World by City

Views & landmarks

Kandy Clock Tower

Open in Maps
Kandy Clock Tower

Kandy Clock Tower

The Kandy Clock Tower is a civic landmark located in the center of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Built in 1950 by a merchant as a memorial to his son, the tower serves as a central point of reference within the city's urban layout. Travelers visit this site to see one of the city's most recognizable structures and to orient themselves while exploring the downtown area.

Getting There

The tower is situated in the heart of the city center. If you are staying in central Kandy, it is accessible via a short walk or a quick tuk-tuk ride, typically taking only a few minutes depending on your exact starting point.

Duration of Visit

Since the tower is a street-side landmark rather than a complex or museum, most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes here to view the structure and take photographs.

When to Visit

The area around the tower is a busy transit hub, so it can get crowded with pedestrians and traffic throughout the day. Visiting during the early morning hours may provide a quieter experience. The weather in Kandy is generally temperate, though the rainy season can affect outdoor sightseeing.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, the tower is a convenient starting point for visiting other nearby sites on foot:

  • Wales Park (0.4km)
  • Temple of the Tooth Museum (0.4km)
  • Roman Catholic Diocese of Kandy (0.6km)
  • St. Paul's Church, Kandy (0.6km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Kandy Clock Tower

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Kandy Clock Tower Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Kandy hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Good to visit alongside

Wales Park

Parks & gardens

Wales Park

A small park on a hill in central Kandy, offering sweeping views over Kandy Lake and the town below. It was originally laid out by a Sri Lankan king and later renamed during British rule in honor of the Prince of Wales.

0.4 km away

Temple of the Tooth Museum

Museums & galleries

Temple of the Tooth Museum

A museum housed in the first- and second-floor exhibition spaces of the Temple of the Tooth building. It's a great place to explore artifacts and records related to the temple and learn about the history of Kandy's Temple of the Tooth in depth.

0.4 km away

Roman Catholic Diocese of Kandy

Temples & religious sites

Roman Catholic Diocese of Kandy

This is the Roman Catholic diocese centered on Kandy. As part of the Archdiocese of Colombo, it forms one pillar of Sri Lanka's Catholic faith.

0.6 km away

St. Paul's Church, Kandy

Temples & religious sites

St. Paul's Church, Kandy

An Anglican church located on sacred ground west of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, in Kandy's historic district. It's conveniently paired with a visit to the Temple.

0.6 km away

Asgiri Maha Viharaya

Temples & religious sites

Asgiri Maha Viharaya

A Buddhist temple in Kandy, one of the two chief monasteries responsible for the Sacred Tooth Relic housed at the Temple of the Tooth. It offers a glimpse into one of Sri Lanka's central hubs of Buddhism.

0.7 km away

International Buddhist Museum

Museums & galleries

International Buddhist Museum

The world's first international Buddhist museum, located next to the Temple of the Tooth and the Kandy National Museum. It's housed in a British colonial-era building on the site of the former royal palace, adding to its historical significance.

0.7 km away