India being a peninsula naturally boasts of many lighthouses. To feast your eyes on miles of sea and experience stunning views and staggering sea breeze, you have to plan a lighthouse tour. Many of the lighthouses are open for public during the day. A list is run here:
9 Lighthouses of Peninsula India
Madras Lighthouse:
Reconstructed by the East Coast Constructions in 1976, the Madras Lighthouse on Marina Beach also runs the meteorological department. It is open to visitors from 2013 and is the only lighthouse in India and one of the few in the world to have an elevator.
Manapad Lighthouse:
Tucked away in the fishing village of Manapad in Tamil Nadu, the Manapad Lighthouse is a pretty vision in red and white. It is situated close to Holy Cross Church where a fragment from the True Cross of Jerusalem is believed to be present. You can enjoy moments of quiet and lovely views from this lighthouse.
Mahabalipuram Lighthouse:
The circular masonry tower, Mahabalipuram lighthouse has been open to tourists since 2011 to look out at the spellbinding Bay of Bengal Sea. It stands next to the oldest lighthouse of India built by the Pallavas around 640 AD which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pamban Lighthouse:
One of the two lighthouses in Rameshwaram, the Pamban Lighthouse is a black and white striped monument with a bright red top. It is located on the Pambam Island. Encircled with greenery, the lighthouse offers fabulous views of the ocean.
Vizhinjam Lighthouse:
The beach in Kovalam earns its name Lighthouse Beach from this candy striped structure. Called Vizhinjam Lighthouse it is an ancient lighthouse on Kurumkal Hill overlooking rocky terrains, lush greenery and the waves of the Arabian Sea.
Kaup Lighthouse:
Located in Kaup, a small village near Udupi, the Kaup Lighthouse was built in 1901. You can climb up the winding staircase wondering at the marvellous architecture and be greeted by the stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding landscapes.
Aguada Fort/ Lighthouse:
The Aguada Fort in Goa doubles up as a lighthouse. Built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the monument holds the lighthouse in its upper segment but is now in disrepair. Still tourists can have their fill of stunning views of the Sinquerim Beach and the Arabian Sea from the top of the fort.
Dwarka Lighthouse:
Located around four kilometres from Dwarka town, the Dwarka Lighthouse is in Rupen Creek. The lighthouse is an uncharacteristic cubical structure with black and white stripes. The captivating panoramic views of Arabian Sea and Dwarka from top make it a must visit.
Minicoy Island Lighthouse:
Built in 1885, this is one of the oldest lighthouses on Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep. It stands at 300 feet and knocks the wind off the tourists with its mesmerizing views. The island can be visited only by Indians.
Do not miss out on these tall monuments whenever you are in coastal India.