New Light House

Description

The New Light House in Puducherry stands tall as one of the city’s most intriguing man-made landmarks, a modern beacon built in the 1970s that still feels iconic today. Unlike the older French-built lighthouse, which has long served as a reminder of the colonial maritime era, this newer tower is a monochrome-striped structure that blends practicality with beauty. From afar, its black-and-white bands are instantly recognizable against the backdrop of blue skies and the Bay of Bengal, almost like a sentinel watching over the coast. Many travelers head here out of curiosity after hearing about its panoramic views, and truthfully, it doesn’t disappoint—catching sight of the coastline from the top balcony is the kind of experience you’ll remember years down the road.

Of course, like any spot, it has its quirks. The climb inside is not for the faint-hearted—those spiraling staircases feel tighter the higher you go, and if you’re not used to winding stairs, you may need to pause halfway. But when you step out onto the gallery at the top, the breeze, the openness, the feeling of standing above the bustling town below—it hits differently. On one side, you’ve got long stretches of the Bay of Bengal coastline, and on the other, the town’s characteristic French colonial grid with mustard-yellow buildings and leafy roads. If you ask me, this moment alone can make the climb worth the effort.

Some visitors expect it to be more polished, maybe closer to a high-end tourist attraction, but honestly, part of its charm is that it’s straightforward and functional. It’s not dressed up—it’s exactly what a lighthouse should be: sturdy, purposeful, yet unexpectedly photogenic. And while you’ll sometimes overhear visitors grumble about the wait to get in or the climb being a little exhausting, the overwhelming feeling is one of excitement and appreciation once they reach the top. Whether you’re into history, photography, or simply like seeking out the best viewpoints in every town you travel to, the New Light House ticks those boxes in its own special way.

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