Dondra Head Lighthouse

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Dondra Head Lighthouse, Coastal lighthouse in Dondra Head, Sri Lanka.

The white brick tower with yellow windows rises 49 meters high, featuring an octagonal shape and a steel lantern at the southern point of Sri Lanka.

Construction of the lighthouse began in November 1887 under the supervision of James Nicholas Douglass, using materials imported from England and granite from Scotland.

The name Dondra derives from Devinuwara, which translates to City of Gods in Sinhala, reflecting the religious significance of this coastal region.

The lighthouse operates daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, requiring special permission obtained one month in advance to access the balcony for ocean views.

The structure contains 196 steps across seven floors, originally equipped with the largest Hyperradiant Fresnel lenses used in any lighthouse of that period.

Inception: 1890

Architects: James Nicholas Douglass

GPS coordinates: 5.92111,80.59389

Latest update: March 30, 2025 05:59

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