Sri Lanka | Dondra Light House – The Southernmost Tip of Sri Lanka

A trip to a lighthouse is probably the last thing to ever cross my mind when I imagine my visit to Sri Lanka. But as soon as I found out that we were going to see a lighthouse, my interest piqued! This is because the lighthouse I’ve ever been to in Malaysia was somehow lacking aesthetically and I can’t wait to see one that is picturesque.

For other places of attractions in Sri Lanka, read my travel guide with sample itinerary and cost breakdown ➢ 12 Days Sri Lanka In Less Than RM2.2K - Visa Application, Sample Itinerary & Cost Breakdown

Dondra Head Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on Dondra Head, Dondra, which is the southernmost tip in Sri Lanka. Octagonal in shape and painted in white, the Dondra Lighthouse stands 54m and is one of the four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka. Besides being the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka, it is also one of the tallest in South East Asia.  

The name Dondra means "Devi-Nuwara" in the local Sinhala language, where "Devi" means "Gods" and "Nuwara" means "City". Therefore, Dondra is also known as the "City of the Gods". 

Built by British in 1889, the lighthouse is still active even after a century. It is currently operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, guiding ships and boats along the Maritime route after a century. It also transmits radio wave signals to surrounding lighthouses in Sri Lanka.  

It consists of 7 floors and one has to climb 196 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse where the view overlooking the ocean is said to be quite breathtaking. However, to climb you have to get prior permission from the Ports Authority, as it is currently not opened to the public.  

Although we are not allowed to climb the lighthouse, the stunning coastal setting, beautiful palms, and lack of tourists is well worth the visit. We love our trip there, and we had fun taking photos and looking at the local students who were also there for their field trip.

Dondra Head Lighthouse

So tall

Found this best shooting angle

Pose #1

Pose #2

Pose #3

Pose #4

Pose #5

Pose #6

We are no longer able to enter and climb up to the lighthouse like they used to

The seaside view

Look at the blue sea!

Enjoying the sea breeze

Lovely

When we were there we saw a group of students on their field trip

It's their lunch time!

Look at the school girls

All in white

Getting To Dondra Light House 

A side trip to Dondra is pretty easy to do from Mirissa, which is just 30 minutes away. Although you can get to Dondra by public transport, having a tuk tuk to drive you around Dondra is easier and more convenient. With a couple of travel companion to split the cost with you, it would not burn a hole in your wallet. There are plenty of tuk tuk driver in town, and you can bargain for a good price to drive you to and from Dondra and bringing you around Dondra – to the light house and the temple.  

Dondra Head Lighthouse

Address: Port Access Road, Dondra, Sri Lanka 

Tuk tuk from Mirissa to Dondra: 30 minutes, LKR 2300 to/from Mirissa and around Dondra (sharing by 3 persons) 

Recommended time in Dondra Light house: 1 hour  

Final Words 

Although visitors are currently not permitted to enter the lighthouse and climb to the top, it is still a pretty nice place to visit, be it for the gram or just to marvel at its exterior. It makes a good half day trip along with Dondra Temple. Do check if the rules change when you are visiting. You could probably be able to climb up the lighthouse if you are lucky, to find remarkable coastal views from the top. Good luck!  

For other places of attractions in Sri Lanka, read my travel guide with sample itinerary and cost breakdown ➢ 12 Days Sri Lanka In Less Than RM2.2K - Visa Application, Sample Itinerary & Cost Breakdown