Photo spot in Kollam
Thangassery Lighthouse
Kollam, Kerala
A tall 1902 red-and-white lighthouse in the old Portuguese-Dutch quarter of Thangassery, with sea views and colonial church ruins nearby.
Best time
Late afternoon, when warm light falls on the striped tower; stay on for sunset over the sea from the top.
Best angle
Stand on the road a little back from the base and take a vertical photo of the whole tower, with the blue sky behind and the palms at the bottom of the frame.
Entry fee
Nominal
Opening hours
Lighthouse afternoons
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Thangassery Lighthouse
Late afternoon, when warm light falls on the striped tower; stay on for sunset over the sea from the top. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Thangassery Lighthouse
Stand on the road a little back from the base and take a vertical photo of the whole tower, with the blue sky behind and the palms at the bottom of the frame. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the lighthouse
By the colonial ruins
Outfit guide
What to wear at Thangassery Lighthouse
For photos at Thangassery Lighthouse, white, red and aqua work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Kollam.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Thangassery Lighthouse.
Eat nearby
Food near Thangassery Lighthouse
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for kappa & meen curry nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Visit in the afternoon, when the lighthouse is usually open to visitors, and stay on for sunset.
Check the opening days before you go, as lighthouses in India are often closed on Mondays.
Climb to the top for a view over the sea, the harbour and the town.
Stay back from the edge on the rocks and the breakwater, where waves can surge suddenly.
Walk to the ruins of the old fort and the Infant Jesus Cathedral nearby.
Follow the photography rules at the top, as there may be restrictions.
Combine your visit with Kollam Beach for the rest of the evening.
About Thangassery Lighthouse
The Thangassery Lighthouse has stood on the coast at Kollam since 1902. Its red-and-white striped tower is one of the city's best-known landmarks, and visitors can climb to the top for wide views over the Arabian Sea, the fishing harbour and the town. A lift has been added, but many people still take the spiral stairs.
Thangassery, about 5 km from the city centre, was where the Portuguese set up a trading post in the early 1500s and built St Thomas Fort. The Dutch took over in 1661, and the British followed later. Today you can see the remains of the old fort walls, an old cemetery and the Infant Jesus Cathedral, all within walking distance of the lighthouse.
Questions
Thangassery Lighthouse — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Thangassery Lighthouse?
Late afternoon, when warm light falls on the striped tower; stay on for sunset over the sea from the top. Stand on the road a little back from the base and take a vertical photo of the whole tower, with the blue sky behind and the palms at the bottom of the frame.
Is there an entry fee at Thangassery Lighthouse?
Entry to Thangassery Lighthouse is nominal.
What are the opening hours of Thangassery Lighthouse?
Thangassery Lighthouse is open lighthouse afternoons.
What should I wear at Thangassery Lighthouse?
White, red and aqua photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Thangassery Lighthouse get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: late afternoon, when warm light falls on the striped tower; stay on for sunset over the sea from the top.
What food should I try near Thangassery Lighthouse?
Try kappa & meen curry at spots close by.
What is Thangassery Lighthouse famous for?
Thangassery Lighthouse is famous for its red-and-white striped tower, built in 1902, and the view from the top over the Arabian Sea and Kollam. It stands in Thangassery, the old Portuguese and Dutch quarter of the city.
Can I climb Thangassery Lighthouse?
Yes. Visitors can usually go to the top during visiting hours, by the spiral stairs or the lift. Check the current timings and closing days before you go.
What is the history of Thangassery?
The Portuguese set up a trading post at Thangassery in the early 1500s and built St Thomas Fort in 1517. The Dutch captured it in 1661, and the area later came under the British. Ruins of the fort and the Infant Jesus Cathedral recall this history.
How much time do I need at Thangassery?
About 1–2 hours is enough to climb the lighthouse, see the fort ruins and walk past the cathedral.