New boom in Indian Tourism: Lighthouse Tourism
India has been a hubspot for various forms of tourism: Beach, Mountain, heritage, spiritual, and even medical tourism. A very unique type of tourism, however, is being promoted by the Government of India, LightHouse Tourism.
With a coastline spanning over 7,500 kilometres, India is home to 204 lighthouses that silently guard its rich maritime heritage. Traditionally serving as navigational aids for seafarers, these iconic structures are now being reimagined as tourism destinations under the Government of India’s developmental vision. This initiative aims to preserve the historical and architectural significance of lighthouses and unlock their potential for economic growth and community empowerment.
Lighthouse tourism involves transforming lighthouses and their surrounding areas into vibrant tourist attractions. These structures, often located in scenic coastal or island settings, offer visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, maritime history, and recreational opportunities.
The Central Government is actively promoting lighthouse tourism as a part of its broader Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Amrit Kaal vision 2047 to enhance India's cultural heritage and maritime legacy.
By developing these sites, the government seeks to enhance India’s tourism offerings while creating employment opportunities and fostering local economic growth.
With an investment of ₹60 crore, these 75 iconic lighthouses have been developed. Each lighthouse has become a beacon of both heritage and recreation, with modern amenities such as museums, amphitheaters, children’s parks, and more. In February 2024, PM Narendra Modi dedicated 75 Lighthouses with tourist facilities in 10 states & UTs, which attracted 16 lakh visitors, a major jump of 400% compared to a decade ago. The government’s commitment to lighthouse tourism is also evident from its efforts under the Sagarmala Programme and its focus on fostering partnerships with private stakeholders. These initiatives align with Prime Minister Modi's vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) and aim to integrate India's rich maritime history into its economic growth strategy. These developments have also resulted in job creation, with 150 direct and 500 indirect employment opportunities emerging in nearby hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation services, and local shops and artisans. Till now the government has also curated two lighthouse festivals started in the year 2023.
Source of stats: PIB
