Old lighthouse

The Old Lighthouse of Pondicherry is a historic maritime structure built in 1836 during French colonial rule. Located near Goubert Avenue and Promenade Beach, it once guided ships into the city’s old harbor and remains a proud reminder of Pondy’s colonial legacy.

Designed by Louis Guerre, this stone tower was one of the first lighthouses on India’s east coast. Standing at about 29 meters, it originally used oil lamps and reflectors before being upgraded with electric lighting in the early 20th century.

Though no longer active, the Old Lighthouse still stands tall as a heritage monument. Its cylindrical structure and weathered texture make it a beautiful spot for photography, especially during early morning or golden hour.

Surrounded by iconic landmarks like Gandhi Statue, French War Memorial, and Promenade Beach, the lighthouse is easy to access and often included in heritage walks and city tours.