Richmond Castle

The Richmond Castle is the former home of a previous Ceylonese governor (Padikar Mudali) during the British colonial era of Sri Lanka. This is located in Kalutara, in an iconic location where you can see the Kalu river, the Kalutara Bo tree and the ocean. The whole land area of the place spans almost 50 acres, and the house, or the "castle" spans over around 1 acre, according to the guide at the location. Taking photos of the castle is possible with the approval of the guide. While the castle does not display any Sri Lankan architectural features, it is worth viewing, as it gives an insight into the uper class of the Sri Lankan of the British colonial era. The old photographs of the late governor and his wife can be seen in several places, which shows the castle in its true grandeur. While it's not the most scenic of locations, it's worth a visit if you're a fan of exploring different architectures.

Richmond Castle in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, stands as a magnificent testament to colonial architecture and historical gloriousness. This remarkable mansion, reminiscent of a bygone era, showcases intricate design elements and elegant craftsmanship, reflecting the opulence of its time. Set amidst luxuriant surroundings, this architectural marvel with its sprawling gardens and majestic interiors offers a glance into the island's colonial heritage. Visiting Richmond Castle is a captivating journey back in time, offering a unique perspective on Sri Lanka's rich history and the architectural majesty of its past.

Richmond Castle in Kalutara is undeniably a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the castle stands as a testament to a bygone era. The architecture is captivating, and the grounds are well-maintained, providing visitors with a serene atmosphere to explore.

However, it is evident that the castle could benefit from some renovation efforts. While the historical charm is present, signs of wear and tear are noticeable in certain areas. Some parts of the castle seem to be in need of restoration to preserve its architectural integrity for future generations.

The interiors could use a touch-up, and there are areas where the original beauty could be enhanced with careful restoration work. A more proactive approach to maintenance and renovation would undoubtedly elevate the overall visitor experience and contribute to the long-term preservation of this historical gem.

Despite these concerns, the castle remains a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. With the right attention to restoration, Richmond Castle has the potential to shine even brighter and offer an even more immersive experience into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.

Step into the opulent past at Richmond Castle, a timeless masterpiece near Kalutara! A glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past. Built between 1900 - 1910, this Edwardian mansion was once the elegant country seat of Mudaliyar Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena. Join us on a journey through history as we explore the grandeur and architectural marvels of Richmond Castle. From its intricate details to its lush surroundings, every corner tells a story of Sri Lanka's rich heritage.

Richmond Castle, a well-preserved historical mansion in Sri Lanka, offers a valuable experience with knowledgeable guides. Ideal for those keen on Sri Lankan history and culture.

It would have been a magnificent sight. He has used couple of amazing technologies when building the castle. It breaks my heart to think that such a wonderful talented man, who had achieved so much at the age of 21 was not blessed with what he had wanted the most, a child.

A place with an amaazing historical value, architecture amd a background story!
About 500m away from the main road. Current Ticket price was LKR 500 for locals. There are staff members who will give a descriptive explanation of the place and the story behind each aspect. Great place for children to gain knowledge about Sri lankan history. Good news is its open on Sundays!

Very valuable historical place with both a lovely and sad story. It is actually a castle as per the name... must secure for future.

oh my amazing look this is Mudaliyar s palace this was build in 1900 and 1910 this place is still looking little good but and when you enter you can get a chance to get to know about it there are explained from explainers there in Richmond castle they explain in both Sinhala language and in English language the house very old and there in the Richmond castle there is a film shooted near the main staircase I don't remember the name of it if you ask the explainers they will explain them all and in the 1 st floor of the building there is a painting of Mudaliyar,his father and his mother there were few pictures there and Mudaliyar speaking about him he does not seem to like girls he likes boys so he made statues of girls not looking at the palace and statues of boys looking at the castle as the stories he build the outside view points walls so high because when he marry he thought that he would get a child so the child won't fall down I am not a explainer there but I explain you bit that I heard from the explainers the some windows are beautiful from the inside but ugly from outside and in some windows we can't see the inside from outside but can see outside from inside the palace is super huge the place garden is huge I don't know how he built a so much big castle oh when he leave the castle he gave them to the public and told to them that take the payment you get from it and help to poor people from that money and there is a child orphanage only for boys there because I told you they like boys

wow visit here you will love it

I visited Richmond Castle by myself and I was amazed by the beauty and history of this mansion. 😍
The architecture is a blend of Eastern and Western styles, with intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and imported teak wood. 🏰 The guide was very informative and told me the story of the Mudaliyar who built the castle and his tragic life. 😢 The castle is well-maintained and has a nice garden and a museum. 🌺🌳🖼 It is a must-see attraction in Kalutara and worth the entrance fee. 💯 I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves history and culture. 👍

Very good guidance and Nice historical place to visit.Ticket price for local adults 100/= only.

Its an Ancient Caslte located in Kalutara. Just 2.5km from Kalutara Town. There is lot of history behind this place.

Ticket Price is only Rs.100/= Per Local adult. For foreigners it costs Rs.1000/= For these prices you will get a guide for a full tour inside the caslte. They expalin everything about the place.

You can take some amazing pictures & one end of the land has a view of Kalu Ganaga.

Nice place which explains the society, business and politics of old Ceylon.
Good example of how stupid our men were though they're Cambridge scholars at young age; but don't know how to make good decisions for own life.
Guide gives helpful explanation, though credibility unknown. Don't forget to see around the garden as well apart from inside.
Photos prohibited inside.

This is a fantastic place for those who like ro study sri lankan historical society and upper class culture. But visitors must take a castle guide to explain the place and the story. The story and the castle is bound together. It is about love, business, determination, social class, and searching for life freedom. I felt like...I watched a movie on Sri Lankan history. Lot of architectural value is also there.

It was great, don't be affected by some of the mixed reviews. The place is spectacular, given its history and location.

It shares a huge part of Ceylonese history, from the colonial era and how the gentry had lived during those times.

Although the palace was not as well maintained, it did have its unique and undeniable charm. A really beautiful and engaging place, where you can lose yourself admiring its innate and romantic story.

It was a great place indeed, don't be affected by some of the mixed reviews. The Villa is spectacular, given its history, people, and location.

It shares a massive part of colonial Ceylon's history, from the colonial era and how the richest lived during those times.

Although the palace could have been better maintained, we noticed some rapair work had been done by the archaeological unit. It did have its unique and undeniable charm. Its story behind the acoustic treatments to the room walls and fresh and cold air supply to the theatre hall is impressive. An excellent and engaging place where you can lose yourself admiring its innate and romantic story.
Highly recommend it for the people visiting Kaluthara and passing down south to see the beauty and history at the offer!

Great architectural design, stolen from maharaja palace by sight viewing. He who name was Athur is the owner sent two skilled architectures to catch the plan and command them to build it hear. Final result was mansion with 42 acres land and great facilities.

Richmond Castle is an Edwardian mansion 🏰, located near Kalutara. Built between 1900 and 1910, it was formally the country seat of Mudaliyar Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena.
This is a place of historical value and great architectural design. The staff guides and navigate you and introduce the historical places and values in the castle.
The building is currently owned by the Public Trustee. Locals may wish to visit this site 🧐

Good place. Nice viwe for wedding Photo shoot&Freeshoot

Nice and relaxing place. The staff guides will navigate you and introduce the historical places in the castle. Also there are some benches behind the castle to relax yourself with a nice river view.