Kadugannawa is located about 22 km from Kegalle. It is a pass with a vertical ascent of 250m in a matter of 5km. There are beautiful views southeast towards the ocean. The road passes through a mini-tunnel carved out of a solid rock cliff. According to a local legend, the Kandyan Kingdom could never fall until invaders pierced the solid rock surrounding the city. Ironically, after the British took control of the kingdom in 1815, the terms of the legend were fulfilled.

A tall stone pillar on the south side of the road commemorates Captain W. F. Dawson, who planned and built the Kandy–Colombo road and other works of public utility. Milestone 59 announces the so- called thirst aid station with a rubber hose connected to a natural spring the drivers can use to fill vehicle radiators.