Alappuzha Lighthouse

The lighthouse is around 150 yearsold, which is popularly, known as the Alappuzha, located in
one of the major tourist attractions of Kerala, Alleppey, which is locally known as Alappuzha. It is one of the most recognized landmarks in the coastal areas of Allappuzha.

It is located close to the sea bridge and the Raja Kesavadas swimming pool, structured in the year 1862. At that time, it was one of the busiest ports and trade centre of Kerala.

In the early ages, Alappuzha was a part of Travancore and it was under the rule of the former kings of Travancore. As later on, foreign traders like Portuguese, Dutch and English arrived in India, Vizhinjam, Kollam, Travancore and Purakkad became the main ports for foreign trade. When the Port of Purakkad became unfit to process trade, a need another port surged up and thus, Alappuzha was chosen and an infrastructure was developed.

The port was opened to foreign traders in 1792, but it did not have lighthouses at that time. Then, it only had a light at the head of the pier that was provided for the mariners. As the port started gaining popularity, the authorities decided to structure a lighthouse. The construction of this lighthouse in Alappuzha was stated under the rule of Travancore King, Marthanda Varma-II and was concluded during the rule of Rama Varma of Travancore.

The cylindrical white lighthouse was painted with red and white bands later on. It is a 30 meters high lighthouse involving teak spiral staircase. The first light provide through this lighthouse was a coconut oil, double wick oil-lamp, which was continued to be used until 1952, after which it was replaced by 500 mm drum optic and DA gas flasher. In 1960, the equipments were replaced by 1000 watts electric optic system and in 1998 it was again replaced by a direct drive system and a separate emergency lantern of 300 mm which was then finally replaced by a 230V Metal Halide Lamp in February, 1999.

The best time to visit this lighthouse is between the months of October to February as the monsoon season from June to August should be avoided.

It is a manually operated station and light flashes twice at every 15 seconds from this lighthouse. The lighthouse was kept open for public from the year 2007.  It is open from 3 pm to 5 pm and the rates involved are Rs.10 for adults, Rs.3 for children and Rs.25 for international tourists.

Alappuzha, which is also widely recommended as the ‘Venice of the East’ because of its wide network of backwaters, is not only just known for its lighthouse, but has many other attractions that drive the tourists towards this place. The place is also popularly known for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.

 Where Alappuzha beach is popular known among the tourists as an ideal picnic spot, the backwaters of Alappuzha has been the main highlight among the tourist attractions of this place. Also that, Alappuzha houseboat cruises along the serene backwaters of this place is certainly the main thing you don’t want to miss after reaching this place. 

The next time you visit Kerala; do visit this beautiful destination of backwaters, beach and houseboats along with other attractions linked to this place.