Dawson Tower, is located on Kadugannawa in the Kadugannawa Pass next to the Colombo - Kandy Road, the first modern highway in the island. Work began on the Colombo - Kandy Road in 1820 under the direction of Captain William Francis Dawson who died during the project. The Dawson Tower was erected in memory of Dawson.
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
National Railway Museum
4.4
(314)
Paramita International Buddhist Meditation Centre
4.8
(46)
This monument had been built in year 1832 in memory of Captain D. W. Dawson by his friends and well-wishers. Captain Dawson is a British and was in charge of the construction of Colombo-Kandy highway. Maintained and access controlled by the Department of Archeology. It is 171 feet tall and has 110 wooden, narrow and circular stairs to climb up. There's no electricity, so it's pitch black inside and you need to carry your own light. The stairs are so narrow that only one person, or a group of persons, can use the stairs to climb up or down.
It's disappointing to see that the place has no electricity and isn't maintained well. There's a caretaker who just sit and spend time nearby, and of course provide details if asked for. It was surprising to learn that the access to tower, entrance or climbing up, is still prohibited due to (3 years old) pandemic health guidance 🤨. It is said that there's a fascinating view from the top.
This is a place of tourist attraction and should've been made tourist friendly and permitted to climb up. Entrance fee (at least, $1 or Rs. 100) should be charged for maintenance. Views from top during sunrise and sunset should be promoted. Parking space and an English speaking guide shall be stationed.
The decision makers and authorities are too busy to notice little things like this, which could've been made places of forex income and...
Read more
Anyone travelling to Kandy along the Colombo-Kandy Road has to negotiate many bends – some of them hairpin bends – as they go up the Kadugannawa incline. At the last and sharpest of these bends, the road forks; and one goes through a tunnel, wide and high enough for a bus or lorry to pass. The other road makes a wider bend and goes a few feet over the rock. This is the highest point in the climb – the Kadugannawa Pass, which was the lookout point in the former Sinhala kingdom. This is the highest point in the climb – the Kadugannawa Pass, which was the lookout point in the former Sinhala kingdom. This tunnel has been a landmark for over 175 years. Until about 25 years ago, all motor traffic to and from Kandy went through this tunnel. When it was found that the new long vehicles could not negotiate the sharp hairpin bend, another road was constructed with a wider bend and no overhead...
Read more
This tower is called Dawson Tower erected to commemorate Captain Dawson. Who built the Kandy Road.
Governor Barnes appoint Captain Williams Francis Dawson of the Royal Engineers to execute this task. Captain Dawson studied the terrain. Work commenced in 1820 and was carried out under his immediate supervise.
Captain Dawson Died March 29th 1829, when the road to Kandy was still not complete. Folklore Says Captain Dawson Died from a Snake Bite had to take him to colombo where he died.
Captain Dawson was respected by other and his friends. His friends and Admirers decide to erect this column or tower to commemorate his service in this gigantic task. No better spot could could have been chosen. The road upto the point is testimony to his engineering skills.
He worked without bulldozers, backhoes and other machinery and the technical know-how that today’s road...
Read more
