The Alappuzha Lighthouse, one of the main tourist spots in Alleppey, is located in the coastal town of Alappuzha, Kerala. The lighthouse stands tall with its red and white stripes, right across from Alappuzha Beach.
From the top of the lighthouse, you can see the sea, backwaters, coconut groves, and bustling streets of Alleppey. Even today, the lighthouse is very much alive and open for visitors who want to experience Kerala’s maritime history up close.
Journey into the Past
The history of the Alappuzha Lighthouse goes back to the days of Travancore. Before a proper lighthouse was built, there was just a simple light on the pier to guide ships.
The present lighthouse tower was constructed during the rule of Marthanda Varma II and was completed in 1861 when Rama Varma was the ruler. It was officially lit on March 28, 1862, using a coconut oil double-wick lamp.
Over the years, the lighting system changed multiple times. In 1952, a gas flasher was installed. By 1960, the lighthouse switched to an electrically operated system, which was upgraded again in 1998 and 1999 with more modern lamps.
Back in the 18th century, Alleppey was a major port for Indian and European trade. Raja Kesava Das, the Prime Minister of Travancore, developed the port and canal network in 1772, turning Alleppey into a busy trading centre.
Though it is no longer an active port, the lighthouse still stands as a reminder of Alleppey’s maritime history.
The Architectural Beauty of Alappuzha Lighthouse
Standing at a height of 30 metres (98 feet), the Alappuzha Lighthouse is a tall cylindrical tower with a spiral staircase leading up to the top.
The lighthouse first used a coconut oil lamp with a first-order optical system. Over time, it was upgraded with a 500 mm drum optic, a DA gas flasher, and later, an electric revolving light.
The Alappuzha Lighthouse is built in a traditional 19th-century style. It has a wide base for stability and gets narrower as it goes up. Its thick walls help protect it from strong sea winds and saltwater damage.
The top of the lighthouse has a glass-covered lantern room that lets the light shine over the sea. It first used a wick lamp that had to be lit by hand, but now it runs on electricity with a bright metal halide lamp.
Key Attractions and Hidden Gems of Alappuzha Lighthouse
The Alappuzha Lighthouse holds many surprising attractions. Here’s what awaits you inside:
Climb to the Top
The best part of visiting the Alappuzha Lighthouse is climbing to the top. Inside, there’s a narrow, winding staircase that takes you up to the observation deck.
At the top, you’ll see an amazing view of the endless Arabian Sea, the golden Alappuzha Beach, and the lush green backwaters of Kerala.
Explore the Heritage Museum
At the base of the lighthouse, you’ll find a small museum that gives visitors a peek into the history of this 160-year-old structure. Inside, you can see the old lighthouse equipment that was once used to guide sailors, historic photographs showing how the lighthouse evolved over the years, and much more.
Capture Stunning Photographs
The interior of the lighthouse itself is quite photogenic, with its vintage iron staircase and rustic walls. And once you reach the top, the 360-degree view makes for an incredible backdrop for photos, especially during sunset.
Lesser Known Facts about Alappuzha Lighthouse
Here are some lesser-known facts about Alappuzha Lighthouse:
- The Lighthouse is Still Manned: Even with modern technology, the Alappuzha Lighthouse is still a staffed station.
- It Was Plain White Before: The lighthouse wasn’t always red and white. Before 2000, it was just plain white. The red and white stripes were added later to make it more visible.
- Opened to the Public in 2007: For a long time, visitors were not allowed inside the lighthouse. It was only in 2007 that it was finally opened to the public.
- Imported Optical Equipment: The original optical equipment used in the lighthouse was imported all the way from Birmingham, UK.
- First Stone Laid by a Woman: The construction of the lighthouse began in 1860, and the first stone was laid by Mrs. Mary Anne Crawford.
The Best Time to Visit Alappuzha Lighthouse
The best time to visit is from October to February during winter. The weather is cooler, and there’s hardly any rain, making it easy to explore. Summer can get really hot, and the monsoon season brings heavy rains, which might make sightseeing difficult.
The lighthouse is open every day except Monday. Mornings are the best time to visit since it’s cooler, and you won’t have to deal with the afternoon heat. The view from the top looks great in the morning light, but if you go in the late afternoon, you might catch a nice sunset over the sea.
Alappuzha Lighthouse: How to Get There
Alappuzha Lighthouse is easy to get to since it’s well-connected to different parts of Kerala and beyond. Here’s how you can reach:
By Air
The closest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), which is about 83.2 km away. Once you land, you can take a taxi or a bus, and in around 2.5 to 3 hours, you’ll be at the lighthouse.
By Train
If you don’t mind a slightly longer ride, trains are a good choice. Alappuzha Railway Station (ALLP) is just 2.3 km from the lighthouse, so once you get there, a quick 10-minute auto-rickshaw or taxi ride will take you straight to it.
The station connects well with cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Bangalore, and Chennai, so if you're coming from these places, a train can be a comfortable option.
By Road
If you enjoy road trips, driving to Alappuzha can be a fun experience. The roads are smooth, and NH-66 offers some nice views along the way.
Buses are an affordable and easy way to reach the lighthouse, too—KSRTC runs regular buses from Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kottayam. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easy to find at the railway station, town centre, and near tourist areas.
For many years, the Alappuzha Lighthouse has played a vital role along Kerala's coastline. Many visitors come to admire the views from the top and learn about the history. The area surrounding the lighthouse is tranquil, and the sea wind makes it an enjoyable spot to visit. Even though it is not the biggest lighthouse, it has been standing strong for a long time and remains a special landmark in Alappuzha.
