Khan Clock Tower
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Khan Clock Tower

4.3
·165 reviews·Colombo, Sri Lanka

A historic colonial-era clock tower, a charming landmark in the heart of Colombo's vibrant Pettah Market.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Less crowded market bustle

CrowdMedium
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Khan Clock Tower

Khan Clock Tower

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Less crowded market bustle

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic colonial-era clock tower, a charming landmark in the heart of Colombo's vibrant Pettah Market.

4.3
(165 reviews)

"A beautiful historical landmark that stands as a reminder of the city’s colonial past amidst the vibrant Pettah market."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 165 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Clock Tower

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

Pettah Market Ambiance

Surrounding the Clock Tower

Experience the vibrant energy and diverse goods of one of Colombo's busiest and most colorful markets.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Bustling Pettah

The Khan Clock Tower is a historical landmark in Colombo, Sri Lanka, situated in the heart of the vibrant Pettah Market. Be prepared for crowds and a lively atmosphere. It's best viewed from the outside as part of your exploration of the market.

A Glimpse of Colonial Charm

This four-story clock tower, built by the Parsi Khan family, is a testament to Colombo's colonial past. While not an active attraction, it's a significant heritage site offering a picturesque backdrop for photos amidst the bustling city.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Less crowded market bustle
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Go to Floor P13 in the Clock tower, Lift and turn right, continue walking to this beautiful view ✨🕋 #foryou #foryoupage #foryourpage #fyp #fyp: #reels #reelsinstagram #islamic #islamicquotes #islamicreminders #islamicreminder #allah #allahuakbar #aesthetic #aesthetic #aestheticedits #aesthetically #muslim
@mo.hkla
158.7K likes • 1M views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the tower's charm against the lively Pettah backdrop. Best during golden hour! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Market

The tower is a great starting point to dive into the vibrant Pettah Market. Reddit

"Suspended in time, powered by precision. As the sacred city prepares for Hajj, we reveal the hidden heart of Mecca’s iconic clock tower. A tribute to divine order, engineering brilliance, and timeless faith." #CGIArt #AbrajAlBait #Mecca #Hajj2025 #HajjSeason #MeccaMoments #Makkah2025 #Kaaba #MasjidAlHaram #SpiritualJourney #IslamicArchitecture #CGIArtist #3DVisuals #VFXMagic #AbrajAlBait #MakkahC...
@haramain_
76.3K likes • 3.3M views
Watching full video annu khan 😂😂 #lucknowblogger #uttarpradesh #trendingreels #up32 #trending #clocktower #annu #lucknow #viralreels #viralvideos #1090chauraha #1090 #viralsong #upking #lucknowvibes❤️ #explore #metaai #aigirl
roaster__bhaii_
0 likes • 8.1K views

⏰ Not an Active Attraction

It's a heritage site for viewing, not for climbing or extensive tours. Reddit

#like #comment #follow #लखनऊ #clocktower #up #breaking #lko #अपडेट #ghantagharlucknow MN Action News ke chief editor Sameer khan ke sath Vishesh baat cheet.
mnactionnewsinfo
108 likes • 3.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture the tower's charm against the lively Pettah backdrop. Best during golden hour! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Market

The tower is a great starting point to dive into the vibrant Pettah Market. Reddit

⏰ Not an Active Attraction

It's a heritage site for viewing, not for climbing or extensive tours. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(165 reviews)

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

Historic landmark
Charming architecture
Great photo spot

What People Dislike

No interior access
Busy surroundings

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

There is no admission fee to see the Khan Clock Tower. It's a free-to-access heritage site. Reddit

To experience the tower with fewer crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Evenings and weekends tend to be busier due to market activity. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed around the Khan Clock Tower. Be mindful of the busy surroundings and respect local customs. Reddit

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. Reddit

Late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour' before sunset, offer the most picturesque lighting for photographs of the clock tower. Reddit

Since visitors cannot typically go inside the tower, photographing the internal clock mechanism is not possible. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Look for Kottu Roti, hoppers (appam), various short eats (savory pastries), and fresh fruit juices. Be adventurous and try what looks appealing! Reddit

While generally safe, it's always wise to choose vendors with high turnover and visible hygiene practices. Look for freshly prepared food. Reddit

Prices in Pettah Market are generally very affordable, but bargaining is expected and part of the experience. Reddit

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