Khan Clock Tower
A historic colonial-era clock tower, a charming landmark in the heart of Colombo's vibrant Pettah Market.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded market bustle
Khan Clock Tower
Best Time
Less crowded market bustle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic colonial-era clock tower, a charming landmark in the heart of Colombo's vibrant Pettah Market.
"A beautiful historical landmark that stands as a reminder of the city’s colonial past amidst the vibrant Pettah market."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the tower's charm against the lively Pettah backdrop. Best during golden hour!
🚶♀️ Explore the Market
The tower is a great starting point to dive into the vibrant Pettah Market.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Clock Tower
Pettah Main Street Roundabout
A historic four-story landmark, a beautiful reminder of Colombo's colonial past and a charming photo opportunity.
Pettah Market Ambiance
Surrounding the Clock Tower
Experience the vibrant energy and diverse goods of one of Colombo's busiest and most colorful markets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Bustling Pettah
A Glimpse of Colonial Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the tower's charm against the lively Pettah backdrop. Best during golden hour!
🚶♀️ Explore the Market
The tower is a great starting point to dive into the vibrant Pettah Market.
⏰ Not an Active Attraction
It's a heritage site for viewing, not for climbing or extensive tours.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture the tower's charm against the lively Pettah backdrop. Best during golden hour!
🚶♀️ Explore the Market
The tower is a great starting point to dive into the vibrant Pettah Market.
⏰ Not an Active Attraction
It's a heritage site for viewing, not for climbing or extensive tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Khan Clock Tower is recognized as a historic landmark and a charming visual element within the bustling Pettah Market. While it's appreciated for its architectural presence and as a photo opportunity, visitors note it's primarily an external monument rather than an attraction with interior access. Its location in a busy commercial area means it's best enjoyed as part of a broader exploration of Pettah.
"The Khan Clock Tower is a famous landmark located where the Pettah main street connects. It's situated on a roundabout, surrounded by the busy areas and shops. The clock tower is hard to miss and adds to the charm of the area. It’s a great spot to stop, take a picture, and soak in the hustle and bustle of Pettah."
thesrilanka-lk
"The Khan Clock Tower, located near the bustling Pettah Market in Colombo, is a beautiful historical landmark that stands as a reminder of the city’s colonial past. Built by the Khan family, a renowned Parsi business family, in the early 20th century, the tower is named after them as a tribute to their contribution to Colombo’s development.
This iconic four-story clock tower, with its elegant design, once served as a gateway to the city and a marker for Colombo’s port area. Its location makes it a popular spot for both tourists and locals, offering a charming glimpse of the past amidst the vibrant Pettah market. If you’re exploring the city, don’t miss this piece of Colombo’s rich history!"
Shabeer Hydrod
"Khan Clock Tower: A Timeless Landmark in Colombo. The Khan Clock Tower, located in the heart of the city, is a captivating symbol of Colombo's history. This iconic structure stands tall, boasting intricate architecture and serving as a reminder of the city's colonial past. The tower's clock, a timekeeper for generations, adds a touch of nostalgia. Surrounded by bustling streets and vibrant markets, it serves as a meeting point and a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The Khan Clock Tower is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a glimpse into Colombo's fascinating heritage."
Dmytro Donskyi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Khan Clock Tower is centrally located in the Pettah area of Colombo, easily accessible by local buses or tuk-tuks. It's a prominent landmark on the Pettah Main Street roundabout, making it hard to miss.
Parking in the Pettah area can be challenging due to the high traffic and market activity. It's advisable to use public transport or a taxi/tuk-tuk and be prepared for a short walk.
From Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you can take a taxi or pre-booked airport transfer directly to the Khan Clock Tower in Pettah. The journey typically takes around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be an option, but Pettah is a busy commercial hub. It's often more practical to take a short tuk-tuk ride to reach the tower directly.
The Khan Clock Tower is situated on the main roundabout of Pettah Main Street, a very busy intersection. It's a well-known landmark itself, often used as a reference point for navigating the Pettah market.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Khan Clock Tower is a public landmark and heritage site. There are no tickets required to view it from the outside.
As an external landmark, the clock tower is visible at all times. However, the surrounding Pettah Market has its own operating hours, typically from morning to evening.
The Khan Clock Tower is primarily a historical monument to be admired from the outside. Access to the interior is generally not permitted for visitors.
There is no admission fee to see the Khan Clock Tower. It's a free-to-access heritage site.
To experience the tower with fewer crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Evenings and weekends tend to be busier due to market activity.
📸 📸 Photography
The roundabout offers various vantage points. Try capturing it from different street corners to include the bustling market in your shots. The late afternoon 'golden hour' provides beautiful lighting.
Yes, photography is generally allowed around the Khan Clock Tower. Be mindful of the busy surroundings and respect local customs.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near sensitive sites in Sri Lanka. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour' before sunset, offer the most picturesque lighting for photographs of the clock tower.
Since visitors cannot typically go inside the tower, photographing the internal clock mechanism is not possible.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The Khan Clock Tower is surrounded by the extensive Pettah Market, offering everything from textiles, electronics, and spices to fresh produce and household goods. It's a shopper's paradise for bargain hunters.
Yes, the Pettah Market is filled with numerous street food vendors and small eateries offering a variety of local Sri Lankan snacks and meals. You can find delicious and affordable options.
Look for Kottu Roti, hoppers (appam), various short eats (savory pastries), and fresh fruit juices. Be adventurous and try what looks appealing!
While generally safe, it's always wise to choose vendors with high turnover and visible hygiene practices. Look for freshly prepared food.
Prices in Pettah Market are generally very affordable, but bargaining is expected and part of the experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles from the roundabout and surrounding streets to incorporate the bustling market activity into your shots. Be mindful of the crowds and traffic, and always prioritize safety while composing your images. The tower itself is a beautiful subject, but its true photographic appeal lies in its integration with the dynamic environment of Pettah.
🛍️ Bargain Hunters & Shoppers
Be prepared to haggle! Bargaining is an expected part of the shopping experience in Pettah. Start with a lower offer and negotiate respectfully. It's also a great place to sample authentic Sri Lankan street food, so come with an appetite and an open mind for culinary exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Significance
More than just a timekeeper, the clock tower is a symbol of Colombo's colonial past and its evolution into a vibrant commercial hub. Its presence amidst the energetic Pettah Market offers a striking contrast between historical architecture and the lively present. It's a heritage site that evokes a sense of nostalgia and provides a tangible link to the city's rich history.
While it's not an attraction with interactive exhibits, its architectural beauty and historical context make it a noteworthy stop for anyone exploring the Pettah district. It serves as a constant reminder of the layers of history that define Colombo.
Experiencing the Pettah Market
Navigating Pettah requires a sense of adventure and a willingness to haggle. The sheer volume of people and goods creates a dynamic and often chaotic atmosphere, which many visitors find exhilarating. It's a place where you can find almost anything at competitive prices, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking for bargains.
When visiting the Khan Clock Tower, dedicate time to immerse yourself in the market. Explore the different sections, sample local street food from the numerous vendors, and soak in the vibrant energy. The experience is as much about the people and the atmosphere as it is about the shopping itself. Remember to keep your belongings secure and be prepared for a lively, crowded environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit