Chinnakada Clock Tower Heritage and History in Heart of Kollam

Chinnakada Clock Tower is located in Kollam City in the Indian state of Kerala. It is also known as the Kollam Clock Tower. The tower is quadrangular. The name Chinnakada is derived from China – kada, meaning China bazaar. The tower is quadrangular. This tower helps people to manage their daily routine. The tower is close to Kollam Junction Railway Station. It is one of the busiest junctures in the state. The tower is constructed to reduce traffic congestion in Chinnakada. It acts as a central point in the city. The tower itself serves as a meeting point and a focal point for community gatherings. The tower is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Kollam city.

Attraction

Chinnakada Clock Tower lies in the heart of Kollam, close to Kollam Junction Railway Station. It holds significant cultural value for Kollam which became a central point in the town. The clock is visible and is often a key feature that captures people’s attention. The structure features ornate decoration that reflects the local style and history of Kerala. The tower is a multi-story with the classic clock face at the top. It stands tall with a traditional design that incorporates elements of both colonial and Indian architectural styles. The clock tower stands as an icon of Kollam. People visit here to see its standing views.
At the top of the tower, there is a large mechanism clock system, which operates the visible clock face. The clock tower is an excellent spot for photography, especially during golden hours when the light is soft.
It is a captivating landmark that serves as a vibrant hub in the heart of the city. The area around the Clock Tower is a busy commercial hub, where you can find a variety of shops, local businesses, and shops of local cuisine. From the Chinnakada you can also visit Kollam Port, Rameshwaram Temple, Kollam Beach, Ashtamudi Lake, etc. Which are historical places near to the clock tower.

History

Chinnakada Clock Tower was built in 1944, making an important phase in the development of Kollam. It was built by the indigenous people as a tribute to Unichakam Veedu K G Parameswaran Pillal, a former Kollam Municipal Chairman. The construction of the tower began in 1941 and it was completed three years later. It was made of white portland cement and bricks. The tower contains four clocks facing the four directions of the city. It was brought from Kolkata. The clock mechanism was imported from England. The tower was built to symbolize the glowing urbanization of the area.

During the region of the Travancore kingdom, the clock tower was built with the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and stands at a height of 33 meters. The Clock Tower was Commissioned as a public clock to serve as a point of reference for the people, helping them manage their daily activities. This tower is not just a monument, it is a symbol of the city’s spirit and vitality.

Inside/Outside Views

Chinnakada Clock Tower is a popular point that is surrounded by restaurants, various shops, and local businesses. This scenery gives a vibrant urban setting. It is located in a busy Junction, and the area around the tower is bustling with activity. In the evening the clock tower is illuminated, and the light from the clock face adds to the tower’s charm, making it a prominent feature of the city’s nightscape. From the old bridge of Chinnakada, it can be seen very clearly.
The walls of the tower are decorated. The interior walls of the tower have structural beams, metal support, and other constitutional materials that support the clock mechanism. The tower has 4 clocks facing four directions in the city, each direction has a clock which always shows the accurate time. The bells sound of the clock are heard from considerable distances.

How to Reach

By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the closest airport Which is approximately 63 km away from Kollam. From the airport, you can hire a taxi directly to Chinnakada Clock Tower in Kollam.

By Train: Kollam Railway Station is the nearest station to the tower which is only 1 km away. From the station, you can hire a taxi or an auto to reach the Clock Tower.

By Road: Bus services are available from Kollam to other cities. From Kollam bus stand is easily accessible by foot or vehicles to reach the tower.

FAQ

Que-01: Is it a safe place to visit?

Ans: Yes. But be careful because the area is a bustling commercial hub.

Que-02: Is photography allowed inside the clock tower?

Ans: Yes. Photography is allowed here.

Que-03: When is the best time to visit the Chinnakada clock tower?

Ans: Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and traffic congestion.

Que-04: Which roads are connected to the Chinnakada Clock Tower?

Ans: Chinnakada Clock Tower road is connected to Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Sengottai, Ashramam, Kollam Beach Kollam port, and the City Bus Stand.