DRAG

Seethawaka: The Lost Kingdom of Legends, Rivers, and Royal Resistance

Tucked along the banks of the Kelani River in Sri Lanka’s Western Province, Seethawaka is a destination where myth and monarchy intertwine. Once the seat of a powerful 16th-century kingdom and now a lush, semi-urban sanctuary, Seethawaka is a place where ancient fortresses whisper of forgotten kings, where botanical gardens bloom with biodiversity, and where the echoes of the Ramayana still linger in stone and story. It is a village that has quietly shaped Sri Lanka’s past—and is now poised to inspire its future.

The Name and Its Origins

The name Seethawaka (also spelled Sitawaka) is steeped in both mythology and royal legacy. According to the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka, the name is believed to derive from “Seetha Waka”, meaning “the place of Sita”. Legend holds that this was one of the locations where Princess Sita was held captive by King Ravana after her abduction from India. The area is also associated with Rampathagala, or the “Golden Foot Stone,” believed to bear the footprint of Lord Rama during his search for Sita.

Historically, Seethawaka rose to prominence in 1521 AD when King Mayadunne, one of the sons of King Vijayabahu VII, established it as the capital of the Kingdom of Sitawaka. Under his rule and that of his son Rajasinghe I, Seethawaka became a formidable military power that resisted Portuguese colonization and briefly unified much of the island. Though the kingdom fell in 1593, its legacy endures in the ruins, rivers, and reverence that define the village today.

Population & Demographics

As of the most recent data, Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat in the Colombo District is home to approximately 121,405 residents. The urban core of Seethawaka spans just 0.609 km², with a population of 2,350, resulting in a high density of 3,857 people per km².

The community is predominantly Sinhalese Buddhist, with vibrant minorities of Sri Lankan Moors (Muslims) and Sri Lankan Tamils, reflecting the area’s pluralistic heritage. The median age is 29.8 years, with a nearly even gender split—49.2% male and 50.8% female—indicating a youthful, balanced, and steadily growing population.

Main Occupations & Local Economy

Seethawaka’s economy is a blend of agriculture, light industry, and eco-tourism:

  • Agriculture: The surrounding region is fertile and supports the cultivation of rubber, tea, spices, and paddy. Many families are engaged in small-scale farming, coconut tapping, and home gardening.
  • Manufacturing & Trade: Seethawaka is part of the Seethawaka Export Processing Zone, which hosts garment factories, electronics assembly, and logistics hubs. This industrial zone provides employment to thousands of residents and contributes significantly to the national economy.
  • Tourism & Conservation: With the rise of eco-tourism, locals are increasingly involved in guiding, hospitality, and conservation work, especially around the Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens and historical sites.
  • Public Service & Education: As a divisional capital, Seethawaka hosts government offices, schools, and health centers, offering stable employment and civic engagement.

Signature Stays: Where to Sleep in Style

Seethawaka’s hospitality scene is growing, offering a mix of eco-resorts, boutique villas, and family-run guesthouses:

  • Seethawaka Miracle Nature Resort – A 10-acre eco-retreat with a natural waterfall, swimming pool, and event spaces. Ideal for family holidays, wellness retreats, and nature photography.
  • Kithul Kanda The Mountain Resort – Perched above Padukka, this resort offers panoramic views, infinity pools, and curated experiences in the hills.
  • Thevni Holiday Resort – A tranquil hideaway in Bope, offering Ayurvedic treatments, garden views, and warm hospitality.
  • Ambalama Leisure Lounge – A rustic riverside resort in Hanwella, perfect for weekend getaways and corporate retreats.
  • Seethawaka Royal Resort – A rising favorite for its proximity to the botanical gardens and its blend of comfort and affordability.
  • Comilla Bungalow

Top Tourist Attractions

Seethawaka is a destination that rewards the curious traveler with natural beauty, historical intrigue, and spiritual depth:

  • Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens: A 42-hectare sanctuary of rare and endemic flora, this garden was once a rubber and tea plantation. Today, it serves as a conservation hub for wet zone biodiversity, featuring orchid houses, medicinal gardens, a Japanese garden, and a scenic lake.
  • Seethawaka Rampathagala: A sacred granite stone believed to bear the footprint of Lord Rama, this site is a key stop on the Ramayana Trail and a place of quiet reverence.
  • Royal Palace Ruins & Dutch Fort: Located near the Seethawaka Ganga, these ruins mark the site of King Rajasinghe I’s palace, later repurposed by the Dutch in the 17th century. Excavations have revealed remnants of walls, foundations, and ancient artifacts.

  • Barendi Kovil: A beautifully preserved Hindu temple believed to date back to the Seethawaka Kingdom, showcasing Dravidian architecture and stone carvings.

  • Leisure World Water Park: A family-friendly attraction offering water slides, pools, and amusement rides—perfect for a day of fun just outside the city.

  • Puwakpitiya & Kelani Riverfront: Ideal for riverside walks, birdwatching, and observing traditional fishing practices.