Nice view up there. Elevator services are available.
Brief history
The Chennai Lighthouse, an iconic maritime structure, has played a crucial role in India's coastal history. Its history dates back to 1796 when the British East India Company decided to establish a navigational aid to guide ships into the Madras Harbor.
The original lighthouse was a masonry tower, standing 65 feet tall, and equipped with an oil lamp that emitted a fixed light. In 1977, the lighthouse was upgraded with a rotating optic, increasing its visibility range and making it more efficient in guiding ships.
Over the years, the Chennai Lighthouse underwent multiple renovations and technological advancements. It continued to serve as a vital beacon for sailors and a point of reference for navigators. During World War II, it played a strategic role in assisting vessels and monitoring coastal activities.
The lighthouse's current structure, standing at 150 feet, was constructed in 1976. It is equipped with modern equipment, including a powerful electric lamp and an automated mechanism for rotating the optic. The distinctive red and white stripes of the tower make it a recognizable landmark along the Marina Beach.
Today, the Chennai Lighthouse stands as a symbol of maritime heritage and a testament to the city's seafaring legacy. It remains an essential part of the coastal infrastructure, guiding ships safely into the Chennai Harbor.
Chennai Lighthouse is a captivating landmark that offers a mesmerizing view of the city and the Bay of Bengal. The climb to the top is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic scenes, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. The historical significance adds depth to the visit, with well-maintained surroundings.
Whether you're a history buff or just seeking a stunning vista, Chennai Lighthouse is a beacon of charm in the city. Highly recommended for a memorable outing.
Must purchase ticket at the counter: Rs.20/person
Dating back to the 1790s when the British East India Company commissioned the Chennai Lighthouse, it stands proudly almost 50 metres tall overlooking the bay. The lighthouse was initially established as a navigational aid to guide ships safely into the Madras Harbour. Ascending its approximately 270 steps provides a captivating view of the urban landscape flanking the beach on both sides.
It has consistently served as a crucial beacon for sailors, offering guidance and serving as a reference point for navigators. Notably, during World War II, the lighthouse played a strategic role in supporting vessels and monitoring coastal activities.
Nowadays, the lighthouse continues its vital role, guiding ships safely into the bustling Chennai Harbour. Its presence is a reminder of Chennai's rich maritime history and its ongoing connection with the sea.
1) Location: Walking distance from Marina Beach, in the middle of the city, hardly 30-40 mins from the middle of the city or from all the tourist / important places.
2) Attractions: 10 storey high viewpoint of the entire beach and part of the city.
3) Entry Fees: Minimal, 20 rupees for adults, 10 rupees for children. Extra 20 rupees for mobile phone with camera.
5) Overall: Ok types, maybe one time visit.
One of the wonderful experience in the light house.... Standing up in the sky... The light is holiday on Monday, and the regular opening time is 10am - 1pm and 3am - 5:30pm....
The entry charge will be around Rs.20-30...
Don't forget to check out the museum in the light house.... The museum is at the back of the building....
The amazing view from the 9th floor of the city and the Bay of Bengal is purely scenic. Must visit this lighthouse if you are at Marina Beachside. Per head 20rs for entry fee, 5min watching time.
Good one. Can visit if ur by the beach. Entry is 20rs and 5:30pm is closing time. Observatory is in 9th floor and has lift feature. Waiting time would be approx 10mins and u can spend max 5 mins at top.
Pros : Gorgeous view of the shoreline, pleasant experience
Cons : 1. 5mins is max time you can spend at top. After that security would be constantly asking you to move. But the thing is at the entrance the waiting time in approximately 10 minutes. If the time at observatory is more than 5mins, then ur waiting time might get considerably higher. So have to sacrifice something.
2. There is a big grill at the observatory to prevent ppl from jumping or falling. It might feel like a hindrance but it's for safety.
View is epic ! Must visit if ur by the side.
Good views of the city and the beach from the top. May sometimes be slow service because there is only one elevator.
Nice view of Chennai ans sea. Staff posted need to be more supportive and courteous. Recommended for at least one visit.
Chennai lighthouse is a must-visit place for anyone to enjoy the most breathtaking view of the majestic marina beach which is the second largest urban beach in the world. The charge to enter the lighthouse is 20 rupees per adult and 10 for children. Once entered, we are directed to the lift which takes us 9 floors high to reach the top. Then we are required to walk a few steps to reach the top of the lighthouse to reach the panoramic viewpoint. The cool breeze and the cool view just give us chills. They give us a maximum of 15 minutes to enjoy the view. The lighthouse opens at 10:30 and it is recommended to visit it before 11 to avoid the crowd. It's definitely worthy.
Beautiful operational lighthouse located near the Marina beach. You can go to the top after buying a ticket for nominal price. The view from above is amazing, specially if you are there just before sunset. You can see the city all around and view on each side will treat your eyes with its beauty. Just be aware that they do not allow entry after 5:30 pm, so be there before that.
A very nice view of Chennai from this fairly newest built lighthouse in the city. Beautiful to see Chennai during sunset. Be sure to purchase a photo pass if you intend to record and take photos with your camera. A nice vantage point to see the city in a distance as well as the ocean. You can also see a full view of the beaches from here. Well worth the visit when you're visiting for the first time.
Chennai's one of the iconic. View from top is very beautiful for the Sea shore and also the City. Ticket price is just 20₹ and you can spend 15mins. Need to wait if it is crowded.
The place is good. Clean maintenance & lift facility is available to reach 9th floor observation gallery. Official closing time is 5;30 PM, but the management allows visitors till 5:45 PM.
It's one of the lovely experience to go to the top of a light house and experience the 360-degree bird view of our namma singra chennai
As I put it as one on my bucket wishlist, I finally made it happen today. So finally one off my bucket of wish list.
I could not make it in morning, so I reached in evening. I particularly mention the timing of my visit as if you want to have good view of ocean and it's surrounding, it is better to get in morning but if you want to see evening and night life, evening time is perfect. But check weather beforehand. I went on cloudy day so view is not clear enough
The ticket cost 20/ adult Indian so I find it reasonable.
The place is walkable from Lighthouse local train station or public buses ply nearby.
I don't fear height and I'm curious to try out, it's obviously great to me!!
This is one of the iconic place in Chennai. It's beautiful at night to see the lighthouse..But nowadays not sure what happened. Police not allowing anyone to Marina beach . That was not the case earlier
I still see family comes to spend time but they were not allowed. Recently who came to Santhome church for Christmas were trying to visit the beach , but they were not allowed. Not sure with new norms .but i personally hate that they were not allowing public to beach after 9:30 pm
It is a pleasant place in Chennai and every one knows the light house is the main part of our Chennai and it the entrance of Chennai who travel by ship boat orany mode of transport by water
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