Kadugannawa – The Gateway to Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

Introduction

Nestled along the Colombo-Kandy (A1) highway, Kadugannawa is a historic and scenic town that marks the entrance to Sri Lanka’s central highlands. With its stunning mountain views, colonial-era engineering marvels, and rich history, this destination is a must-visit stop for travelers heading to Kandy.

Kadugannawa Pass – A Scenic Climb

Driving through the Kadugannawa Pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range, including the famous Bible Rock (Batalegala). The twisting roads and elevated viewpoints make it a favorite stop for photographers and nature lovers.

Kadugannawa Tunnel – A Colonial Engineering Marvel

History & Significance

Built during the British colonial era, the Kadugannawa Tunnel was excavated through solid rock to create the Colombo-Kandy highway (A1), Sri Lanka’s first modern road.

This landmark serves as a symbolic gateway to Kandy and the Central Highlands.

Captain William Dawson, the British engineer behind this massive project, was later honored with the Dawson Tower, located nearby on Kadugannawa Hill.

Why Visit the Kadugannawa Tunnel?

• Witness one of Sri Lanka’s oldest road tunnels, a testament to British-era engineering.
• Capture stunning travel photography with the rock-carved passage and lush greenery surrounding the tunnel.
• Learn about Sri Lanka’s colonial transportation history while enjoying the cool highland breeze.

Other Attractions in Kadugannawa

• Dawson Tower – A tribute to Captain Dawson, located on a hill overlooking the town.
• Kadugannawa Railway Museum – A fascinating stop for railway enthusiasts, showcasing Sri Lanka’s historic trains and railway heritage.
• Balana Fort – A historic Kandyan Kingdom fortress offering spectacular mountain views.
• Gadaladeniya Temple – A stunning ancient Buddhist temple with Dravidian-style architecture.

Best Time to Visit

• Morning or Late Afternoon – Enjoy the best lighting for photos and a cooler climate.
• Dry Season (December to April) – Ideal for scenic drives and sightseeing without rain.

How to Get There

• By Road: Located along the Colombo-Kandy A1 highway, about 100 km from Colombo.
• By Train: Kadugannawa has a railway station with direct connections to Colombo and Kandy.
• By Bus: Regular buses operate from Colombo, Kandy, and other nearby towns.

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