KADUGANNAWA

The road connecting Colombo and Kandy is the first main road constructed in Ceylon, construction work began in 1820 under the supervision of William Francis Dawson assisted by Major Skinner, during British rule. Captain Dawson died before the completion of the project and the Dawson Tower was erected in his memory in 1832 at Kadugannawa.

 

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 encumbrances.