The Cantonment Church Tower is a church tower that was formerly part of St. James' Church, a former Anglican church, located in Karnal city of Haryana, India. The 35-metre tower was built as an addition to the former church that was founded in 1806, and is now an historical religious shrine in Karnal.
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A Charming Glimpse into Karnal’s Colonial Heritage
"Visiting the Cantonment Church Tower in Karnal was such a rewarding experience! Standing proudly at about 35 meters tall, this iconic four-storey landmark was originally part of St. James’ Church, built in 1806 to cater to the British cantonment stationed in Karnal . Despite the church being dismantled in 1841 when the cantonment moved to Ambala, the tower remained intact—largely thanks to public support .
Architecturally, the tower features Etruscan pilasters on the first level, a semi-circular dome with Roman-style arches on the top, and is plastered with lime adorned with elegant paneling . It’s still topped by an ornamental cross and can be spotted from as far as 7 km away .
The site also holds a solemn reminder of Karnal’s past—a cemetery beside the tower that contains the graves of European soldiers and their families who succumbed to malaria in the early 19th century . One notable grave nearby was that of General George Anson, Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces, who died around the time of the 1857 uprising .
What impressed me most was how well the site is being preserved. With support from the ASI and the Smart City initiative, the area is getting thoughtfully beautified—pathways, lighting, seating, and informative signage are all being added for visitors’ comfort and understanding .
Overall, this tower is not just a striking architectural relic—it’s a poignant symbol of history, resilience, and community remembrance. A must-visit for anyone...
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A hidden gem in Karnal that history enthusiasts shouldn’t miss! ✨
History Lesson: The tower dates back to the British era when a church was built here to spread Christianity during the growth of Sikhism. Many soldiers and officers were buried near the church. When the cantonment moved to Ambala, the church was relocated, leaving this tower as a historical reminder.
Entry & Timings:
🆓 Free entry
🕘 Visiting hours: 9 AM - 5 PM
🚫 No guard on site
What to See:
Take a walk around the tower to appreciate its European-style architecture. The structure is old but still stands strong.
Don’t miss the nearby cemetery, which adds a touch of historical intrigue.
The site is well-maintained by the Archaeological Department, making it a great spot to explore some...
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The Cantonment Church Tower is a church tower. It has been declared as a historical monument by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage. It was the tower of St. James' Church, Karnal, dedicated to St. James, one of disciples of Jesus Christ. The tower is 35m tall, and is surmounted by an ornamental cross. With the establishment of British cantonment at Karnal, St. James' Church was constructed in AD 1806 by the British. In 1841, when the cantonment was shifted to Ambala, the church was dismantled, but the tower was allowed to stay as it had been built out of the subscriptions of the public who objected to its dismantlement. As it's an historical monument, it's a nice place to visit. It's clean. Plus, I loved the...
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