Dawson Tower Kadugannawa
A 19th-century British engineering marvel, Dawson Tower commemorates the construction of the Colombo-Kandy road. Climb its narrow stairs for history a...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Dawson Tower Kadugannawa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 19th-century British engineering marvel, Dawson Tower commemorates the construction of the Colombo-Kandy road. Climb its narrow stairs for history and views.
"A historical monument with potential for great views, but access can be restricted."
Carry a flashlight! 🔦
The interior is pitch black. Essential for navigating the narrow stairs if access is permitted.
Check access status first ⚠️
Access to climb the tower can be restricted due to maintenance or past health guidelines.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Captain Dawson Tower Exterior
Kadugannawa
A striking historical monument built in 1832, offering a glimpse into colonial engineering and a popular photo spot.
Panoramic Views (when accessible)
Top of the tower
Ascend 110 narrow, wooden stairs for potentially breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Maintenance
Best Viewing & Photography
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Carry a flashlight! 🔦
The interior is pitch black. Essential for navigating the narrow stairs if access is permitted.
Check access status first ⚠️
Access to climb the tower can be restricted due to maintenance or past health guidelines.
Mind the narrow stairs 🚶♀️
The stairs are very narrow and steep; only one person or a small group can ascend/descend at a time.
Keep it clean! ✨
Take only memories, leave only footprints. Help preserve this historical site.
Tips
from all over the internet
Carry a flashlight! 🔦
The interior is pitch black. Essential for navigating the narrow stairs if access is permitted.
Check access status first ⚠️
Access to climb the tower can be restricted due to maintenance or past health guidelines.
Mind the narrow stairs 🚶♀️
The stairs are very narrow and steep; only one person or a small group can ascend/descend at a time.
Keep it clean! ✨
Take only memories, leave only footprints. Help preserve this historical site.
Photo ops abound! 📸
The tower's exterior is a popular spot for photography, especially during golden hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dawson Tower is a historically significant monument with impressive colonial architecture, offering potential panoramic views. However, visitors often note issues with maintenance and restricted access to climb the tower, leading to mixed experiences.
"This is a historical monument built in 1832 to honor Captain William Francis Dawson who was a British engineer designing and constructing the Colombo-Kandy road. Now it is a protected archaeological site and a popular tourist attraction in the area. In the time of my visit to this place, it is closed for maintenance."
Nisal Perera
"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 tourism promotion."
Sudheera Senaratne
"This is the famous Captain Dawson tower located in Kadugannawa Colombo Kandy rd. There is parking available on the road. They do not allow you to climb (this is in November 2022) as the staircase inside the tower is deteriorated. Nothing much to see outside, but you can get a few photos of the tower."
Nuwan Gunarathne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dawson Tower is located in Kadugannawa along the Colombo-Kandy road. You can reach it by car or bus. Parking is available on the roadside.
Yes, it's situated on the main Colombo-Kandy road, making it accessible by bus. Many travelers use buses to reach the Kadugannawa area.
Traveling by car offers flexibility, but buses are a common and affordable option. The tower is a landmark visible from the road.
Yes, parking is available on the road near the tower. Be mindful of traffic when parking.
Dawson Tower is approximately 100 km from Colombo, making it a feasible stop on the way to Kandy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While it's a historical monument, there isn't always a clear ticketing system mentioned. Some suggest an entrance fee should be charged for maintenance.
The tower reportedly closes at 4 PM on weekdays. It's advisable to confirm current operating hours before your visit.
Access to climb the tower has been restricted at times due to maintenance or past health guidelines. It's best to inquire locally about current access.
Currently, there's no consistent mention of an entrance fee, though some visitors suggest one should be implemented for upkeep.
Information on weekend access is limited, but it's generally advised to check for any specific closures or maintenance schedules.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The exterior of the tower itself provides excellent photographic opportunities. Consider capturing it from different angles along the road. 
When accessible, the top of the tower is said to offer fascinating views of the surrounding area.
While the tower closes at 4 PM, the surrounding landscape might offer beautiful sunrise or sunset views. The tower's silhouette could be striking.
Any camera or smartphone can capture the tower's architecture. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the entire structure.
No specific restrictions are mentioned for exterior photography. However, always be respectful of the site.
🎫 💡 History & Significance
Captain William Francis Dawson was a British engineer responsible for constructing the Colombo-Kandy road in the 19th century. The tower commemorates his work.
The tower was built in 1832, commemorating Captain Dawson's significant contribution to the road construction.
It's a protected archaeological site and a testament to British colonial engineering efforts in Sri Lanka.
Yes, Dawson Tower is a protected archaeological site managed by the Department of Archaeology.
The tower stands at approximately 171 feet tall.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to check the current access status beforehand. If climbing isn't an option, the tower still offers a good photo opportunity and a chance to discuss history. Ensure you have water and snacks, as amenities might be limited. The roadside parking can be busy, so keep a close eye on children when getting in and out of vehicles.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For those hoping to capture the interior, remember to bring a powerful flashlight, as it's described as pitch black. The narrow, winding staircase can create dramatic perspectives. However, be aware that access to climb might be limited, so focus on exterior shots if the tower is closed for ascent.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Backpackers
Carry a flashlight in case you can climb, and be mindful of your belongings. The narrow stairs, if accessible, can be a bit of a workout, offering a sense of accomplishment. Engage with locals if possible; they might offer insights or information about the tower's history and current status.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Dawson Tower
The tower's design features a narrow, circular staircase comprising around 110 wooden steps. This design, while historically significant, presents practical challenges for visitors. The interior is often described as pitch black, necessitating the use of personal flashlights for navigation. The confined space of the stairs means that only one person or a small group can ascend or descend at a time, requiring patience and coordination.
Despite its historical importance, the tower's maintenance and accessibility have been subjects of discussion. Reports indicate that access to climb the tower has been restricted at various times due to ongoing maintenance or past health advisories. Visitors are advised to check the current status of access before their trip. The Department of Archaeology oversees the site, aiming to preserve its historical integrity.
Visitor Experience & Community Insights
Practical advice from those who have visited highlights the need to be prepared. Carrying a flashlight is frequently recommended due to the darkness inside the tower, and visitors are reminded of the narrow, steep stairs. There's also a note of caution regarding safety, especially for families with young children, as guard fences might not be entirely secure.
Community discussions also touch upon the potential for this site to be more tourist-friendly. Suggestions include implementing a modest entrance fee for better maintenance, promoting sunrise and sunset views, and providing better facilities like parking and English-speaking guides. The sentiment is that with improved management, Dawson Tower could become a more significant attraction and a source of foreign exchange.
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