About Kodiyakarai Lighthouse
Kodiyakarai Lighthouse, also known as Point Calimere Lighthouse, is a coastal lighthouse located at Point Calimere in Kodiyakarai, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. Situated near the Palk Strait and the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, it serves as an important navigational aid. The present 45-metre reinforced concrete tower is notable for its distinctive black and white bands and offers panoramic views of the coastline, forests and sea.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a tall, black-and-white banded lighthouse tower located on a flat coastal plain near the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary and beach. The site includes the lighthouse tower with a lantern room and balcony accessible via internal stairs, surrounding compound, and views of the Bay of Bengal, Palk Strait, mangroves and sanctuary forest. The area is quiet and natural, with opportunities for sightseeing and photography of the coastal landscape and nearby wildlife sanctuary surroundings.
Key highlights
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45-metre tall coastal lighthouse with distinctive black and white horizontal bands
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Panoramic views of Palk Strait, Bay of Bengal and Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary from the balcony
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Located at Point Calimere, the southeastern tip of Tamil Nadu coastline
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Proximity to Kodiyakarai Beach and Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
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Active navigational aid maintained by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships
History of Kodiyakarai Lighthouse
A lighthouse at Point Calimere was first established in 1890 to guide vessels navigating the Palk Strait and the Coromandel Coast. The present reinforced concrete tower, about 45-46 metres high, was constructed in the late 20th century and commissioned to replace the older structure, and is maintained by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, Chennai region. It remains an active aid to navigation for coastal shipping.
Culture & Context
The lighthouse is a significant maritime landmark at Point Calimere, a historically important navigational point on the southeast coast of India. It is associated with the coastal fishing and pilgrim town of Vedaranyam and Kodiyakarai, and is a recognized visitor point alongside the nearby wildlife sanctuary and beach.