About Chennai Lighthouse
Chennai Lighthouse is a prominent coastal lighthouse located on Kamarajar Salai facing Marina Beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Commissioned in 1977, it is the fourth lighthouse serving Chennai and stands about 46 metres tall. It is one of the few lighthouses in India with an elevator and a lighthouse museum, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal and the city skyline.
Visitors guide
Visitors can access the lighthouse via elevator and stairs to reach the viewing gallery at the top for panoramic views of Marina Beach, the Bay of Bengal and Chennai city. The premises includes a lighthouse museum displaying historic lamps, optics and equipment. The structure is a tall concrete tower with red and white bands, located on a busy seafront promenade with security and ticket counter at the entrance.
Key highlights
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One of the few lighthouses in India equipped with an elevator to the top
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Panoramic 360-degree views of Marina Beach, Bay of Bengal and Chennai skyline from the viewing gallery
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Lighthouse museum displaying historic lighthouse equipment and optics
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46-metre tall concrete tower with distinctive red and white horizontal bands
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Located directly on Marina Beach promenade, close to other waterfront memorials
History of Chennai Lighthouse
The present Chennai Lighthouse, commissioned on 10 January 1977, is the fourth lighthouse to serve Chennai. The first light was in 1796 atop St. George's Cathedral area, followed by lights in Fort St. George (1844) and the Madras High Court dome (1894). The current 46-metre concrete tower was built to meet modern navigational needs and houses advanced optical equipment.
Culture & Context
The lighthouse is an iconic landmark on Marina Beach and a symbol of Chennai's maritime heritage. It is a popular visitor attraction and a recognizable feature of the city's seafront promenade.
Route
| By air | Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the nearest airport, connected to the city centre by road and metro |
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