A Lighthouse may be used indicate dangerous shoals, sand, bank, rock etc. It is useful to obtain a line of position and to indicate landfalls, headlands and entrance to estuaries/ports, etc.  The history of the Madras Lighthouse dates back to 1795. In 1796, the roof of the Officers Mess in what is now known as Fort St George, was selected as the site for the first warning beacon.


It was nothing more than a large lantern. To be more specific, the first Light House of Chennai functioned between 1796 and 1841 at the building in the Fort St George where the Fort Museum is located.

The second light house was erected between the year 1838 and 1844 on the north side of Fort St George.  This lighthouse operated until 1894. Though its lantern room was removed long ago to fit it into the third light house, located in the Madras High Court Complex, the tower stands tall even today.

The third light house was functioning from the tallest dome of the Madras High Court. It started functioning on June 1, 1894, with argon lamps and reflectors manufactured by Chance Brothers, Birmingham which had originally been installed in the 160-ft-tall lighthouse tower. 

The present light House which we see now is located opposite the office of the Director General of Police and was opened in January 1977. It is one of the few lighthouses in the world and the only one in India with an elevator.  The structure also houses the meteorological department and is restricted to visitors.

After 30 long years, the old Lighthouse on the Madras High Court campus (the third light house) will soon be thrown open for public according to a news report.  When the light house is opened for the public, it will be another place of tourist interest as it used to be till the seventies.