About Mahabalipuram Lighthouse:
Mahabalipuram lighthouse is India’s oldest lighthouse. Important to realize, King Pallava made the design and construction. It initially planned to construct in 1887, later in 1904, it was fully operable. Additionally, the 26 Meter lighthouse is visible up to a radius of 54 KM. Especially, Mamallapuram Lighthouse is one of the most visited😎 places by foreign tourists to India.
Timings of Mamallapuram Lighthouse
Timing ⌛
Timing of the Lighthouse: From 10 AM to 12.30 PM and 2 PM -4.45 PM.
Shut on all the pandemic timings such as TSunami, Covid-19 and etc.
Price
Entry fee : Adult – ₹10, Child – ₹5, Foreigner – ₹25 – Camera – ₹20.
Top Things visible 🧐 from Mahabalipuram lighthouse
- In the first Place, Mamallapuram Sea Shore Temple.
- All Monuments of Mahabalipuram
- The entire city of Mahabalipuram.
- Beautiful Sea view up to Kovalam Beach.
- The beauty of ECR and OMR road 🛣️.
- Good spot to take a panoramic view📷.
- The view of Madras Atomic Power Station.
History of Mahabalipuram Lighthouse ⛯
The first light 💡 lit in 1887. The lighthouse is a circular tower with a balcony and lantern built on granite stone. From 1887 the discussion was going to construct the lighthouse and finally built-in 1904. From 1904 to 2011 the lighthouse is only used to guide the mariners⚓. It was closed⚠️ in 2001 following the issue from Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Lighthouse is allowed from 2011 for tourists to explore the marvellous view of the sea and Chennai city. However, In 2020 almost 7 months it is shut by the TN govt as the Covid pandemic was critical.
The Old Mahabalipuram Lighthouse
In the first place, the Olakaneeswara temple called as Old Mahabalipuram Lighthouse. To guide the way for mariners, they have lit the bonfire on top of the Olakaneeswara temple. Notably, the Olakaneeswara temple located on the top of the Mahishasuramardini cave temple. Later in the 18th century, the Sivalingam idol thrown away😞 from its sanctum by some vandals.
In contrast to this story, Sri Kavali Lakshmayya, in his article(Telugu) ‘Description of Pagodas & C. at Mavalivaram’ quoted that if we slashed all the jungle, we might find the Sivalingam. In the final analysis, the bonfire on top of the Olakaneeswara temple decreed out entirely. Given these points, the oil lamp🪔 lit the lighthouse. For further read the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse Book.
Summing-up
- Bring your friends👬 and your love💑 for the most fun.
- First, Visit all the places apart from the lighthouse.
- Once you’ve done exploring all Mahabalipuram except lighthouse, you can step into it.
- Carry the change for the entry fee💸.
- Now, it’s almost 200+ steps to climb inside the lighthouse🧗.
- Once you’ve climbed, Bingo its a charming view.
- We said it last because at last, you can have a full sunset 🌄 view that will make your day complete.
- Are you bringing your kids🧒? Have utmost care for them. It’s risky to climb with kids.
- Try to avoid crowded days such as Pongal, Diwali, Long holidays.
- Parking facility🅿️ is available at the entrance of the Mahabalipuram.
- Visit only in the evening🌃 for the most beautiful moment.
What’s next 🤔?
Here are some of the nearest places to visit.
This definitely is an amazing place to visit. We have also done a video on the same. watch the video – https://youtu.be/bZyX6SBdzrM