New Light House in Pondicherry was built in 1979, and the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, Chennai, controlled it. New Light House is located in Dubrayapet on the way to Pondy Marina, just 2 km from the White town.
The purpose of the Lighthouse is to guide the ships to mark dangerous coastlines and hazardous rocks or inform the vessels that it is safe entries to harbours. Lighthouse usage is in decline due to high maintenance and the latest technologies, which give better navigational systems.
Old Lighthouse was located on the Promenade beach (just opp. to Gandhi statue) and was built in Feb 1936. The height of the old Lighthouse was 29 meters.
History
Till 1782, lighting was generated using wood pyres or by burning coal. Later, Argand Lamp invented a smokeless flame that gave steady light. In 1784, in association with Argand, Matthew Boulton developed the lamp, which became a standard for lighthouses for over a century. Electrification and automatic lamp changers lead to less maintenance for lighthouse keepers.
New Light House, Pondicherry
New Light House in Pondicherry has become a tourist attraction over the years, considering that in mind; the Pondicherry government has renovated the light House recently. It was closed during covid times and is now open to the public from Feb 2023.
48-metre tall new Light House is painted, Black and White. You need to climb the stairs to reach the top of the Lighthouse. There is no lift available. So, aged people can find it difficult to climb it. Stairs are designed in a hexagonal shape. From the top, you can see a beautiful panoramic view of Pondicherry.
Entry Ticket:
Children: Rs.5 (3 to 12 years)
Adult: Rs.10
Camera: Rs.20
Video Camera: Rs.25
Foreigners: Rs.25
Timings/Visiting Hours: 2.00 Pm to 5.00 Pm
Note: Open on all days (Except on Mondays)
How to Reach: There is no public transport available. Use your vehicle or hire auto rickshaws to reach the new Lighthouse.
Nearby Attractions: Pondy Marina, White Town, Kayaking, Boating in Mangroves etc
