Seethawaka Palace: The Lost Royal Seat of a Defiant Kingdom

Introduction

Hidden in the misty foothills of Dehiowita, the ruins of Seethawaka Palace stand as a silent witness to one of Sri Lanka’s most defiant kingdoms. Established in 1511 CE by King Mayadunne, this was the epicenter of the Seethawaka Kingdom—a short-lived but fierce resistance against Portuguese colonization. Later expanded by his son, the legendary King Rajasinha I, the palace’s strategic location between the Yakatuwa Mountains and Koboturawa Rock made it a natural fortress.

Today, these atmospheric ruins offer history lovers a chance to walk through the remnants of a kingdom that dared to challenge European powers.

Historical Significance

The Rise & Fall of Seethawaka

• Founded by King Mayadunne (1511–1581) as a breakaway kingdom from Kotte.
• King Rajasinha I (1581–1593) turned it into a military powerhouse, winning battles like the Siege of Colombo against the Portuguese.
• The kingdom collapsed after Rajasinha’s mysterious death (by poisoned thorn, as legends say).

Architectural Clues

• The palace’s layout reflects Sinhalese fortress architecture, with:
  • Natural moats: The mountains and rock formations served as defenses.
  • Remnants of foundations: Stone pillars and brick platforms hint at royal quarters.

Exploring the Ruins

What to See

• Fortification Walls: Crumbling laterite stone walls that once shielded the palace.
• Royal Bathing Pool: A weathered tank where kings likely bathed.
• Koboturawa Rock: Climb for panoramic views of the former kingdom.

The Atmosphere

• Eerily peaceful, with birdsong and rustling leaves replacing ancient court intrigues.
• Local farmers may point out unexcavated areas where artifacts lie buried.

Best Time to Visit

• Sunrise or sunset: Soft light enhances the ruins’ mystique.
• Weekdays: Avoid weekend picnickers for solitude.

Travel Tips

• Location: Panawela Road, 2 km from Avissawella Court (GPS: 6.9447°N, 80.2214°E).
• Entry: Free; no official guides but locals share stories.
• Wear: Sturdy shoes for rocky terrain.
• Nearby: Pair with visits to Berendi Kovil (Hindu temple) and King Rajasinha’s Tomb.

Local Legends

• Some say treasure is buried beneath the ruins—hidden during Portuguese raids.
• Villagers claim the ghost of Rajasinha I wanders the site on full-moon nights.

Plan Your Visit

Unlock Sri Lanka’s rebellious past with Sri Lanka Tour Help. We offer:

• Guided history tours to Seethawaka’s key sites.
• Custom itineraries combining ruins, nature, and local culture.

Walk where kings plotted and warriors rallied. Book your journey today!