A wayside rest located beside a natural pond overlooking a scenic paddy field, legend has it that King Walagamba who was travelling towards Pilikutthuwa, stopped here to break journey. The queen who bathed at the natural pond here had lost her hair extension (hawariya) at the particular location and the place was named Hawariyawala, and later, Averiyawala. Though declared as an archaeologically protected monument, Averiyawala Ambalama still serves as a wayside rest for those traveling to Adam’s Peak by foot.
The history of Kotte Raja Maha Vihara dates back to the Kingdom of Kotte. During the reign of King Parakumbha VI (1415-1467) the construction of the temple was begun and completed in all aspects with the royal patronage. King built the temple closer to his royal palace, to do the necessary duties to the Sangha community. The vibrant pageant of the Vihara is an annual event that attracts large crowds to enjoy traditional dancing of the country – Kandyan, Low Country, Sabaragamuwa, and some modern items
Richmond Castle, built at the turn of the century in Kalutara, is considered one of the most spectacular architectural works of the period. It was the property of a wealthy landowner turned philanthropist, Padikara Mudali Nanayakkara Rajawasala Appuhamilage Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena. The mansion stands majestically at top of a hill, on a 42 acre estate beside the Kalutara-Palatota Road. Once a circuit bungalow for high ranking officers of the British administrative service, today it is a popular tourist attraction, and serves as an educational centre for less privileged children of Kalutara and the vicinity.
The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital (known as The Dutch Hospital) is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It is now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinct. Built as a hospital by the Dutch, it has been used for several different purposes, over the years. It is believed to have existed since 1681, as recorded by German Christoper Schweitzer. The Dutch established the Colombo hospital to look after the health of the officers and other staff serving under the Dutch East India Company. The hospital’s close proximity to the harbour allowed it to serve Dutch seafarers. The most famous of all the surgeons who worked in the Colombo hospital was undoubtedly Paul Hermann, who served from 1672-79. Herman has been described as the father of botany in Sri Lanka.
