Quick answer
The main lighthouses of Sri Lanka's south coast are Barberyn lighthouse on an islet off Beruwala, Galle lighthouse on the ramparts of Galle Fort, Dondra Head lighthouse at the island's southernmost point, roughly 49 metres tall and completed in 1890, and the offshore Great Basses and Little Basses lighthouses, built on reefs off Yala in the 1870s. Galle and Dondra are easy to visit, Barberyn is seen from Beruwala harbour, and the Basses lighthouses are only visible from the shore near Kirinda on clear days.
Key takeaways
- Dondra Head lighthouse, completed in 1890 and roughly 49 metres tall, is the tallest in Sri Lanka.
- Galle lighthouse stands on the ramparts of Galle Fort, rebuilt in the 1930s after a fire destroyed the earlier tower.
- The Great Basses lighthouse was completed in 1873 on a reef off Yala, after years of difficult construction at sea.
- The Little Basses lighthouse, further east, was completed in 1878 on an exposed reef.
- Barberyn lighthouse stands on a small islet off Beruwala, visible from the fishing harbour.
Why lighthouses matter on the south coast
Sri Lanka's south coast lies close to the main shipping lanes between Europe, the Middle East and East Asia. Reefs, rocks and headlands made the coast dangerous for ships, and lighthouses were built from the nineteenth century to guide them safely past.
Lighthouses also tell the story of the coast's colonial history, from British engineering to the trade that brought ships to Galle. Several are among the most photographed buildings on the coast, and a lighthouse theme links sights from Beruwala to Yala.
Barberyn and Galle
Barberyn lighthouse stands on a small islet off Beruwala, at the western end of the south coast. It cannot usually be visited, but it is a striking sight from Beruwala's fishing harbour, and boats sometimes take visitors around the islet in calm weather.
Galle lighthouse stands on the south-eastern ramparts of Galle Fort, close to the sea. The current tower was built in the 1930s, after a fire destroyed the earlier lighthouse on the site. It is not open to climb, but it is one of the most photographed buildings in Galle, especially at sunset from the ramparts.
- →Barberyn: on an islet off Beruwala, seen from the harbour.
- →Galle: on the fort ramparts, rebuilt in the 1930s.
- →Best views: Galle at sunset, Barberyn from the harbour.
Dondra Head: the tallest lighthouse
Dondra Head lighthouse stands at the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, just east of Matara. Completed in 1890 and roughly 49 metres tall, it is the tallest lighthouse in the country, a white octagonal tower in a small, well-kept compound.
Dondra Head lighthouse has at times been open to visitors for a small fee, with a climb of around 200 steps to a gallery overlooking the ocean. Access depends on the authorities and can change, so check locally. The grounds and the southern tip alone are worth the visit.
- →Completed: 1890.
- →Height: roughly 49 metres.
- →Climb: sometimes permitted, around 200 steps.
The Great and Little Basses
Off the coast of Yala, two lighthouses stand on reefs in the open sea. The Great Basses lighthouse was completed in 1873, after years of difficult construction using granite blocks shipped from Scotland, and the Little Basses lighthouse, further east, was completed in 1878.
Neither can be visited. On clear days, the Great Basses lighthouse can be seen on the horizon from Kirinda's temple on the rocks. The reefs are known among divers for shipwrecks, though diving there is limited by rough seas and access.
- →Great Basses: completed 1873, visible from Kirinda.
- →Little Basses: completed 1878, further offshore to the east.
- →Access: not open to visitors.
Planning a lighthouse route
A lighthouse route along the south coast can follow the coast road from west to east. Start with Barberyn at Beruwala, spend an afternoon in Galle Fort with sunset by the lighthouse, visit Dondra Head on the way between Mirissa and Tangalle, and end at Kirinda looking out to the Great Basses.
Lankan Stays & Trails builds lighthouse stops into south coast routes for travellers interested in history and photography, combining them with nearby forts, temples and beaches.
- →Beruwala: Barberyn from the harbour.
- →Galle: the lighthouse on the ramparts at sunset.
- →Dondra and Kirinda: the tallest tower and the distant Basses.
Photographing the lighthouses
Galle lighthouse is best photographed at sunset from the ramparts, or from the Peace Pagoda on Rumassala across the bay. Dondra Head lighthouse photographs well in morning light, when the sun falls on the white tower.
For the Great Basses, a long lens from Kirinda on a clear morning gives the best chance. Barberyn is best from Beruwala's harbour in the late afternoon, with fishing boats in the foreground.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka?
Dondra Head lighthouse, at the southernmost point of Sri Lanka near Matara, is the tallest, at roughly 49 metres. It was completed in 1890 and is a white octagonal tower in a small compound.
Can you climb Galle lighthouse?
No. Galle lighthouse, on the ramparts of Galle Fort, is not usually open to visitors. It is best enjoyed from the ramparts, especially at sunset, or from the Peace Pagoda on Rumassala across the bay.
Can you visit the Great Basses lighthouse?
No. The Great Basses lighthouse stands on a reef in the open sea off Yala and is not open to visitors. On clear days it can be seen on the horizon from Kirinda's temple on the rocks.
When was Dondra Head lighthouse built?
Dondra Head lighthouse was completed in 1890, during British rule. It is roughly 49 metres tall, the tallest in Sri Lanka, and stands at the island's southernmost point, just east of Matara.
Can you climb Dondra Head lighthouse?
Sometimes. Dondra Head lighthouse has at times been open for a small fee, with around 200 steps to the gallery. Access depends on the authorities and changes, so check locally before you go.
Where is Barberyn lighthouse?
Barberyn lighthouse stands on a small islet off Beruwala, at the western end of the south coast. It cannot usually be visited, but it is a fine sight from Beruwala's fishing harbour, especially in the late afternoon.
What is the best way to see all the south coast lighthouses?
Drive the coast road from west to east over two or three days. See Barberyn from Beruwala harbour, Galle lighthouse at sunset, Dondra Head on the way to Tangalle, and the Great Basses from Kirinda at the end, near Yala.