Hussainabad Clock Tower: India’s Tallest Clock Tower (200+ ft)

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Misfit Wanderers

8 min readOct 14, 2018

Are you aware of the tallest clock tower in India? Although there are many historical buildings in the capital of Uttar Pradesh and the city of Nawabs, Lucknow, there is also a building that has the distinction of being India’s tallest clock tower.

Yes. We are talking about the Hussainabad Clock Tower located in the Hussainabad area of Lucknow. So if you have come to India and did not mix yourself in the Nawabi colors of Lucknow, you are really missing a lot. This amazing heritage of Lucknow will mesmerize you with its architectural beauty, surely.

Lucknow, the city of Nawabs holds a marvelous heritage and much architectural beauty such as Husainabad Clock Tower, that will totally leave you spellbound.

Today, let’s explore how the Hussainabad Clock Tower aka India’s Tallest Clock Tower.

The History Behind Hussainabad Clock Tower

The city of Lucknow attracts many tourists due to its heritage and historical architecture. Hussainabad Clock Tower is one of them a masterpiece.

This skyscraper was built in 1881 by the Hussainabad Trust. It was built to welcome the first Lieutenant Governor of Awadh, George Cooper. The entire building was designed by Mr. R.R. Bayne of Calcutta. Its construction started during the period of Mohammad Ali Shah, the third king of Awadh.

This building was also affected in the flood of September 1893, due to flood, some part of it was submerged. Since then, this building has remained an identity of the city, defeating every weather and every disaster.

Where in Lucknow?

Entitled as the ‘ Tallest Clock Tower of India’, Husainabad Clock Tower is really worth a visit. It is situated approximately 4.8 km away from the city center (Hazratganj) in the old Lucknow.

It is a true replica of Big Ben Clock Tower of London and also known as Ghanta Ghar in the local language. The famous Rumi Gate (Turkish Gate) is adjacent to this clock tower.

Recommended: More About Rumi Gate

Importing Watch from London

It was built on the basis of London-based Big Ben. It has a length of 221 feet and a width of 20 feet below and is square in shape. It is a fine specimen of Victorian and Gothic styles. At that time, its construction cost was about 1.75 lakhs. The clocks in it were sourced from London’s Ludgate, which was built by the then-renowned company JW Benson Watches.

The needle in this clock tower is made of gunmetal. Its pendulum is 14 feet long and one and a half inches thick. There are bells in the shape of flower petals which rings every hour.

Bad Times for the Clock

In 1984, the watch stopped working. From then until 2010, the clock remained in a closed state. The local administration proposed to replace it with an electric watch.

But then two citizens of Lucknow, Paritosh Chauhan, and Akhilesh Aggarwal obtained permission from the Hussainabad Trust and started the clock repair of the clock tower.

They believed that it was necessary to uphold the old glory and grandeur of the Clock Tower. After two years of hard work, both of them were able to revive the clock. This bell has seen many legacies and generations.

How To Reach Hussainabad Clock Tower?

To reach the Hussainabad Clock Tower, first, let us tell you how can you reach Lucknow.

By Rail

The main stations of Lucknow are Lucknow Junction, Badshahnagar, Gomtinagar. All the stations are connected to all parts of the country. You can reach here easily from any corner of the country. From the station, you can take taxis (Ola, Uber, Rapido) as well as auto, local bus. Metro trains are also available on some routes.

By Air

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Amausi Airport) is the only airport in Lucknow, which is connected to all parts of the country. From the airport, you can reach here easily with the help of the metro train, bus, auto, taxi, etc.

By Road

The distance of Lucknow is 500 km from the country’s capital Delhi. The city is well connected to other cities by a national highway.

Once you’re in the city, you can easily reach India’s tallest clock tower. Here are some well known and best ways for getting here:

From Railway Station (Charbagh)

Take an auto to Aminabad. Then take an auto/tempo to Chowk. From Chowk, walk by yourself (approximately 1.5 km) or take an e-rickshaw/auto as per the availability.

From Airport

Take an auto/cab or board the airport metro station. Reach the Charbagh Metro station. Rest as above.

From City Center (Hazratganj)

Direct auto is available till Chowk.

Other ways

Uber and Ola are operated in the whole city. Private taxi/cabs can be hired too but can cost you much more.

Things to Note Before Going

It is very nice in the evening around here, you can go for a walk with family and children or solo.
There are lots of street food, shops, etc are located nearby, where you can enjoy the local flavors.
Parking is also available at the back near Picture Gallery.
Take special care of your things, beware of pickpockets.
This is a legacy, so you are requested to help keep it clean.
Children can enjoy camel safaris and toys.
Sit on benches lying nearby, enjoy the beautiful evening and admire your heritage.
There is an option to walk around. The fresh breeze of the evening will erase all your fatigue.
Nearby, there is Satkhanda (seven-storey historic building) and Picture Gallery which can be visited too.
It would be a memorable moment to see the sun sinking here in the evening. The blush of the setting sun will fascinate you.
500 meters away is Kudia Ghat, where you can also enjoy boating.
There is no entry fee or ticket to roam here.

Our Experience: Tourist in My Own City

We went by our own scooter. Packing essentials in our sturdy Quechua backpack, passing through the Chowk of Lucknow, we reached the tower in the evening. There was a general ‘Lucknawi’ rush in the area. Horse carts, camel safaris, street food vendors and the setting sun had made a perfect moment for us.

We had to park our scooter at the backside of the tower near a food truck. We moved ahead, the buzz of people hanging out with their friends could now be heard.

Kids were playing sports and parents can be seen guarding them. We saw some kids relishing the Gol Gappa. One must never forget to try out the enticing taste of street foods here.

As we moved forward, there stood the tallest clock tower of India, in its all glory. On the left side of it, the ending sun had spilled the orangish tint all over the sky. Consequently, the clock tower perfectly blended into the sight along with the sunset.

Upon reaching here, one can feel the history ongoing around. The tower, as if, tells a story of the men who built it. If you hear more fervently, the neighs of horses can be heard from the road. You can sit and admire the historical architecture for hours if you are really into it.

Why we are not aware?

There is a man-made pond near Hussainabad Clock Tower. Cleanliness was a negative point when we got here. Litter can be seen floating the pond. This really made me disappointed.

We should understand a government can not do much if we do not incorporate and help to achieve the mission of clean India.

An appeal: Please do not throw litter here and there. Use dustbins and if you can’t find one, take the garbage with you and throw it when you see a dustbin around. Doing your little bit can make India clean and green.

Things to Do Nearby India’s Tallest Clock Tower

Most noteworthy, adjacent to the clock tower sits the Picture Gallery which features portraits of regional leaders (Nawabs and Kings) in traditional dresses. One can take a look if they are into visual arts and paintings.

About 100 meters in front of the clock tower, there’s a watchtower popularly known as ‘Satkhanda’ (aka Naukhanda). You can go here if you want to take wider photographs of the Husainabad Clock Tower.

Final Words

If you are into history, architecture and generally pleased to see symmetric buildings, you must visit this. From my personal experience, I’d say this is a good spot to click some great photographs and spend a good evening. If you are Lucknowite, you can hang out with your friends and family.

If you are a traveler to Lucknow and want us to show you our beautiful city, you can request us to do so.

STOP. Wait for a second, why ain’t you write your thoughts in the comment box below? I’d love to hear them all.

Originally published at https://misfitwanderers.com on October 14, 2018.