Clock Tower
History & Symbolism: Locally known as "Ghanta Ghar," the Clock Tower is the most recognizable landmark of Dehradun: Construction began in 1948 (post-Independence) and it was inaugurated in 1953 by Lal Bahadur Shastri: It was originally named "Balbir Tower": It was built as a symbol of India's newfou nd independence and to commemorate freedom fighters, whose names are inscribed on a golden plate at the top: Architecture & Function: Standing at approximately 85 meters tall, it boasts a unique hexagonal structure with six clock faces (though the clock is often non-functional now): Historically, its bells were audible across the entire valley, serving as the city's timekeeper.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 Hour (for viewing and surrounding market)Place Type:
Landmark & City CenterEntry Fees:
Entry Fee:
None: It is a public landmark in the middle of a traffic circle:
Surrounding Area Cost: The surrounding market area (Paltan Bazaar) is a budget-friendly shopping and eating area, with no entry barri...Entry Fee:
None: It is a public landmark in the middle of a traffic circle:
Surrounding Area Cost: The surrounding market area (Paltan Bazaar) is a budget-friendly shopping and eating area, with no entry barriers:
Photography Fees:
No fees for personal photography: Commercial filming, however, would require municipal permission:
Total Cost: A visit involves only the cost of transport, food, and shopping; it is a virtually free tourist experience.Timing:
Regular Timings: Always Open (24/7) as it is a public square and traffic circle: The best viewing is during daylight and at night when it is illuminated:
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon (4:00 pm onwards) to experience both the bustle of the ...Regular Timings: Always Open (24/7) as it is a public square and traffic circle: The best viewing is during daylight and at night when it is illuminated:
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon (4:00 pm onwards) to experience both the bustle of the markets and the evening illumination: For traffic-free photos, visit very early morning (6:
00 am) Market Hours: The surrounding markets are busiest from 10:00 am to 9:
00 pm:
Best Viewing Time: Night illumination usually starts shortly after sunset.Special Events:
Independence Day/Republic Day Celebrations: The tower is the focus of patriotic celebrations, is brilliantly illuminated, and is a major gathering spot on August 15th and January 26th:
Local Festival Illumination: During major festivals like ...Independence Day/Republic Day Celebrations: The tower is the focus of patriotic celebrations, is brilliantly illuminated, and is a major gathering spot on August 15th and January 26th:
Local Festival Illumination: During major festivals like Diwali and Navratri, the tower and the surrounding market are often decked out in special decorative lighting:
New Year's Eve Gathering: A central point where locals gather briefly to welcome the New Year.Best Photo Spots:
The Illuminated Night Shot: The tower is stunning when floodlit after sunset, offering a dramatic contrast against the night sky:
The Paltan Bazaar Entrance Frame: Framing the tower from the narrow alleyway of Paltan Bazaar gives a sense of t...The Illuminated Night Shot: The tower is stunning when floodlit after sunset, offering a dramatic contrast against the night sky:
The Paltan Bazaar Entrance Frame: Framing the tower from the narrow alleyway of Paltan Bazaar gives a sense of the tower’s dominance over the old city markets:
The Rajpur Road Traffic Circle: Taking a long-exposure shot of the traffic swirling around the hexagonal base at dusk creates a dynamic urban landmark photograph:
Close-up of the Clock Face: Zooming in on one of the six faces provides an artistic detail of the timepiece's design (even if the hands are stopped).Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Shopping in Paltan Bazaar: Explore the vibrant and historic market for clothes, books, local crafts, and electronics:
Street Food Tasting: Sample the famous local street food in the surrounding area, particularly the stalls near the market entrance:
Landmark Photography: Capture the majestic tower from various angles, especially at night when it is illuminated:
People Watching: Since it is the city center, it is an excellent place to sit, observe local life, and experience the cultural pulse of Dehradun:
Orientation Point: Use it as a central reference point for exploring Rajpur Road and the older parts of the city:
Nearby Cinema Hall: Catch a film at one of the adjacent cinema halls, immersing yourse...
Information
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Why Famous:
The City's Center Point: It is the absolute geographical and commercial heart of Dehradun, acting as the starting point for exploration and the main junction for city transport:
Symbol of Independence: Unlike colonial monuments, it was built ...The City's Center Point: It is the absolute geographical and commercial heart of Dehradun, acting as the starting point for exploration and the main junction for city transport:
Symbol of Independence: Unlike colonial monuments, it was built after 1947 to celebrate India's freedom, making it a powerful nationalist symbol:
A Rare Six-Faced Structure: Its hexagonal shape and six clock faces make it architecturally unique among clock towers in India:
The Commercial Hub: It is surrounded by the bustling markets of Paltan Bazaar and the main artery of Rajpur Road, making it the center of city life and commerce. -
Architecture:
Hexagonal Colonial Design: The structure is a unique example of a blend of Colonial architectural elements with a distinctive hexagonal shape, a rarity among Indian clock towers:
Six-Faced Clock: A defining feature is its design with six cloc...Hexagonal Colonial Design: The structure is a unique example of a blend of Colonial architectural elements with a distinctive hexagonal shape, a rarity among Indian clock towers:
Six-Faced Clock: A defining feature is its design with six clock faces (one for each side of the hexagonal structure) Dimension: The tower stands approximately 85 meters (279 feet) tall: The base is a hexagonal plinth of roughly 15-20 feet on each side:
Symbolic Plaque: The historical significance is physically embodied in the golden plaque at the summit, bearing the names of freedom fighters: The design allows it to be a focal point visible from all major roads converging at the center, a key urban planning feature. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED), ~28 KMS away:
Take a taxi to the city center:
By Train: Nearest railhead is Dehradun Railway Station, ~2 KMS away:
Take a rick... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Paltan Bazaar (adjacent) 2. Rajpur Road (Shopping) (adjacent) 3. Dehradun Railway Station (2 KMS) 4. Robber's Cave (Guchhu Pani) (8 KMS) 5. Tapkeshwar Temple (7 KMS) 6. Mindrolling Monastery (7 KMS) 7. Forest Research Institute (FRI) (5 KMS) 8. Sahastradhara (15 KMS) 9. Dehradun Zoo (Malsi Deer Park) (10 KMS) 10. Lachhiwala (18 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be highly vigilant of traffic, as it is a busy junction: Keep valuables secure in the bustling Paltan Bazaar crowds:
Packing: Wear comfortable footwear for exploring the surrounding markets: Carry small change for rickshaws a...
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