Dhanushkodi Lighthouse
Stand at the edge of India, where two seas meet. The historic Dhanushkodi Lighthouse offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into a resilient past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Dhanushkodi Lighthouse
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stand at the edge of India, where two seas meet. The historic Dhanushkodi Lighthouse offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into a resilient past.
"Breathtaking views from the top of the tower. Must visit & enjoy."
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Entry is just ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for kids. A small price for incredible views!
🚶♀️ Walk to the Top
Climb the stairs for the best experience, though a lift is available. It's about 12 floors high!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Views
Top of the Lighthouse
Breathtaking 360-degree views of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal meeting. See the 'last land of India'.
Historical Significance
Lighthouse Structure
Built by the British in 1845, this lighthouse stands as a testament to Dhanushkodi's past.
Ram Setu Glimpse
From the Lighthouse Top
Catch a distant view of the legendary Ram Setu bridge, connecting India to Sri Lanka.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Entry is just ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for kids. A small price for incredible views!
🚶♀️ Walk to the Top
Climb the stairs for the best experience, though a lift is available. It's about 12 floors high!
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your view of the distant Sri Lanka lighthouse and the vast ocean.
🌊 Sea Breeze Bliss
Enjoy the amazing sea breeze from the top. It's a refreshing experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Entry is just ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for kids. A small price for incredible views!
🚶♀️ Walk to the Top
Climb the stairs for the best experience, though a lift is available. It's about 12 floors high!
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your view of the distant Sri Lanka lighthouse and the vast ocean.
🌊 Sea Breeze Bliss
Enjoy the amazing sea breeze from the top. It's a refreshing experience.
📸 Drone Views
Capture stunning aerial shots of the lighthouse and coastline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Dhanushkodi Lighthouse for its breathtaking panoramic views and historical significance. The affordable entry fee and the unique experience of standing at India's 'last land' are major draws. Some note that the area can be littered, and visiting early is best to avoid crowds and heat.
"The Dhanushkodi Lighthouse offers a truly unique experience at the edge of India’s southern coastline. Standing tall amidst the haunting beauty of this once-lost town, the lighthouse serves not just as a guiding light for ships, but also as a beacon of history and resilience.
Climbing to the top rewards you with panoramic views of the vast ocean, the remains of the old town, and the endless stretch of serene beaches. The contrast between the deep blue sea and the soft, white sands is absolutely breathtaking. It’s the perfect place to pause and take in the raw, untouched beauty of Dhanushkodi.
Beyond the views, there’s a quiet charm here — a feeling of being far from the chaos of the world, surrounded only by wind, waves, and stories of the past. It’s peaceful, thought-provoking, and unforgettable."
Nithin
"Hidden gem. A must visit place in Dhanushkodi. Government maintained place. Very tidy and well maintained.
Rs.10 per person entry fees. Lift facility available to go to the top of light house to enjoy the view."
Prakash M
"Excellent sea view both sides of Dhanushkodi.
Best time to view is as early as possible.
Just 10 rupees for adults and 5 rupees for kids.
It's almost over 12 floors building height. Can see Rameswaram also
If you have binoculars please take along"
Bhaskar Singapore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is located in Dhanushkodi, about 20 km from the Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram. You'll likely need to hire a local taxi or a jeep to reach Dhanushkodi from Rameswaram, as public transport is limited. The journey itself offers scenic views of the coastline.
Yes, the lighthouse is a prominent landmark in Dhanushkodi and is usually visible from a distance. It's situated near the 'land's end' and the ghost town area, making it a central point of interest.
For exploring Dhanushkodi and reaching the lighthouse, hiring a local jeep or SUV is recommended. These vehicles are accustomed to the sandy terrain and can take you to various points of interest.
While you can drive to Dhanushkodi, the final stretch to the lighthouse and other attractions might be challenging for regular cars due to sandy roads. It's often best to park and use local transport for the last leg.
Direct public transport to the lighthouse is scarce. You'll typically need to reach Rameswaram first and then arrange local transport like jeeps or taxis to Dhanushkodi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is very affordable, typically ₹10 per adult and ₹5 per child (ages 3-12). This small fee grants you access to climb the tower and enjoy the spectacular views.
