Head to the Lookout Point
In Kadugannawa you can visit the National Railway Museum and the famous pass. The area around Kadugannawa was not easy for the invaders to enter the Kandyan Kingdom during their rule of Ceylon. The view from here is outstanding and it used to be a lookout point for the Sinhalese Kingdom of Kandy. You can appreciate the hard work of William Francis Dawson by standing near the view point and the Dawson Tower. The road and railway tracks along the tunnels and hairy pin bends are the best of British engineering skills. Kadugannawa will provide you with an insight into the difficulties it provided for Dawson and his team, as well as for the British Empire, to connect Colombo with Kandy. A copy of the Kadugannawa Pass (Sensational Rock) is held at the Royal Collection Trust.
Discover the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa
Embark on a captivating journey through the history of Sri Lanka’s rail transport at the National Railway Museum in Kadugannawa.
This unique museum, owned by Sri Lanka Railways, is a must-visit for enthusiasts and families alike, showcasing the evolution of the island’s vital railway system from its 19th-century inception.
Key Highlights for Your Visit
- Location: Conveniently located in Kadugannawa, just west of Kandy, right beside the Kadugannawa Railway Station.
- Historical Collection: Explore a fascinating collection of vintage exhibits, including old steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, historic rail cars, and passenger carriages that you can climb aboard and explore.
- Intriguing Artifacts: View a comprehensive display of railway memorabilia, original signage, signals, and machinery, providing a deep dive into the engineering of the past.
- Model Railway: Be captivated by the intricate model railway, which beautifully illustrates the country’s scenic and challenging rail network, including famous segments like the Nine Arch Bridge.
- Commemorative Site: The museum was officially opened on December 27, 2014, to mark the 150th anniversary of the first train run in Sri Lanka.
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Opening Hours | Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Hours may extend to 5:00 PM on weekends). |
| Closed | Poya days (Full Moon Days). |
| Admission Fee | Foreign Citizens: LKR 500.00 |
| Getting There | Easily accessible from Kandy via the main road (A1 highway) by private vehicle or taxi. Located right next to the Kadugannawa Railway Station. |
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National Railway Museum