Title: New Lighthouse in Chennai - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [New Lighthouse Hotels](https://expedia.ca/New-Lighthouse-Hotels.0-l6104698-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Chennai](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Chennai.d181449.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Chennai](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Chennai.d181449.Travel-Guide-Activities)[New Lighthouse Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-New-Lighthouse.d6104698.Car-Rental-Guide)[Chennai Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Chennai.d181449.Destination-Travel-Guides) # New Lighthouse Tours and Activities ![New Lighthouse featuring a lighthouse](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104698/9da933c4-07ce-4b53-a80e-6aaf09e0ab3c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![New Lighthouse featuring a lighthouse](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104698/9da933c4-07ce-4b53-a80e-6aaf09e0ab3c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit New Lighthouse Activities [Chennai travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Chennai.dx181449) --- --- #### Photograph the bird’s-eye views from the top of this watch tower, which stands next to a lighthouse that’s more than 1,000 years old. High atop Mahabalipuram's central hill is the New Lighthouse, an imposing presence over the coastline. Climb up the tower for the extraordinary views and visit the ancient temple next door. The New Lighthouse was built at the turn of the 20th century to keep ships away from the rocky Mahabalipuram headland. Its source of light comes from dischargeable lamps, which rotate in bowls of mercury. Before your ascent, look up at the soaring circular structure, which rises to a height of 138 feet (42 meters). It was built using natural stone and the grey façade is capped by a smooth domed roof. Climb the 227 steps to reach the lighthouse's beacon room and viewing platform. This lookout offers commanding views of the city and the coast. Watch the sun arching over the Bay of Bengal and see if you can spot the Pancha Rathas monument complex and the enormous bas-relief sculpture, Arjuna's Penance. The New Lighthouse is adjacent to Mahabalipuram's old lighthouse, known as the Olakkanesvara Temple. Visit this squat granite structure and admire its carved tributes to Lord Shiva. It was built by Pallava King Mahendra I around the year A.D. 640\. This protected site had warning fires lit on its roof from the 7th century until the 20th century, making it India's oldest lighthouse. After your visit to these two buildings, go to the National Maritime Heritage Museum to learn more about this coast's lighthouse history. Here you can browse exhibits of lighthouse technology and see examples of everyday items used by lightkeepers, such as crockery and medicine boxes. The museum also displays miniatures of fishing boats and defense vessels, including a submarine. The New Lighthouse is located behind Mahabalipuram Beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the town's center. Both the lighthouse and adjacent temple are open daily and have an admission fee. ### Popular places to visit ![Ganesha Ratha showing art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104696/2bc403fa-4721-4dc9-af37-89efca0153b3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ganesha Ratha Marvel at the ancient architecture, stunning stonework and carvings of Hindu deities at this historic monolithic pink granite temple. [](https://expedia.ca/Ganesha-Ratha-Chennai.d6104696.Vacation-Attraction) ![This is a photo of me trying to push 'The Krishna's butterball.' The stone is called Krishna's butterball because even when its shape is a circular one still it manages to balance on a inclined plane and even after enormous efforts the stone was not be able to rolled down the surface.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047600/57001c93-fad2-48ed-873b-eed4955e287e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Krishna's Butter Ball Learn about the local history of Mahabalipuram when you take a trip to Krishna's Butter Ball. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.ca/Krishnas-Butter-Ball-Chennai.d553248621526915531.Vacation-Attraction) ![Pancha Pandava Rathas showing heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104700/1c64b296-8579-4882-b958-6939687cc852.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Pancha Pandava Rathas Study the religious carvings and decorated roofs of these five exquisite monoliths, which are testament to the ingenuity of Pallavan masonry. [](https://expedia.ca/Pancha-Pandava-Rathas-Mahabalipuram-Beach.d6104700.Vacation-Attraction) ![Chennai](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532739290/e8d1e5ec-5b3c-4a9a-81c7-a46a9b1de5d6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mahishasuramardini Cave Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mahishasuramardini Cave during your travels in Mahabalipuram. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.ca/Mahishasuramardini-Cave-Mahabalipuram-Beach.d553248621532739290.Vacation-Attraction) ![One of the many monuments in Kacheepuram town of Tamil Nadu. #Architecture ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047600/82e127c9-7c3d-49e1-a34b-11c59b2c6b26.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Five Rathas Learn about the local history of Mahabalipuram when you take a trip to Five Rathas. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches. [](https://expedia.ca/Five-Rathas-Mahabalipuram-Beach.d553248621526915525.Vacation-Attraction) ![Shore Temple showing a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104690/32e2b82f-746d-48c4-8528-5517cb10e72b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Shore Temple Witness fine Pallavan architecture and ornate shrines to Hindu gods at this gorgeous seaside temple, which is at its most beautiful at sunset. [](https://expedia.ca/Shore-Temple-Mahabalipuram-Beach.d6104690.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near New Lighthouse ## Check availability on hotels close to New Lighthouse [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104698&startDate=2026-02-13&endDate=2026-02-14)[Feb 13 - Feb 14](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104698&startDate=2026-02-13&endDate=2026-02-14) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104698&startDate=2026-02-14&endDate=2026-02-15)[Feb 14 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104698&startDate=2026-02-14&endDate=2026-02-15) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104698&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6104698&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ![Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1600000/1596100/1596066/ebed6354_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram 57, Covelong Road Tirukalukundram Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Radisson-Blu-Resort-Temple-Bay-Mamallapuram.h1596066.Hotel-Information) ![Rajalakshmi Guest House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/40000000/39570000/39564100/39564027/b888b932_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Rajalakshmi Guest House NO 5, OTHAVADAI CROSS STREET Tirukalukundram TAMIL NADU [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-RAJALAKSHMI-GUEST-HOUSE.h39564027.Hotel-Information) ![Chariot Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2130000/2120600/2120535/871a1701_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Chariot Beach Resort Five Rathas Road Tirukalukundram Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Chariot-Beach-Resort.h2120535.Hotel-Information) ![Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/24000000/23970000/23966600/23966586/61177b5b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center ECR-OMR Junction, ECR, Poonjeri Tirukalukundram [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Four-Points-By-Sheraton-Mahabalipuram-Resort-Convention-Center.h23966586.Hotel-Information) ![Kaldan Samudhra Palace](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/75000000/74730000/74726000/74725945/493d38c0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Kaldan Samudhra Palace ECR Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Kaldan-Samudhra-Palace.h74725945.Hotel-Information) ![Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach, Mamallapuram](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/18000000/17370000/17363700/17363631/b3b7b77a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach, Mamallapuram No 53, Devaneri Village, East Coast Rd Tirukalukundram Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Welcomhotel-By-ITC-Hotels.h17363631.Hotel-Information) ![Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/25000000/24910000/24909300/24909267/98b4a36d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa 280 ECR, Vedanamelli Tirupporur Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Sheraton-Grand-Chennai-Resort-Spa.h24909267.Hotel-Information) ![Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/530000/526400/526336/51de3782_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai Covelong Beach Tirupporur Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Taj-Fishermans-Cove-Resort-Spa.h526336.Hotel-Information) ![Novotel Chennai Sipcot](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/9000000/8250000/8245800/8245785/0b816e2f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Novotel Chennai Sipcot Opp. SIPCOT IT Park Siruseri, Old Tirupporur Tamil Nadu [](https://expedia.ca/Chennai-Hotels-Novotel-Chennai-SIPCOT-Hotel.h8245785.Hotel-Information) [See all 893 properties in New Lighthouse](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6104698) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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