Gujarat is set to give its maritime tourism sector a major boost, with 17 historic lighthouses across the state being transformed into modern tourist attractions.The initiative aims to turn these traditional navigational landmarks into vibrant centres of history, culture, education and recreation, as part of the Centre’s nationwide effort to promote historically and architecturally significant lighthouses as tourism destinations.
The upgraded lighthouses are located at Mandvi, Rawalpir, Samiyani, Okha, Kachchhigadh, Porbandar, Mangrol, Jaffrabad, Jegri, Alang, Ghogha, Hazira, Valsad Khadi, Gopnath, Veraval, Dwarka and Umargaon.
Visitors will now find facilities such as landscaped gardens, cafeterias, gazebos, children’s recreational areas, amphitheatres, public amenities, lifts and light-and-sound shows at these locations.The developments are expected to offer tourists a blend of entertainment and education while bringing Gujarat’s rich maritime heritage and lighthouse history into the spotlight.
Gujarat has also developed lighthouse museums at Dwarka and Gopnath, showcasing the evolution of lighthouse technology and India’s maritime navigation history.
Across India, 75 lighthouses have been equipped with tourism facilities under the initiative, marking a significant push to preserve and promote the country’s coastal heritage.
