Captain Dawson Tower

A place close to Kadugannava located on Colombo Kandy road. The memorial tomb of Mr. Dawson, who was instrumental in building the Kadugannawa road. Here is a monumental place, though not of great antiquarian value. If you are a history seeker, don't forget to visit this Dawson Tower on Colombo Kandy Road.

This memorial tower has been built 100km from the Colombo. This location said to be the heighest point can be reached along the road kandy to Colombo. This has been built to the great and tedious task he has done to construct the road. People can climb to the top of the Tower. But there are guys hang around in the place and keep your attention on them too.

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.
Opened: 1832

You can see this on the way to the Kandy from Colombo. This is a must visit place. But you won't be able to climb to the up of the tower on weekends. When we visit there wasn't anyone to guide or guard the place and gate to the inside was locked.someone near told us watchman is leave on weekends.

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 builders have.

Historical place, twice I tried to climb up but unfortunately both occasion security guard is missed on the spot. Exactly I am not aware is there any Opening or closing time but my both try were official working hours.

One of the magnificent monument built in colonial times. According to the history this monument built to commemorate great Engineer who has contributed immensely to Kandy-Colombo Road project and died during the process.

You can climb up to the top of the tower and you’ll have a grand bird eye view of Kadugannawa town and the vicinity . However you have to watch the steps because ladder is somewhat worn out and may miss several steps.

A tower built in memory of Captain Dawson. Can go up the tower using the narrow staircase built inside the tower. Good for having a nice panoramic view.

Captain Dawson Tower. Bit difficult to climb up inside the tower because of the small staircase. But when you reach the top the view is amazing

An historical place showing the impact of the British Engineering to the country

The wood stairs are broken, so it's not possible to climb up to top of the tower. Nice surrounding.

Dawson Tower (Sinhala: ඩෝසන් කුළුණ Dosan Kuluna), 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.
Under the direction of Governor Edward Barnes, Captain William Francis Dawson initiated the construction of the Colombo-Kandy road project in 1820. Unfortunately, he died on 28 March 1829, before the completion of the construction work. It is said that he had been bitten by a venomous snake. Dawson Tower was erected in 1832 as a posthumous memorial to Dawson’s exemplary service to the country.

Captain William Francis Dawson initiated the construction of the Colombo-Kandy road project in 1820. Unfortunately, he died on 28 March 1829, before the completion of the construction work. It is said that he had been bitten by a venomous snake. Dawson Tower was erected in 1832 as a posthumous memorial to Dawson’s exemplary service to the country.

The tower location was selected as it was few metres away from the Kadugannawa pass which stands witness to Dawson’s technical expertise and deft skills.

Source: Wiki

one of best place to see around in kandy. situated after kadugannawa on kandy colombo road.

Went there coz it very near to the road. Stunning construction carried out by the guidance of englishmen when they were ruled here. Unfortunately coudnt go up coz it was locked and no one was there...

Great 😃👍

Historical tower that belongs to British period. nice view point. But its not always open.

Dawson towers and the view is so beautiful but most of time Watchmen is not there..

The golden mark memory for Engineer Captain Dowson who serve his knowledge to Colombo Kandy road situated to Sri Lankans

Can be watch while traveling near Kadugannawa town. Historic place about great foreign man