Introduction

An iconic landmark of Pondicherry, and one of its most photographed monuments, this 19th century Lighthouse stands pretty on the Red Hills in Gorimedu, about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) west of the town. There is a very interesting story attached with the building of this lighthouse. According to legend, sailors used to find it difficult to navigate the ships to Pondicherry at night. Though there was an arrangement of beacon that kept burning on the Red Hills, there was no signal to guide the ship towards the shore of Pondicherry. Besides, the flame wasn’t enough as it was barely visible from a distance. To resolve this, the mariners formed a committee and requested the government to intervene. Subsequently, Saint Simon, the then Governor of Pondicherry, decided to erect a lighthouse in 1835.

The now forsaken lighthouse perched on the edge of the sea near the Place Du Gouvernement, was lighted for the first time on 1 July 1836, as the arrival of the beacon from France got delayed. This burning flame was placed over a masonry tower, about 29 meters (97 feet) above the sea level, and was visible up to 29 kilometers (18 miles) into the sea. The lighthouse with a round tower and square base took only a few months to be completed at a meager expense of 10,000 Francs. The strength of light was enhanced with six oil lamps and two reflectors. The burning beacon light looked ethereal from a distance, and this sight was not restricted only to night voyagers, the locals too could get a view of it from the top after dropping some money in a box at the entrance of the structure. The lighthouse keeper those days was a Frenchman who was paid 600 Francs a year for lighting it after the last rays of the sun faded in the horizon.

The replacement of the beacon light in 1931 with a revolving lantern notwithstanding, the lighthouse fell into disuse with the commissioning of a new one in 1979. The present structure is also an intriguing one, though it stands abandoned near the Place Du Government. Over the years many additions were made to the building, one such was the round base built to encircle the older square base of the lighthouse. Also, the first floor of the lighthouse was added only in the beginning of the 20th century. Modernization brought about changes in the method of lighting as well, such as the electric lights in 1913 gave way to a more powerful lamp in 1931.

Today the Lighthouse stands on the water’s edge testimony to the architectural excellence of the French in Pondicherry.

Special Attributes

The lighthouse is a classic example of French architecture, and is one of Pondicherry's most photographed monuments.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can take an auto-rickshaw from the city centre of Pondicherry to the 19th century lighthouse.

Enjoyed by

Backpackers

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of Pondicherry. If you are visiting at noon, the sun could be harsh. So, it is advisable to carry sunscreen lotion, sunshades and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

Great photographic opportunities

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

The monument is worth visiting both during the day and after sunset. The light conditions of the sky offer a completely diverse perspective to this abandoned architectural marvel.

Type of site

Lighthouse