It was closed in 2001 following a perceived threat from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

The lighthouse, with a circular masonry tower made of natural stone, became fully functional in 1904.

India's oldest lighthouse, built around 640 CE by Pallava king Mahendravarman I stands next to this modern structure.

The Pallava era lighthouse is a protected monument, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

[2] Mahabalipuram was a busy port under the Pallavas as early as the 7th century CE.