Mahabalipuram is connected to Chennai (Madras) by East Coast Highway. It is about 35 km from Chennai. Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram was an important port built by Pallavas during the Seventh Century for the maritime trade with the countries of South East Asia and Mediterranean. The rock cut temples, pavilions and monuments all sculpted during the same period are the principal attractions here drawing visitors from around the world.In the ancient times the log fire on one of the high rocks used to serve as beacon for the vessels approaching the Mahabalipuram port during the night. The British established the first conventional lighthouse by placing a wick lamp inside 4th order optic and lantern on the roof of Olakkaneesway Temple on 15th May 1887. This temple has been built on top of Mahishasuramardini cave. Lighthouse was then known as Seven Pagoda Lighthouse because the tures-mandapa, Rathas, Cave appeared like Pagodas when observed from the sea. A dressed stone masonry circular tower 26m in height was built on a nearby rock in 1900. Its exterior surfaces were left natural and unpainted so as to blend with surroundings. The PV equipment and 2nd order three panel optic assembly supplied by M/s Chance Bros, Birmingham was installed over this tower. The light was commissioned into service on 31st March 1901. In 1937 and 1940 the equipment underwent changes and modifications to give single flash every ten seconds. The PV source was replaced by incandescent electric lamp in 1994.
Location : Mahabalipuram Lighthouse,
Mammalla puram - 603104
State: Tamilnadu
Phone: +91-4114–242264
Mahabalipuram Lighthouse
Related Information
Position : 12o 36.8’ N 80o 11.5’ E
Characteristic : flash White every 10 Sec
Tower Colour : Natural stone
Tower : 26m high circular Masonry Tower
Height above MSL : 42m
Range : 24 NM
Optical Equip : 700 mm 2nd order revolving optic inside 3.5m dia Lantern House (Chance Bros)
Illuminant : 230V 3500W incandescent Lamp.
Source of Energy : 440 V 50 Hz Mains Supply (standby Genset provided)
Commensed year : 1887
Subsequent Innovations : 1900,1901,1937,1940, 1994
