Point Calimere Lighthouse

The Point Calimere Lighthouse is believed to have been constructed during the Chola period, although no specific date of construction is known.

History

• The lighthouse was reportedly destroyed in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
• The current structure is believed to be a replacement for this earlier lighthouse.
• The construction materials used in the building are not specified.

Light Characteristics

The light characteristics of the Point Calimere Lighthouse are not reported.

Current Status

The Point Calimere Lighthouse is currently no longer an active aid to navigation, and its status as a museum or historical landmark is unclear.

Location and Accessibility

The Point Calimere Lighthouse is located on Kodiakkarai, a low headland of the Coromandel Coast in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. The address is Thanjavur - Mannargudi - Thiruthuraipoondi - Vedaranyam - Kodiyakkarai Road.

Heritage Status

The Point Calimere Lighthouse has been designated as a Ramsar site since August 2002.

Notable Historical Events

• The Point Calimere Lighthouse is associated with the mythological Hindu epic, The Ramayana. According to legend, Rama stood on this cape and reconnoitered Ravana's kingdom in Sri Lanka.
• A stone slab on the Cape bears the impressions of two feet and is said to be the place where Rama stood.

Location Coordinates

The Point Calimere Lighthouse is located at coordinates 10.2938023, 79.8688962.