Title: New Lighthouse in Chennai - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

  

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# New Lighthouse Tours and Activities

![New Lighthouse featuring a lighthouse](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/101000/101965-New-Lighthouse.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit New Lighthouse

Activities

[Chennai travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Chennai.dx181449)

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#### Photograph the bird’s-eye views from the top of this watch tower, which stands next to a lighthouse that’s more than 1,000 years old.

High atop Mahabalipuram's central hill is the New Lighthouse, an imposing presence over the coastline. Climb up the tower for the extraordinary views and visit the ancient temple next door.

The New Lighthouse was built at the turn of the 20th century to keep ships away from the rocky Mahabalipuram headland. Its source of light comes from dischargeable lamps, which rotate in bowls of mercury.

Before your ascent, look up at the soaring circular structure, which rises to a height of 138 feet (42 meters). It was built using natural stone and the grey façade is capped by a smooth domed roof.

Climb the 227 steps to reach the lighthouse's beacon room and viewing platform. This lookout offers commanding views of the city and the coast. Watch the sun arching over the Bay of Bengal and see if you can spot the Pancha Rathas monument complex and the enormous bas-relief sculpture, Arjuna's Penance.

The New Lighthouse is adjacent to Mahabalipuram's old lighthouse, known as the Olakkanesvara Temple. Visit this squat granite structure and admire its carved tributes to Lord Shiva. It was built by Pallava King Mahendra I around the year A.D. 640. This protected site had warning fires lit on its roof from the 7th century until the 20th century, making it India's oldest lighthouse.

After your visit to these two buildings, go to the National Maritime Heritage Museum to learn more about this coast's lighthouse history. Here you can browse exhibits of lighthouse technology and see examples of everyday items used by lightkeepers, such as crockery and medicine boxes. The museum also displays miniatures of fishing boats and defense vessels, including a submarine.

The New Lighthouse is located behind Mahabalipuram Beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the town's center. Both the lighthouse and adjacent temple are open daily and have an admission fee.

## Plan a trip to see New Lighthouse

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Treebo Golden Inn, 700 Mtrs From Promenade Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/92000000/91680000/91677000/91676901/6d457921_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Treebo Golden Inn, 700 Mtrs From Promenade Beach

CA $356

per person

Jan 8 - Jan 12

found 13 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Sri Guru Ram Das Ji Intl. Airport (ATQ) to Chennai (MAA)

8/10 Very Good! (1 review)

[](https://expedia.ca/go/package/search/FlightHotel/2026-01-08/2026-01-12/?FromAirport=ATQ&Destination=MAA&NumRoom=1&NumAdult=2&NumChild=0&hotelId=91676901&paandie=true&dealMarker=TolwOxkYNbuGPknaIp-2cyzTpvUDc1iyWou25xX16DohbfuRvAO2_OwWGtQYWeTt)

![Treebo Grace Inn, 3 Min Walk From Promenade Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/17000000/16370000/16362500/16362421/c4b477d0_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Treebo Grace Inn, 3 Min Walk From Promenade Beach

Pondicherry Beach

CA $428

per person

Jan 8 - Jan 12

found 13 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Sri Guru Ram Das Ji Intl. Airport (ATQ) to Chennai (MAA)

8.4/10 Very Good! (55 reviews)

The hotel was ok,passable. The room was a good size and had a decent smart tv,which was appreciated with a teenager in tow. The room looked clean but didnt feel clean,which I know isnt a useful review. The location was very handy for shops,ATM, eateries etc. A 10 minute walk to the beach,but you arent allowed to swim there. Breakfast was good and enough to choose from.

