Mahabalipuram Lighthouse, Stone lighthouse in Mahabalipuram, India
Mahabalipuram Lighthouse is a round stone tower on the Tamil Nadu coast, about 26 meters tall, topped with a red dome. It stands on a rocky outcrop at the edge of the historic town, close to the Pallava-era temples and carvings.
The first light at this location was placed on the roof of a nearby temple in 1887, as no better structure was available at the time. The current stone tower was built in 1904 to replace that temporary arrangement.
The lighthouse stands among the rock-cut temples and carvings of Mahabalipuram, one of the most visited sites for ancient stone craftsmanship in South India. From the top platform, visitors can look out over both the ocean and the temple compounds below, making the two worlds feel very close to each other.
The tower is open during set hours and visitors climb narrow wooden steps in small groups to reach the observation platform at the top. Sturdy shoes are a good idea, as the rocky ground around the entrance can be uneven.
Standing just beside the 1904 tower is an older structure from the 7th century, used as a beacon for sailors and attributed to Pallava king Mahendravarman I. It is considered the oldest surviving lighthouse structure in India and is now protected as a monument.
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