Government of India to promote Lighthouse Tourism and Maritime Heritage

Lighthouses primarily serve as Marine Aids to Navigation for ensuring safe and efficient maritime navigation. In addition to this core function, the Government is actively promoting Lighthouse Tourism which is in line with its vision of preserving India's maritime heritage and promoting educational, cultural and tourism purposes under Section 23 of the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021.

Purpose
- Lighthouses are primarily Marine Aids to Navigation, ensuring safe maritime travel.
- Under the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021 (Section 23), they are also being promoted for tourism, education, culture, and heritage preservation.

Museums
- Lighthouse Museums established at: Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Alappuzha, Kannur, Muttom, Dwarka, and Gopnath.
- Showcase the evolution of lighthouse technology and India’s maritime heritage.

Tourism Development
- 75 lighthouses across India have been developed with tourist facilities, including:
- Cafeterias, landscaped gardens, gazebos
- Children’s play areas
- Light & sound shows
- Amphitheatres, lifts, internal pathways
- Public toilets, drinking water facilities

Key Locations
- Gujarat: Dwarka, Porbandar, Veraval, Mandvi, Gopnath, Okha, etc.
- Goa: Aguada Lighthouse
- Kerala: Kannur, Alappuzha, Vizhinjam, Thangasseri, Anjengo, etc.
- Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Kanyakumari, Nagapattinam, Dhanushkodi, Pamban, etc.
- Andhra Pradesh: Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam, Kalingapatnam, Pudimadaka, etc.
- Odisha: Puri, Paradip, Chandrabhaga, Gopalpur
- West Bengal: Sagar Island, Dariapur, Tajpur
- Maharashtra: Ratnagiri, Jaigarh, Vengurla Point, Korlai Fort
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: North Point, Keating Point

Significance
- Preserves historical and architectural value of lighthouses.
- Promotes maritime heritage tourism and cultural storytelling.
- Enhances visitor experience with modern amenities while keeping heritage intact.