Gujarat Turns 17 Lighthouses Into Maritime Tourism Hubs

GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat’s iconic lighthouses are set to shine beyond their traditional role of guiding ships, as 17 lighthouse sites across the state have been equipped with modern tourism facilities, giving a major boost to maritime tourism.

The initiative seeks to transform historically and architecturally significant lighthouses into vibrant destinations showcasing Gujarat’s rich maritime heritage while offering visitors entertainment and educational experiences.

The lighthouses at Mandvi, Rawalpir, Samiyani, Okha, Kachchhigadh, Porbandar, Mangrol, Jaffrabad, Jegri, Alang, Ghogha, Hazira, Valsad Khadi, Gopnath, Veraval, Dwarka and Umargaon have been developed with facilities including landscaped gardens, cafeterias, gazebos, children’s play areas, amphitheatres, lifts, public amenities and light-and-sound shows.

With Gujarat boasting the country’s longest coastline, stretching 2,340.62 km, officials said lighthouse tourism could become an important component of the state’s maritime tourism ecosystem.

The initiative is being implemented under the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021, which allows the development of lighthouses for educational, cultural and tourism purposes while preserving India’s maritime heritage.

“Lighthouses are no longer being viewed only as navigational structures. They are becoming gateways to our maritime history, technology and culture, offering visitors an experience that combines education with entertainment,” officials said.

Dedicated lighthouse museums at Dwarka and Gopnath further strengthen the tourism offering. The museums showcase the evolution of lighthouse technology and India’s maritime navigation heritage.

The central initiative has targeted 75 lighthouses across India for tourism development.

Gujarat’s efforts also complement the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Ahmedabad district, which is being developed to showcase India’s centuries-old maritime legacy.

The development of lighthouse destinations is expected to attract tourists while introducing younger generations to the country’s maritime history, navigation systems and technological evolution.