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025

[](https://expedia.ca/go/package/search/FlightHotel/2026-01-08/2026-01-12/?FromAirport=ATQ&Destination=MAA&NumRoom=1&NumAdult=2&NumChild=0&hotelId=16362421&paandie=true&dealMarker=TolwOxkYNbuGPknaIp-2cxqf2TwATqLiLPPbmg1aLhrIAoyaTgI7ZSX5tFwAOQrL)

![Fabhotel Martine’S Residency](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120870000/120867700/120867622/06dace27_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Fabhotel Martine’S Residency

Heritage Town

CA $433

per person

Jan 8 - Jan 12

found 13 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Sri Guru Ram Das Ji Intl. Airport (ATQ) to Chennai (MAA)

No reviews

[](https://expedia.ca/go/package/search/FlightHotel/2026-01-08/2026-01-12/?FromAirport=ATQ&Destination=MAA&NumRoom=1&NumAdult=2&NumChild=0&hotelId=120867622&paandie=true&dealMarker=TolwOxkYNbuGPknaIp-2cxqf2TwATqLiLPPbmg1aLhoZx4dzJYwcNKmNVikAiiAs)

### Popular places to visit

![Ganesha Ratha which includes heritage elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/102000/102044-Ganesha-Ratha.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Arjuna's Penance

You can learn about the history of Mahabalipuram with a visit to Arjuna's Penance. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

[](https://expedia.ca/Arjunas-Penance-Chennai.d6104694.Vacation-Attraction)

![Ganesha Ratha showing art](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/101000/101700-Chennai-And-Vicinity.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Ganesha Ratha

Marvel at the ancient architecture, stunning stonework and carvings of Hindu deities at this historic monolithic pink granite temple.

[](https://expedia.ca/Ganesha-Ratha-Chennai.d6104696.Vacation-Attraction)

![Krishna's Butterball](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/2c7fef891367f115b1f38430068d4025.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Krishna's Butterball

Learn about the local history of Mahabalipuram when you spend time at Krishna's Butterball. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

[](https://expedia.ca/Krishnas-Butterball-Chennai.d6104692.Vacation-Attraction)

![Krishna's Butter Ball](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/2c7fef891367f115b1f38430068d4025.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Krishna's Butter Ball

Learn about the local history of Mahabalipuram when you take a trip to Krishna's Butter Ball. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

[](https://expedia.ca/Krishnas-Butter-Ball-Chennai.d553248621526915531.Vacation-Attraction)

![Pancha Pandava Rathas showing heritage elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/101000/101982-Pancha-Pandava-Rathas.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Pancha Pandava Rathas

Study the religious carvings and decorated roofs of these five exquisite monoliths, which are testament to the ingenuity of Pallavan masonry.

[](https://expedia.ca/Pancha-Pandava-Rathas-Mahabalipuram-Beach.d6104700.Vacation-Attraction)

![Chennai](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/102000/102115-Mahishasura-Mardini.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Mahishasuramardini Cave

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mahishasuramardini Cave during your travels in Mahabalipuram. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

[](https://expedia.ca/Mahishasuramardini-Cave-Mahabalipuram-Beach.d553248621532739290.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near New Lighthouse

## Check availability on hotels close to New Lighthouse

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Kaldan Samudhra Palace

ECR, Tirukalukundram, TN

[](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Kaldan-Samudhra-Palace.h74725945.Hotel-Information)

![Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1600000/1596100/1596066/ebed6354_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram

57, Covelong Road, Kanchipuram District, Tirukalukundram, Tamil Nadu

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Chariot Beach Resort

Five Rathas Road, Behind Five Rathas Monuments, Tirukalukundram, Tamil Nadu

[](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Chariot-Beach-Resort.h2120535.Hotel-Information)

![Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/24000000/23970000/23966600/23966586/61177b5b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center

ECR-OMR Junction, ECR, Poonjeri, Mahabalipuram, Tirukalukundram

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Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach, Mamallapuram

No 53, Devaneri Village, East Coast Rd, Tirukalukundram, Tamil Nadu

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Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa

280 ECR, Vedanamelli, Tirupporur, Tamil Nadu

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Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai

Covelong Beach, Kancheepuram Dist., Tirupporur, Tamil Nadu

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Novotel Chennai Sipcot

Opp. SIPCOT IT Park Siruseri, Old, Mahabalipuram Road, Near ECR Beach, Tirupporur, Tamil Nadu

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MGM Beach Resorts

1/74, East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Tirupporur, Chennai or Mahabalipuram

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[See all 846 properties in New Lighthouse](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6104698)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.