Vypin Lighthouse

The Vypin Lighthouse or Cochin Lighthouse[1][2] is situated at Puthuvype in Kochi, Kerala. Even though the current lighthouse started functioning only by 15 November 1979, the Cochin Lighthouse has a long history. The lighthouse which was functioning in Fort Kochi from 1839 was shifted to Puthuvype in 1979. It is the tallest lighthouse in Kerala.

Vypin Lighthouse
Cochin Lighthouse
The lighthouse in 2016
LocationPuthuvype, Kochi, Kerala
India
Coordinates9°59′54″N 76°13′18″E
Tower
Constructed1839 (first)
Constructionconcrete tower
Height46 metres (151 ft)
Shapeoctagonal tower with balcony and lantern
Markingswhite and red horizontal bands, white lantern
Light
First lit1979 (current)
Focal height49 metres (161 ft)
Range28 nautical miles (52 km; 32 mi)
CharacteristicFl (4) W 20s.

Visiting Time: 10am-1pm,2pm- 6pm

Working day: Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat,Sun

Holiday: Monday

Entry Fees: 20rs

Now visitors are not allowed in this light house due to Covid restrictions. Govt has not declared reopoening date. Putuvype beach is nearby and is open for visitors. Last updated on 8 Dec 2021.

Technical details

The tower has a height of 46 metres (151 ft) and is made of double layered concrete. The light beam has the range of 28 nautical miles (52 km; 32 mi).[3]

History

The old light at Fort Kochi
The image on the left is that of the Fort Kochi Lighthouse taken between 1850 and 1897. The image on the right is the structure present at the site in 2013.

An oil lamp light started functioning at Fort Kochi in 1839. In 1902, a new light and reflecting mechanism was introduced. Modifications were made in 1914. In the 1920s, a new 10-meter tall tower was erected.

In 1936, a 25-meter tall steel tower was installed with a gaslight. In 1966, a mechanism called sun valve was introduced. Plans to construct a taller and brighter light and a radio beacon were drawn up. Since there was a paucity of land, the new light was transferred to Puthuvype in the Vypin Island and the radio beacon was shifted to Azhikode.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Cochin District". DGLL. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  2. Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of India: Kerala and Karnataka". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  3. Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of India: Kerala and Karnataka". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 12 March 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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