Pulicat Lighthouse

Pulicat Lighthouse is a coastal navigation aid located in the historic town of Pulicat in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, near the southern end of Pulicat Lake where it meets the Bay of Bengal. Serving vessels along the Coromandel Coast, the lighthouse is situated in an area known for its Dutch colonial heritage and bird sanctuary. It offers panoramic views of the lake, backwaters, coastline and fishing hamlets, and is visited for sightseeing and photography.

Visitors can expect a functional coastal lighthouse structure near Pulicat Lake and the Bay of Bengal, surrounded by flat coastal terrain, fishing hamlets and backwaters. The site offers views of the lake, lagoon, shoreline and town from the lighthouse gallery when accessible. The area is quiet and scenic, with opportunities for sightseeing, photography and birdwatching. Access to the top is via stairs and may be regulated by staff.

Pulicat was an important port town and Dutch settlement on the Coromandel Coast, with Fort Geldria established in 1613. The lighthouse was developed to aid navigation for vessels approaching the Pulicat Lake mouth and the Bay of Bengal coastline. It continues to serve as a navigational aid under the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.

The lighthouse is part of the cultural landscape of Pulicat, a historic fishing town with Dutch colonial heritage, traditional fishing communities and proximity to Pulicat Lake, which supports seasonal birdlife and local livelihoods.