This superb hybrid of Indian and British architecture was copied from the plans of an Indian Maharaja’s palace designed by a London architect. Richmond Castle in Kalutara is a two-storied building with 15 rooms. All the rooms are naturally air-conditioned it has 99 door frames, 38 windows and one roof covering the entire mansion. The whole building is characterised by elaborate carvings. Italian and Scottish glass windows and mirrors, and shiploads of timber from Burma, were imported to build this superb construction and is complete with a stable, workers’ quarters, guard rooms, dancing floor and all requirements for a luxury life. Richmond Castle has a fascinating history. Built in 1896, it is considered to be one of the most spectacular architectural works of the period. It was built for a regional governor turned philanthropist with an impossibly long name - Padikara-Mudaliyar (title) Rajawasala Appuhamilage Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena (1888-1949).This castle reveals a fascinating story of a millionaire whose life turned from a strange fairy tale into surmounting despair. Once a palace, emanating unending sounds of joy and happiness, hundreds of parties attracting aristocrats, noblemen, and the upper echelon but became a old-fashioned ghostly palace, lying in isolation amidst the forest. Richmond Castle has now been converted into a Montessori school for underprivileged children, and is also a popular tourist attraction.