Quick answer
The best lighthouses in Sri Lanka are Dondra Head, the tallest, near the southernmost point; Galle's lighthouse on the fort ramparts; the old clock tower lighthouse in Colombo; Barberyn on an island off Beruwala; Batticaloa's lighthouse at the lagoon mouth; Point Pedro in the far north; and the offshore Great Basses and Little Basses lights near Yala, seen only from the sea.
Key takeaways
- Most of Sri Lanka's lighthouses were built in the British period.
- Dondra Head is often described as the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka.
- Galle's lighthouse stands on the ramparts of the Dutch fort.
- The Great and Little Basses lights stand on reefs off the south-east coast.
- Most lighthouses can be viewed from outside; access inside is limited.
Why Sri Lanka needed lighthouses
Sri Lanka lies close to the main shipping routes between the Middle East, India and East Asia. Ships rounding the island faced reefs, rocky headlands and monsoon storms. Shipwrecks were common, especially off the south and east coasts.
In the nineteenth century, the British built a chain of lighthouses to guide ships safely around the island. Some, like the Great Basses, were feats of engineering, built on reefs far from shore with stone shipped from Scotland.
Today many lighthouses are still in use, maintained by the port authority. Most can be seen from outside, and a few allow occasional access.
- →Shipping lanes and reefs.
- →British-era engineering.
- →Still working today.
Dondra Head and Galle
Dondra Head lighthouse, near Sri Lanka's southernmost point, east of Matara, is often described as the tallest on the island. Its white tower rises above palm trees, and the grounds around it are pleasant in the late afternoon.
Galle's lighthouse stands on the ramparts of the Dutch fort, beside the sea. The current tower dates from the twentieth century, replacing an older one destroyed by fire. It is one of the most photographed sights in Galle, especially at sunset.
Our guide to the lighthouses of the south coast covers these in more detail.
Between these two, the south coast has smaller lights at harbours and headlands, and the coastal road passes several on the way from Galle to Matara. Photographers often time a drive to reach Dondra in the late afternoon, then continue to a beach for sunset.
- →Dondra Head: the tallest.
- →Galle: on the fort ramparts.
- →Both: best in late afternoon light.
Colombo and Barberyn
In Colombo's Fort district, the old lighthouse is a clock tower, built in the nineteenth century, which once served as a lighthouse before taller buildings blocked its light. A newer lighthouse stands on the seafront at Galle Buck.
Barberyn lighthouse, on a small island off Beruwala, is visible from the beach and the harbour. Boat trips can circle the island in calm weather.
Lankan Stays & Trails can add lighthouse stops to coastal drives, especially for photographers looking for sunset viewpoints.
- →Colombo's clock tower lighthouse.
- →Barberyn: an island light off Beruwala.
- →Galle Buck: Colombo's seafront light.
Batticaloa, Point Pedro and the north
Batticaloa's lighthouse stands at the mouth of the lagoon, a short drive from town. It is a calm spot at sunset, with fishermen and views over the water. Trincomalee's Foul Point and other lights mark the eastern coast.
Point Pedro, at the northern tip of the Jaffna peninsula, has a lighthouse near the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. Kankesanthurai, on the north coast, has another. These northern lights are quiet, with few visitors.
Mannar and Talaimannar also have old lighthouses near the start of Adam's Bridge.
- →Batticaloa: at the lagoon mouth.
- →Point Pedro: near the northern tip.
- →Talaimannar: near Adam's Bridge.
The Great and Little Basses
The Great Basses and Little Basses lighthouses stand on reefs off the south-east coast, near Yala and Kirinda. They were built in the nineteenth century in difficult conditions, with stone brought from overseas. The waters around them are known for shipwrecks, including a famous treasure find.
They can only be seen from the sea, on boat trips from Kirinda in calm weather, usually roughly March to April. Visibility from shore is limited.
For divers, the Basses reefs offer some of the best and most challenging diving in Sri Lanka, with strong currents and large fish.
- →Visible only from the sea.
- →Calm weather, usually roughly March to April.
- →Advanced diving only.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka?
Dondra Head lighthouse, near Sri Lanka's southernmost point east of Matara, is often described as the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka. Its white tower was built in the nineteenth century and still guides ships today.
Can you go inside lighthouses in Sri Lanka?
Access inside Sri Lankan lighthouses is limited. Most are working lights maintained by the port authority. Some, like Dondra Head, have sometimes allowed visitors, but rules change. Check locally, and expect to view most from outside. Never climb fences or enter restricted port areas.
Where is the lighthouse in Galle?
Galle's lighthouse stands on the south-eastern ramparts of the Dutch fort, beside the sea. It is a short walk from the main streets of the fort and especially beautiful at sunset. The current tower replaced an older one destroyed by fire.
What are the Great Basses?
The Great Basses are reefs off Sri Lanka's south-east coast, near Kirinda and Yala, with a lighthouse built in the nineteenth century. The area is known for shipwrecks and advanced diving. The lighthouse can only be seen from the sea in calm weather.
Is there a lighthouse in Colombo?
Colombo has an old clock tower in the Fort district that once served as a lighthouse, and a newer lighthouse on the seafront at Galle Buck. Both are visible on a walk through the Fort area.
Is Point Pedro worth visiting?
Point Pedro is worth visiting for travellers in Jaffna who want to see the northernmost part of Sri Lanka. It has a lighthouse, a fishing harbour and quiet coastal views. It is roughly an hour from Jaffna town. Combine it with Keerimalai spring and the coast road back to town.
Which lighthouse is best for sunset in Sri Lanka?
Galle's lighthouse on the fort ramparts is the most popular for sunset, with the sea, the walls and the tower in one view. Dondra Head is quieter and very photogenic in late afternoon light. Batticaloa's lighthouse at the lagoon mouth suits sunset on the east coast.