Dondra Head Lighthouse, Lighthouse at Dondra Head, Sri Lanka

Dondra Head Lighthouse is a white brick tower with a distinctive octagonal shape standing at Sri Lanka's southernmost tip. The structure rises approximately 49 meters and features a yellow lantern room that commands views across the surrounding coastline.

Construction began in November 1887 under James Nicholas Douglass, with materials shipped from England and granite sourced from Scotland. The project improved maritime safety along one of Asia's most treacherous shipping routes.

The name Dondra comes from Devinuwara, meaning City of Gods in Sinhala, showing how important this coastal area has always been spiritually. This heritage shapes how locals and visitors understand the place today.

The tower stands about 6 km southeast of Matara, near Dondra village, and is reached by a road lined with coconut palms. Visitors climb 196 steps through seven floors to the top; the site is maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, so check local access before setting out.

The rotating Hyperradiant Fresnel lens, made by Chance Brothers of England, was removed in 2020 and replaced by a static flashing LED light, which cut the tower's visibility range considerably. Only four such lenses were used in Sri Lankan lighthouses.