Views & landmarks
Old Colombo Lighthouse
Old Colombo Lighthouse
Located at the intersection of Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha in the Colombo Fort area, this structure is a historic clock tower. While it originally functioned as a lighthouse, it no longer serves that purpose and now operates solely as a timepiece. Travelers visit this site to see a remnant of the city's maritime history within the commercial district.
Getting There
The tower is situated in the Fort district, which is the central hub of Colombo. Depending on your starting point in the city center, it is accessible via a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride, typically taking 5 to 15 minutes. It is also reachable on foot for those staying in nearby hotels.
Visit Duration
Since the attraction is a street-side landmark rather than a large complex, visitors generally spend 15 to 30 minutes here to observe the architecture and take photographs.
When to Visit
The site is located in a busy business district, so it can be crowded during weekday working hours when commuters and office employees are active. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon avoids the peak midday heat of Sri Lanka.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, the clock tower can be combined with several other nearby sites:
- Currency Museum: 0km
- World Trade Center: 0.3km
- Colombo Lighthouse: 0.3km
- Colombo Port Maritime Museum: 0.4km
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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