The Story Behind the Tower
The Hussainabad Clock Tower was raised in 1881 by the Hussainabad Trust to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, the first Lieutenant-Governor of the North-Western Provinces and Chief Commissioner of Oudh. It went up at a point when the Nawabi capital was passing into British administration, and it reads as a marker of that shift.
Set beside the Rumi Darwaza and the Hussainabad Imambara, it was meant as a civic gift to the city rather than a private monument. Today, it stands as a lasting symbol of Lucknow's layered history, where Nawabi grandeur and colonial influence come together in a single architectural landscape.
Set beside the Rumi Darwaza and the Hussainabad Imambara, it was meant as a civic gift to the city rather than a private monument. Today, it stands as a lasting symbol of Lucknow's layered history, where Nawabi grandeur and colonial influence come together in a single architectural landscape.
Gothic Design and the Clock Mechanism
At 67 m, this is the tallest clock tower in India, designed by Richard Roskell Bayne in the Victorian and Gothic styles and built as a working replica of the clock tower that houses London's Big Ben.
- Height: Roughly 67 m, in red brick with tall spires and scimitar-shaped hands
- Clock parts: Cast in gunmetal, a hard-wearing alloy rarely used at this scale
- Pendulum: About 14 ft long, among the longest used in a public clock of its era
- Dial: Shaped like a 12-petalled flower, a detail best seen up close
The original mechanism was hand-wound and built to run with little maintenance. After years of silence, the clock was repaired and brought back to working order around 2010.
What to Expect on a Visit: Evening Light and Photography
The Hussainabad Clock Tower is at its most captivating during the golden hour, when the warm evening light accentuates its red-and-cream facade, and the monument gradually comes alive under soft illumination. As the sun sets, the surrounding Hussainabad heritage precinct becomes livelier, with local vendors, visitors, and photographers adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
While the area around the tower is generally accessible, the structure itself is often barricaded, so most visitors admire and photograph it from the outside. Pair the visit with the nearby Imambaras and the Satkhanda watchtower to make an evening of it.
While the area around the tower is generally accessible, the structure itself is often barricaded, so most visitors admire and photograph it from the outside. Pair the visit with the nearby Imambaras and the Satkhanda watchtower to make an evening of it.
Planning Your Visit to the Clock Tower Hussainabad Lucknow
NA stop here takes about 30 to 45 minutes and slots easily into a heritage circuit of the old city.
- Timings: A roadside landmark, viewable at any hour; the surrounding heritage sites keep daytime hours, around 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry: No ticket; the tower is free to visit
- Best time: Late afternoon into the evening, for the light and the atmosphere
- Getting there: A short drive from Hazratganj, in the Hussainabad area of the old city
To make the most of your visit, plan a leisurely walk through the Hussainabad, where the Rumi Darwaza and the Imambaras are all just a few minutes away. Together, they offer one of the most rewarding heritage experiences in Lucknow.
Heritage Sites near the Clock Tower
The tower sits at the centre of the Hussainabad heritage zone, so the best of the old city is within easy reach.
- Rumi Darwaza: The 60 ft gateway from 1784, a short walk away
- Bara Imambara: The Asaf-ud-Daula complex with the Bhul Bhulaiya maze
- Chota Imambara: Known for its chandeliers and gilded interiors
- Hussainabad bazaars: Lanes of fruit, food, and craft stalls around the base
For more on the gateway next door, read our guide to the Rumi Darwaza and see our full list of places to see in Lucknow to plan the rest of your day.
Where to Stay: Clarks Avadh near Lucknow's Heritage Circuit
If you're planning to explore Lucknow's timeless landmarks, make your stay just as memorable at Clarks Avadh. As Lucknow's first and oldest 5-star hotel, it blends classic elegance with warm hospitality, offering refined accommodation in the heart of Hazratganj. Its central location ensures that the city's celebrated heritage sites are always within easy reach, allowing you to experience more of Lucknow with ease.
After a day spent admiring the grandeur of the Clock Tower, Hussainabad, Lucknow, and the city's historic streets, retreat to sophisticated interiors, impeccable service, and thoughtful comforts. Savour an evening at the rooftop restaurant, unwind by the pool, and discover why Clarks Avadh remains one of the city's most distinguished addresses for travellers seeking a luxurious stay.