Portonovo Lighthouse cum Navtex Station (Parangipettai) was established by Government of India in the year of 1980, Parangipettai is located on the north bank of the mouth of the Vellar River at a distance of 30 km from Cuddalore.

Portonovo is a coastal village in the Bhuvanagiri Taluk of Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, India. The popular Temple of “Thillai Natarajer” in Chidambaram is located about 18 km to Portonovo lighthouse. Parangipettai has evolved into a well-developed town with nearly all basic necessities such as healthcare, education and transport.

It also hosts a Marine Biology Station affiliated with the Annamalai University.