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Kandy Clock Tower | Kandy


Information

Landmark: Kandy Clock Tower
City: Kandy
Country: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia

Kandy Clock Tower

The Kandy Clock Tower is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is a historically significant monument that has served as a central point of reference for locals and visitors for decades. This tower, with its unique architectural style and prominent location, reflects the colonial and cultural heritage of the city.

Overview

  • Location: At the intersection of Colombo Street and Hill Street in central Kandy, close to the main bus station and Kandy railway station.
  • Built in: 1950s.
  • Commissioned by: Haji Mohamed Ismail, a local philanthropist and businessman.
  • Purpose: Constructed as a memorial to honor the benefactor’s father, Haji Mohamed Ismail, who was a respected figure in the local community.

Key Features

Architecture:

  • The tower features a simple yet elegant design with a blend of modernist and colonial influences.
  • Constructed with plastered masonry, it has a square base tapering upward.
  • The clock face is located near the top of the structure and is visible from various parts of the city center.

Clock Mechanism:

  • The clock is a traditional mechanical timepiece that has been functioning for decades, requiring occasional maintenance.
  • The tower has four clock faces, allowing it to be read from all directions.

Central Location:

  • Situated at a busy intersection, the tower serves as a meeting point for locals and travelers.
  • Its proximity to key landmarks like the Kandy City Center, Kandy Railway Station, and the main bus stand makes it a well-known spot in the city.

Historical Significance:

  • The clock tower was built not only as a timekeeping structure but also as a memorial to honor the philanthropist’s father, reflecting a personal connection to the community.

Cultural and Practical Importance

Symbol of Kandy:

  • Over the years, the Kandy Clock Tower has become a recognizable symbol of the city, often featured in photographs and travel guides.

Navigational Landmark:

  • Its central location makes it a convenient point of orientation for visitors exploring Kandy.

Community Value:

  • It represents the contributions of local philanthropists to the development of Kandy, highlighting the city’s rich cultural and social history.

Nearby Attractions

Kandy Railway Station (200 m):

  • A colonial-era train station with scenic train routes, including the famous Kandy to Ella train ride.

Kandy City Center (300 m):

  • A modern shopping complex offering restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment facilities.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (1 km):

  • One of Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist sites, located within walking distance.

Kandy Lake (900 m):

  • A serene man-made lake ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Bogambara Prison Park (500 m):

  • The site of the former Bogambara Prison, now transformed into a public park and cultural venue.

Tips for Visitors

Traffic:

  • The area around the clock tower is often busy with traffic, so visitors should exercise caution when crossing streets.

Photography:

  • The tower is a great subject for photos, particularly during early mornings or evenings when the light is softer.

Accessibility:

  • As it is located in the city center, the clock tower can be easily accessed on foot from most major hotels or transport hubs in Kandy.

Conclusion

The Kandy Clock Tower is more than just a timepiece; it is a part of Kandy’s heritage and serves as a reminder of the city’s history and development. While it may not have the grandeur of some of Kandy’s larger landmarks, its central location and symbolic value make it an integral part of the city’s identity and a must-see spot for anyone exploring the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.


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