The lighthouse is generally open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and then from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. It's important to note that Mondays are usually a holiday for the lighthouse.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Dhanushkodi Lighthouse. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on the day of your visit. However, arriving early can help avoid queues.
While there isn't a strict time limit posted, it's advisable to plan your visit within the operating hours. The last entry is usually before closing time, and queues can form.
The main restriction is the operating hours and the entry fee. Visitors are expected to follow general rules of conduct within the premises.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
From the top, you get breathtaking panoramic views of the vast ocean, the remnants of the ghost town, the serene beaches, and on a clear day, you can even spot the Sri Lankan coastline and its lighthouse.
Yes, a lift facility is available to take visitors to the top of the lighthouse, making it accessible for most people.
The tower stands at approximately 49 meters (about 160 feet) tall, which is equivalent to roughly 12 floors.
Early mornings are ideal to avoid crowds and the harsh sun, offering clear views. Late afternoons also provide beautiful lighting, especially during the golden hour before sunset.
Yes, reviews suggest the lighthouse area is government-maintained, tidy, and well-kept, contributing to a pleasant visitor experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are local eateries in Dhanushkodi offering fresh seafood. One highly recommended spot near the lighthouse is K R Hotel, known for its delicious and affordable fish meals.
You can find local South Indian cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. Expect dishes like fish curry, fried fish, and other coastal delicacies.
Generally, food prices in Dhanushkodi are quite reasonable, especially for the quality and freshness of the seafood. You can find great meals for around ₹120.
While seafood is the highlight, most local eateries will offer basic vegetarian options like rice, dal, and vegetable curries. It's advisable to inquire about specific vegetarian dishes.
No, there are no restaurants directly inside the lighthouse premises. You'll find food stalls and small eateries in the nearby Dhanushkodi village area.
📸 📸 Photography
The lighthouse itself, the panoramic views from the top, the meeting point of the two seas, and the remnants of the ghost town offer fantastic photo opportunities. Drone shots are also very popular.
Photography is generally allowed in and around the lighthouse premises. However, always check for any specific signage or ask the staff if you're unsure.
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hours) offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic skies and soft shadows. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage is popular for capturing unique perspectives of the lighthouse and the coastline. Ensure you are aware of and comply with any local drone regulations.
The top of the lighthouse provides the ultimate viewpoint. Additionally, the beach areas around the lighthouse offer great angles, especially with the sea meeting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities can be limited. The beach areas nearby are also great for kids to explore, but always supervise them closely due to the strong currents. Visiting early in the morning is recommended to avoid the heat and larger crowds.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Consider bringing a drone for unique aerial shots of the lighthouse and the coastline. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for capturing the vast seascape, while telephoto lenses can help zoom in on the distant Sri Lankan coast. The historical ruins also offer compelling foreground elements.
🙏 Spiritual & History Buffs
Take time to absorb the atmosphere of the ghost town and reflect on the stories of resilience and faith associated with this unique location. The lighthouse serves as a silent sentinel, guarding the history and legends of this 'last land of India'.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ghost Town and Its Legacy
Exploring the remnants of the old church, railway station, and houses offers a glimpse into the town's past life. The Dhanushkodi Lighthouse stands as a silent witness to this tragedy and subsequent revival. It's a place that evokes a sense of history, resilience, and the power of nature. Many visitors find the atmosphere deeply moving and reflective.
Navigating the 'Last Land of India'
Visitors often describe the experience as standing at the edge of the world. The vast expanse of the ocean stretching towards Sri Lanka is a constant reminder of this unique location. The Ram Setu, a chain of limestone shoals believed to be a bridge built by Lord Rama, is also visible from here, adding a significant mythological and religious dimension to the site.
The Lighthouse Experience
Climbing to the top, whether via the stairs or the available lift, rewards visitors with unparalleled panoramic views. The 49-meter height offers a commanding perspective of the surrounding seascape and the desolate beauty of Dhanushkodi. It's a popular spot for photography, offering unique angles of the coastline and the meeting of the seas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit