The Old Lighthouse is the slender white tower that rises beside Goubert Avenue, just across the road from the Gandhi statue on Promenade Beach. For more than 140 years it guided ships to Pondicherry’s open roadstead, and it remains one of the most recognisable shapes on the town’s skyline.
There is not a great deal to do here, but it is a landmark every visitor walks past, and knowing its story adds to a seafront stroll.
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History of the lighthouse
Before the lighthouse, the only light guiding ships to Pondicherry was on the Red Hills inland, which was not enough. Work on the new tower began at the end of 1835 under Governor Saint-Simon, with the French engineer Louis Guerre, and the lighthouse was inaugurated in 1836. Guerre also designed Our Lady of Angels Church in White Town two decades later.
The round white tower on a broad base stands about 29 metres high. Its light could originally be seen about 15 miles out to sea; after upgrades in 1931 its range was given as 26 nautical miles. In 1979 the old light was switched off when a new, taller lighthouse opened near the harbour to the south, and the old tower became a heritage monument.
Can you go inside?
At the time of writing the Old Lighthouse was not regularly open to visitors. A restoration project was announced in 2020 with plans to open it to the public, but check locally for the current position before you plan around it. You can view and photograph it from the promenade at any time, free of charge.
Want to climb a lighthouse? Try the new one
The working lighthouse built in 1979 stands about 46 metres tall, a hexagonal concrete tower with black and white bands, in the Dubrayapet area near Pondy Marina, roughly 2 km south of White Town. It reopened to visitors in February 2023. At the time of writing it was reported open in the afternoon (about 2 PM to 5 PM) except on Mondays, with small tickets for adults, children and cameras. There is no lift, so be ready for a long climb up the stairs. Details change, so confirm before you go.
Best time to visit
The Old Lighthouse photographs well early in the morning, when the low sun from the sea lights up the white tower, and around dusk against the evening sky. Evenings are also when Goubert Avenue is closed to vehicles (at the time of writing, roughly 6 PM to 7:30 AM), making it pleasant to walk. Ten to twenty minutes is enough for most people.
Practical tips
- Photography: the best angles are from the sea wall across the road, which lets you fit in the Gandhi statue too.
- Parking: vehicles are not allowed on Beach Road in the evening. Our drivers drop you in a nearby White Town street.
- Footwear: comfortable sandals; you will likely combine this with a longer walk.
- For the new lighthouse: carry water, avoid it on very hot afternoons if you have health concerns, and take a car or auto since it is outside the walking area.
Nearby places
Right beside the lighthouse are the Gandhi statue and the French War Memorial. A few minutes inland are Bharathi Park, the Pondicherry Museum and the streets of White Town.
Visiting on a tour
The Old Lighthouse is part of the seafront walk on our Pondicherry local sightseeing day and the heritage and beaches tour. If you would like to climb the new lighthouse too, tell us on WhatsApp and we will schedule it for an afternoon slot.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Old Lighthouse in Pondicherry built?
Construction started at the end of 1835 and it was inaugurated in 1836. It was built by the French under Governor Saint-Simon, with engineer Louis Guerre.
Can you climb the Old Lighthouse in Pondicherry?
At the time of writing it was not regularly open to visitors, although restoration and future opening had been announced. The new lighthouse near Pondy Marina can be climbed.
When did the Old Lighthouse stop working?
It was decommissioned in 1979, when the new 46-metre lighthouse near the harbour took over.
How tall is the Old Lighthouse?
About 29 metres, though some sources give 27 metres.
