Alappuzha Lighthouse

Infobox_Lighthouse

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caption = A view of the Alappuzha Lighthouse from the bottom of the lighthouse.
location = Alappuzha, Kerala
coordinates = coord|09|29.5|N|76|19.3|E|
yearlit = 1862
automated =
yeardeactivated =
foundation =
construction = masonry
shape = cylindrical
height = 30 meters
lens =
range = 24.5 miles (39.5 kilometres)
characteristic = white light flashes twice every 15 secondsThe Alappuzha Lighthouse is situated in the coastal town of Alappuzha, Kerala. It was built in the year 1862 and is a major tourist attraction. Visitors are allowed between 1500 hours and 1630 hours on every weekday at an admission fee of ten rupees.

History

Most of the information for this section has been obtained from cite web | title = Lighthouse Digest Article | url = http://www.lhdepot.com/Digest/StoryPage.cfm?StoryKey=401 | publisher = Lighthouse Digest | accessmonthday = March 6 | accessyear = 2008] and cite web | title = Government of India Reference | url = http://dgllnoida.gov.in/history/cochin/alleppy.htm | publisher = Govt of India | accessmonthday = March 6 | accessyear = 2008]

Alappuzha, the place where India's Alleppey Lighthouse stands, was one of the busiest ports and trade centers of Kerala. Alappuzha, a part of Travancore, was ruled by Rajas of Earstwhile Travancore before India's independence. After the arrival of the Portuguese, Dutch and English trades, Vizhinjam, Kollam, Travancore and Purakad were the main ports of Earstwhile Travancore through which foreign trade flourished. The decline of the Port of Purakkad necessitated the rehabilitation of the traders for which Alappuzha was selected as a port and an infrastructure was developed. The port was opened to foreign traders in 1792. There was no regular lighthouse provided in 18th century-only a light, provided on the pier head.served the mariners. As port activities increased, the authorities had to provide for a lighthouse. The construction of the present lighthouse began in the reign of His Highness Marthanda Varma-II Maharaja (ruler of Travancore) and was completed during the reign of His Highness Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore. The first stone was installed by Mrs. Mough Crawford on April 26 1860. The 30' high lighthouse has a teak spiral staircase. A 1st order optical equipment with coconut oil double wick lamp light-source supplied by M/s. Chance Bros. Birmingham was installed and commissioned into service on 28th March 1862. The same equipment continued to serve till 1952 when it was replaced by 500 mm drum optic and DA gas flasher of AGA make. The current 4th order optic with a 1000 watt electric lamp was installed in 1960. The main supply was extended to the station in 1960 as such an electrically operated 4th order revolving optic system supplied by M/s BBT, Paris replaced the old equipment and was commissioned on 4th August 1960. The direct drive system was incorporated on 8th April 1998 and a separate emergency light in 300 mm lantern on 30th December 1998. The incandescent lamp was replaced by 230V 150W Metal halide lamp on 28th February 1999. The lighthouse is still a manned station.

Contacts

The office of the lighthouse can be reached by telephone at [phone]

References