DGLL – Promotion of tourism at Indian Lighthouses
It was reported in August that the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, India, has embarked on a remarkable initiative to conceive a selected seventy-five lighthouses as attractive tourist destinations.
Primary objective of this endeavour is to capitalize on the cultural significance and allure of these magnificent structures to disseminate its heritage value among the public through promotion of tourism at Lighthouses.
Through this transformation, the DGLL aims to showcase India’s rich maritime heritage and highlight the vast potential of coastal tourism.
Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda
Sonowal, inaugurated three iconic lighthouses in the state of Gujarat, namely
Dwarka, Gopnath, and Veraval Lighthouse. These lighthouses underwent
meticulous renovation and have been equipped with modern facilities to provide a distinctive and engaging experience for visitors.
Conversion of these lighthouses into tourist destinations aims to not only draw attention to their historical significance but also offer recreational and educational opportunities for tourists.
This initiative is just one part of the broader campaign by DGLL to transform seventy-five selected lighthouses scattered across various regions of India into prominent tourism destinations. Each lighthouse possesses its own unique story to tell, and the initiative aims to unlock their potential as points of interest for both domestic and international tourists.
Through this initiative, visitors will have the chance to delve into India’s maritime
history, learn about the crucial role lighthouses played in marine navigation and
understand the significance of coastal regions in the country’s trade and cultural
exchange.
To fulfil this objective, DGLL has established Lighthouse Museums at Kannur, Alappuzha, Mahabalipuram, and Chennai Lighthouses.
Furthermore, the development of these lighthouses as tourist spots will generate economic benefits for local communities by creating job opportunities and fostering growth in tourism-related businesses.
The Maritime Museum at Mahabalipuram Lighthouse.
Artefacts on display inside the museum.
Rapporteur: Paul Ridgway