Garden Reach Clock Tower

Garden Reach Clock Tower, also known as the Lake Town Clock Tower, is not only the pride of Lake Town, Kolkata but has also recently become one of the most visited places in the town. You can also understand this through the selfie trends going on in front of the clock tower almost every day. Before the clock tower was built, there used to be a huge garbage can at this spot. However, there is a spectacular clock tower now for tourists to enjoy.
This might not be a great tourist attraction but is one of the mentionable places of Kolkata. Inaugurated in this year 2021 (by Kolkata’s Ex. Mayor Janab Firhad Hakim), this place has gradually become one of the landmark spots in this area. Built up like the ‘Big Ben’ clock, this place is a significant one in Kolkata as it depicts the Royalty. It is another good example of the transformation from Calcutta into London. It is modeled after the ‘Big Ben’ clock tower situated in London.

Attraction

Clock towers are a tower that has a clock that shows time to the people around. Garden Reach Clock Tower is no different. This one is made up of iron and steel and then painted with a golden color. It is a landmark and there are a few places that identify the locale as well. The clock tower is an additional decoration which is a tourist place too.
The clock looks like the Big Ben clock of London. The clock receives a surprised reaction from the tourists. It works as a one-stop destination. Most people cannot visit London, but certainly, they can enjoy the beauty of the clock tower. The nearby residents as well as the tourists come here to spend some time here.

Inside/Outside Views

The tower is 135 feet tall and the clock is quite small compared to a tower. The lights of the tower make it great. Currently, it is used for a landmark purpose only. However, the space is so small that the buildings block the space from the viewpoint. So, it’s only to show what the Big Ben Tower of London looks like.

Located at the airport-Ultadanga midway, near Lake town-VIP road crossing, the clock tower is just a replica of the original. However, the monument looks very beautiful and a loud sound can be heard each hour. Besides, coming from the airport towards Ultadanga (via VIP road), anyone can see the monument quite easily, even sitting in a car. The Poush mela (also known as winter mela) is arranged nearby from December to January. And also the Xmas and the new year decoration is enjoyed here with fancy lighting. A huge Santa Claus is displayed too. And, walking through the road feels heavenly under glitzy shimmering lights during Xmas and new year’s Eve.

How to Reach

By road: It is situated in Kolkata’s ‘Garden Reach’ area. From the busy area of Kolkata, Garden Reach Clock Tower is only 11 km away. Kolkata is well connected with other major cities like Siliguri, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, etc. of the country. And from Kolkata city, you will get local transport to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport’ (which is an international one), is almost 28 kilometers away from this area which is in Dum Dum, Kolkata. You can visit this place from outside of India. Apart from that, there are airports in Delhi, Mumbai, or Lucknow with direct flights to Kolkata. From the airport, you can easily get local transport to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from the Garden Reach Clock Tower is only 12.5 km away at the ‘Sealdah Station’. This station is well connected with major areas of the country. From the station, you will get local transport so that you can reach the site.

Tips for Travellers

Please wear suitable and comfortable clothes according to both culture and seasons.
Don’t forget to follow the code of conduct.
If you are visiting Kolkata for the first time, try to visit in a group for safety purposes.
Please stay away from total strangers.
Great place to visit on 25th Dec and 31st December.
The clock doesn’t always show the proper time.

FAQ