages the property at present, and it is a well-known outing place in Kalutara. While visiting the mansion, you might also want to visit properties like Heritance Ayurveda for a soothing experience of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka.
Architectural Importance
The grand castle has two floors with 14 rooms along with a dining hall and dance hall. The tinted glasses have been brought down all the way from Italy, and bathware and tiles from England. Most flooring is done with highly valuable teak wood, and the bedrooms are soundproof with one-foot-thick walls. You can find 12 granite statues decorating the gardens outside. A day out to watch this property will be a sweet distraction away from your busy life.
