Dawson Tower at Kadugannawa (කඩුගන්නාව ඩෝසන් කුලුණ)

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Anyone journeying to Kandy along the Colombo–Kandy Road will inevitably experience the sharp bends and steep climbs of the Kadugannawa incline. At its highest point lies the Kadugannawa Pass, once a lookout in the old Sinhala kingdom.

Here, the road forks dramatically. One path curves through a rock-cut tunnel, wide and tall enough for a bus or lorry to pass, while the other takes a wider bend, looping over the rock above. This tunnel has been a landmark for over 175 years. Until about 25 years ago, every vehicle heading to or from Kandy had to pass through it. But as longer vehicles began to struggle with the hairpin bend, a new bypass was built.

Dawson Tower – A Monument to an Engineer

Just beyond the climb, as travelers approach Kadugannawa town, a striking sight awaits on the right-hand side of the road: a tall, white column standing proudly on the cliffside. This is the Dawson Tower, built to honour Captain William Francis Dawson, the engineer behind the Colombo–Kandy Road.

When the British secured control of the Kandyan kingdom after the rebellion of 1818, Governor Edward Barnes realized that the existing road to Kandy—long, winding, and circuitous through the Kelani Valley and Ruwanwella—was impractical for troop movement and administration. A shorter, direct route was needed.

Captain Dawson of the Royal Engineers was tasked with this monumental project. Beginning in 1820, he surveyed, marked, and supervised the construction of the road, working tirelessly in harsh conditions. Tragically, he died in 1829 before its completion, reportedly from illness—though folklore claims a snakebite sealed his fate.

A Fitting Tribute

Dawson was deeply respected, and his friends and colleagues chose the Kadugannawa Pass—a place that perfectly showcases his engineering brilliance—as the site of his memorial tower. Even without the modern machinery that road builders now rely on, Dawson and his team carved a route through rugged jungle terrain, leaving behind a masterpiece of colonial engineering.

Today, both the Kadugannawa Tunnel and Dawson Tower remain iconic landmarks for anyone travelling to Kandy, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colonial past.

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Traveling Directions to Dawson Tower at Kadugannawa

Route from Colombo to Dawson Tower at Kadugannawa

distance :102 km
Travel time : 2.5 hours
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