Aberdeen Clock Tower

Updated September 12, 2025

Description

The Aberdeen Clock Tower stands as one of Port Blair’s most recognizable historical landmarks, though honestly, it’s not going to blow you away with its grandeur. Built during the British colonial period to commemorate the Indian and British soldiers who defended the Andaman Islands during World War I, this bright yellow obelisk-shaped structure has become something of a local meeting point and tourist checkpoint.

I’ll be straight with you – this isn’t Big Ben we’re talking about here. The tower is fairly modest in size and sits right in the middle of Aberdeen Bazaar, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of daily market life. What makes it special isn’t its architectural magnificence but rather its historical significance and its role as a central landmark in Port Blair’s geography.

The clock tower features four clock faces, each supposedly representing different time zones, though locals will tell you that’s more of a symbolic gesture than a practical one. The structure itself is simple yet dignified, painted in that distinctive bright yellow that makes it impossible to miss even when you’re navigating through the crowded marketplace around it.

What I find interesting about this place is how it perfectly captures the essence of Port Blair – a blend of colonial history, local commerce, and tourist curiosity all wrapped up in one location. You’ll see families taking photos, travelers using it as a reference point, and locals going about their daily shopping, all converging around this historical marker.

The tower serves as more than just a timepiece or photo opportunity. It’s genuinely useful as a navigation landmark if you’re exploring the city on foot, and the surrounding market area gives you a real taste of local life that you might miss if you stick only to the major tourist attractions.

Key Features

• Four clock faces representing different time zones, adding to its historical charm
• Bright yellow obelisk design that makes it instantly recognizable from a distance
• Strategic location in Aberdeen Bazaar, making it easily accessible for visitors
• Built as a war memorial honoring WWI soldiers, giving it deep historical significance
• Perfect backdrop for photography, especially during golden hour lighting
• Surrounded by active marketplace, offering authentic local shopping experience
• Free to visit and observe, making it budget-friendly for all travelers
• Central meeting point that locals and tourists alike use for navigation
• Early 20th century colonial architecture that reflects British influence
• Kid-friendly location with plenty of space for families to gather safely

Best Time to Visit

The beauty of the Aberdeen Clock Tower is that you can visit it pretty much any time of day, but there are definitely optimal windows that’ll give you the best experience. Early morning, around 7-9 AM, is fantastic if you want to see the local market coming to life without the overwhelming crowds. The light is softer too, which makes for better photographs.

Late afternoon, particularly between 4-6 PM, is another sweet spot. The harsh midday sun has mellowed out, and there’s usually a nice breeze coming in from the sea. Plus, this timing lets you explore the surrounding market stalls when vendors are restocking and the evening crowd hasn’t quite descended yet.

I’d actually recommend avoiding the peak midday hours (11 AM – 2 PM) not because the clock tower itself is any less impressive, but because the surrounding concrete and bustling market can get uncomfortably hot and crowded. And trust me, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the area around it, not just snap a quick photo and leave.

Weather-wise, the best months to visit Port Blair generally are October through March when the humidity is more manageable. But honestly, if you’re already in Port Blair, don’t let the weather dictate whether you see this landmark – it’s right in the city center, so you’ll probably pass by it regardless of your other plans.

Evening visits can be quite atmospheric too, especially when the tower is lit up against the darkening sky. Though I should mention that the surrounding market area can get pretty lively in the evenings, which some travelers love while others find it a bit overwhelming.

How to Get There

Getting to Aberdeen Clock Tower is refreshingly straightforward, mainly because it’s located right in the heart of Port Blair. If you’re staying anywhere in the main city area, you can easily walk there – it’s literally in Aberdeen Bazaar, which is the central commercial district.

From Veer Savarkar International Airport, you’re looking at about a 20-25 minute drive depending on traffic. Most hotels can arrange airport transfers, and you’ll likely pass right by the clock tower on your way into the city center. Auto-rickshaws are abundant and will cost you around ₹150-200 from the airport.

If you’re coming from the Cellular Jail (which most tourists visit), it’s just a pleasant 10-minute walk through the main road. Actually, many people use the clock tower as a reference point when giving directions to the jail, so you’ll probably encounter it naturally during your sightseeing.

Local buses run frequently through Aberdeen Bazaar, though they can get pretty crowded during peak hours. The bus stop is right near the tower, making it convenient if you’re comfortable with local public transport. For first-time visitors though, I’d recommend sticking with auto-rickshaws or pre-arranged transportation until you get your bearings.

The area is well-connected to other major attractions like Marina Park and the local shopping areas. Most travelers find that they can easily combine a visit to the clock tower with other activities in the central Port Blair area without needing separate transportation.

Tips for Visiting

Here’s the thing about visiting Aberdeen Clock Tower – it’s not going to take up your entire afternoon, so plan accordingly. Budget about 30-45 minutes if you want to take photos, explore the immediate surroundings, and maybe do some quick shopping in the nearby market stalls.

Bring a decent camera or make sure your phone is charged because the contrast between the bright yellow tower and the blue sky can create some really striking photos. The best angles are from the corners of the intersection rather than standing directly in front of it.

Since you’ll be in the middle of a busy marketplace, keep your belongings secure. It’s not particularly dangerous, but like any crowded commercial area, it’s smart to be aware of your surroundings. Also, bargaining is expected in the surrounding market stalls, so don’t accept the first price if you decide to shop.

The area can get quite dusty, especially during dry months, so consider this if you have respiratory sensitivities. Comfortable walking shoes are a must since you’ll be navigating through market areas with uneven surfaces.

If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll probably enjoy the bustling atmosphere, but keep them close since the surrounding streets can get busy with local traffic. The tower itself is in a relatively safe area with good visibility.

Don’t expect extensive historical information or guided tours – this is more of a “see it, appreciate it, and move on” kind of attraction. If you’re really interested in the historical details, do some research beforehand or ask locals who are usually happy to share stories.

Finally, combine your visit with other nearby attractions to make the most of your time. The Cellular Jail, Marina Park, and various local eateries are all within walking distance, making it easy to create a nice half-day itinerary in central Port Blair.

Key Highlights

• Key Features
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get There
• Tips for Visiting

Location

Places to Stay Near Aberdeen Clock Tower

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