Misty Hills Villa
Kadugannawa
Nearby Destination Guide
Honoring the builder of the historic Colombo-Kandy highway
Standing tall at the summit of the Kadugannawa Pass, the Dawson Tower is an imposing white column visible from miles around. Built in 1832, it stands as a monument to Captain William Francis Dawson, the British military engineer who planned and built the Colombo-Kandy road, carving a path through these rugged mountain ridges.
The Colombo-Kandy road was a legendary feat of engineering in the early 19th century. Prior to its construction, the highland kingdom of Kandy was naturally fortified by steep mountain walls and dense jungles. Captain Dawson was tasked with paving a road through the rocky Kadugannawa Pass. Unfortunately, he passed away from a sudden illness before the road was officially completed.
As a tribute to his pioneering work and dedication, his friends and colleagues erected this 38-meter (125-foot) stone tower in 1832. Its height was chosen to match the length of his service or represent a beacon over the pass he conquered.
The tower features a spiral internal staircase. While the interior is closed to the public most of the year, its white pillar stands as a powerful landmark at the entry point to the hill country. Directly surrounding the tower, visitors can find historical plaques and take in beautiful views of the Kadugannawa valley below, where the railway and highway run side-by-side.