Lighthouses to turn tourist spots
Posted on: 14/Jan/2016 5:19:07 PM
The lighthouse at Marina Beach, Chennai was launched on 10th January 1977. The public were allowed to visit the 46-meter length lighthouse. However, from 1994, for security reasons, the public were stopped from visiting the lighthouse and had been kept closed for over 20 years.
Recently, in 2013, the place was renovated and revamped at a cost of Rs 1 crore. From 14th November the same year, people were allowed to visit the lighthouse and enjoy the look of beach and the entire city from there. There was also a museum opened at the ground floor of the lighthouse. This comprises of the different kinds of lighthouses that have been in use since ancient times. So far, there have been 5 lakh visitors to the lighthouse since opening it for visitors in 2013.
Following this, eight more lighthouses present across Tamil Nadu are to be made tourist spots. Speaking about this, the director of lighthouses of the central government said the central ministry of shipping has decided to make all the lighthouses as tourist destinations. Over 78 lighthouses from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Lakshadweep, and Odisha are selected in the first phase.
- Manappadu in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu
- Keezhakarai in Ramanathapuram district
- Kodiyakkarai in Nagapattinam district
- Parangipettai in Cuddalore district
- Pazhaverkadu in Thiruvallur district
- Kanniyakumari and Mahabalipuram in Kanchipuram district
- Muttam
Above are the eight lighthouses selected for revamping in the phase. All these are to be converted as tourist spots.
These renovated areas will include galleries, resorts, hotels, theme parks and other entertainment centres, theatres, laser shows, restaurants, food court, drive-in restaurant, and so on. With this, all these lighthouses are to turn as tourist spots.
A camp was held for the same involving investors from Cochin, Visakapatinam, Chennai and Mumbai. Discussions about possible developments and suggestions were made during the meet. There were many investors who showed interest in launching business in these spots along lighthouses. The central government is intimated about the same and the proposals are under consideration. A final call will soon be taken.
