Khan Clock Tower, Clock tower at Pettah Market entrance, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The Khan Clock Tower rises four stories on a landscaped roundabout, serving as the entrance marker to Pettah's commercial district. The clock faces are visible from multiple directions throughout the busy market area.
The structure was built in 1923 as a memorial by two brothers to honor their father, a respected merchant from Bombay. This construction took place as the city was becoming an important trade hub.
Indian merchants from Bombay played a key role in shaping this commercial area during the early 1900s. The tower reflects how these business families left their mark on Colombo's trading landscape.
This structure serves as a primary reference point for navigating the market district from multiple angles. Visitors should be aware of traffic around the roundabout, as it is a central intersection in the area.
An original water fountain built into the tower's base has been preserved but no longer operates since its initial installation. This feature reveals the builders' intention to make the space functional for both commerce and public refreshment.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
