The location of Berendi Kovil built by Rajasinghe the First in the 16th century. Close to Avissawella (60Km from Colombo) was the seat of power under the King Rajasinghe the First, famous for his resistance to the Portuguese invaders occupying the coastal areas. He is also the last king to rule Sri Lanka from the low country before the kingdom was shifted to the hill country. The king had died from a wound to his leg from a bamboo prick in 1593 AD. The beautifully crafted stone structure of Berendi Kovil (Shrine) at Thalduwa about 1 km from Avissawella, he built for the Hinduism had been under construction at the time of his death. He is said to have built several tunnels to penetrate in to the enemy territories. The tunnel entrance behind the Seethawaka School is believed to be one of them. The old palace about 1kM form the town of Avissawella is now only a mould of rubble covered by vegetation. Province Western Province District Colombo District Time zone Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)