Mamallapuram Light House, Mahabalipuram - Timings, Entry Fee, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 500 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Mamallapuram Lighthouse is perched majestically along the coastline of Mahabalipuram. It is one of the must visit places as part of the Mahabalipuram heritage tour.

Erected in the 19th century, the Mamallapuram Lighthouse serves as a testament to the Tamil Nadu's maritime history. This lighthouse features a circular masonry tower constructed from natural stone and has been operational since 1904. It opened to the public in 2011, having been closed in 2001 due to concerns regarding security from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

The lighthouse's circular masonry tower, built from natural stones, offers visitors breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal from its observation deck, making it an ideal location for photography enthusiasts and nature admirers. The vicinity is adorned with ancient rock carvings and temples, highlighting the region's rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Adjacent to this contemporary structure is India's oldest lighthouse, constructed around 640 CE by the Pallava king Mahendra Varman I. Mahabalipuram was a thriving port under the Pallavas as early as the 7th century CE, where bonfires were lit on rocks to assist mariners. The first conventional lighthouse was established in May 1887, featuring a wick lamp housed within a 4th order optic and lantern atop the Olakkaneeswar temple. This site is part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

Timings: 10 AM - 12.30 PM & 2 PM - 4.45 PM

Entry: Rs. 10 for Adults, Rs. 25 for Foreigner & Rs. 20 for Camera