Lighthouse Tourism in India

Traditionally serving as navigational aids for seafarers, these iconic structures are now being reimagined as tourism destinations under the Government of India’s developmental vision. This initiative aims to preserve the historical and architectural significance of lighthouses and unlock their potential for economic growth and community empowerment.

Lighthouse tourism involves transforming lighthouses and their surrounding areas into vibrant tourist attractions. These structures, often located in scenic coastal or island settings, offer visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, maritime history, and recreational opportunities.

The Central Government is actively promoting lighthouse tourism as a part of its broader Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Amrit Kaal vision 2047 to enhance India’s cultural heritage and maritime legacy.

By developing these sites, the government seeks to enhance India’s tourism offerings while creating employment opportunities and fostering local economic growth.India’s lighthouses are not merely functional structures but repositories of history and culture. Their potential as tourist destinations stems from several key factors:  Many lighthouses are situated in breathtaking locations along India’s coastline or remote islands, offering panoramic sea views. Some lighthouses date back centuries and are near UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu or other prominent cultural landmarks. Recognising this potential, the government has identified lighthouse tourism as a priority area for development. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of enhancing India’s global appeal as a travel destination while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

In February 2024, PM Shri Narendra Modi dedicated 75 Lighthouses with tourist facilities in 10 states & UTs.

With an investment of ₹60 crore, these 75 iconic lighthouses have been developed. Each lighthouse has become a beacon of both heritage and recreation, with modern amenities such as museums, amphitheaters, children’s parks, and more. In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, these 75 dedicated lighthouses attracted an impressive 16 lakh visitors, a rise of more than 400% footfall of tourists from 4 lakhs in 2014. As of September 2024, the current fiscal year 2024-25 has already welcomed more than 10 lakh visitors. More than 500,000 tourists visited the Lighthouses between April and June, 2024, validating the vision of transforming these iconic maritime structures into vibrant tourists hotspots as envisioned by PM Narendra Modi.

These developments have also resulted in job creation, with 150 direct and 500 indirect employment opportunities emerging in nearby hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation services, and local shops and artisans…Lighthouse tourism exemplifies the harmonious blend of heritage conservation and modern tourism development, transforming these iconic maritime landmarks into thriving tourist destinations. By preserving India’s rich maritime history while unlocking new economic opportunities, this initiative fosters both community empowerment and sustainable growth…These revitalized sites offer visitors a unique experience that combines history, adventure, and the breathtaking beauty of India’s coastline. Over 9 lakh tourists visited lighthouses in the first half of the current fiscal, and it is evident, that the growing trend of lighthouses as tourists hotspots to continue.

As hubs of cultural and historical significance, lighthouses also serve as platforms for showcasing local crafts, cuisine, and traditions, further enriching the visitor experience. With continued efforts and innovation, lighthouse tourism not only preserves the past but also illuminates a bright future for India’s coastal regions.