Jaigad Lighthouse

Jaigad Lighthouse is a historic cast iron lighthouse situated on the western bastion of Jaigad Fort in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Built in 1932 by British contractors, it guides maritime traffic between Dabhol and Ratnagiri along the Konkan coast. The lighthouse stands on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Shastri River and Arabian Sea. It is notable for its prefabricated steel construction and remains an operational navigational aid maintained by the Government of India.

Visitors can explore the lighthouse compound and climb to the top during the restricted visiting window to view the rotating mechanism and panoramic vistas of the Arabian Sea and Jaigad Creek. The site features a small garden and is located within the historic Jaigad Fort premises. Access to the tower interior is limited to one hour daily, while the surrounding fort area offers coastal views and historical structures.

The present cast iron tower was erected in 1932 under supervision of John Oswald, Chief Inspector of Lighthouses, with equipment supplied by BBT Paris and erected by Chance Bros Birmingham. A fixed light was first exhibited from the fort bastion in 1896 before being relocated to the current headland position in 1899. The lighthouse has served as a critical navigational aid for vessels traveling between Bombay and Goa since the colonial era.