Alappuzha Lighthouse

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Sight Address : Alappuzha Lighthouse is located 4km from Alappuzha town, near the Alappuzha Beach. Edit

Detail InformationEdit

Alappuzha Lighthouse is a magnificent structure which stood before us with hight of an average 10 story building and the 19th century construction stood there welcoming the visitors from 21st century . It become quite apparent that it is going to be little tough job for us to climb the steep wooden staircase all the way to to that ten story structure . But our enthusiasm droved us all the way up and we are there to enjoy the magnificent view of the Alleppey beach and the heritage buildings up from the light house. It is quite obvious that the structure could not tolerate a huge in rush of tourists and the wooden staircases are so narrow that it will permit only one person to climb in one direction at a time .

Alappuzha Lighthouse, Alappuzha

HistoryEdit

Alappuzha Lighthouse is 150-year-old lighthouse situated in Alleppey also known as Alappuzha locally. Located near the sea bridge and the Raja Kesavadas swimming pool, it was built in the year 1862 and was one of the busiest ports and trade centre of Kerala during the time. Alappuzha as a part of Travancore came under the rule of the former kings of Travancore. Once the Portuguese, Dutch and English traders arrived in India, Vizhinjam, Kollam, Travancore and Purakkad became the main ports of Travancore through which foreign trade increased. After the Port of Purakkad became unfit for trade, there was a need for another port for which Alappuzha was chosen and an infrastructure was developed.
The port was opened to foreign traders in 1792. There were no lighthouses at that time, only a light at the head of the pier that was provided for the mariners but with the increase in port activities, the authorities decided to provide for a lighthouse. The construction of the Alappuzha lighthouse began under the rule of Travancore King, Marthanda Varma-II and was completed during the rule of Rama Varma of Travancore. The Alappuzha lighthouse is still a manually operated station. A white light flashes twice every 15 seconds from the lighthouse. The lighthouse was opened for public in 2007.

Must SeeEdit

Popular

Visiting TimeEdit

3:30 pm and 5:00 pm.

Closed OnEdit

N.A.

Best Season to VisitEdit

September to March.

Best Time To VisitEdit

Afternoon.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

1 hour

Ticket Required : Yes Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : 10

Kids Rs. : 3

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : 25

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Still Photo Camera Rs. : 20

Video Camera Rs. : N.A.

Guide Required : No Edit

Approximate cost: N.A.

Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A.

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : Local taxis are also available at cheap rates. There are many Car rental companies offering cars with drivers or self drive. Rates are around Rs 7 per km but there are all sorts of extras.

Bus : There are bus services operating from cities like Cochin (1:15 hours, Rs 33), Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangalore (overnight luxury Rs 650), Mysore, Coimbatore (overnight Rs.220) to Alappuzha. Alappuzha has an excellent local bus service system and it is cheap.

Train : Alappuzha railway station is a major station, which link every important city in India. This railway station is easily accessible throughout India. There are direct trains to Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam and also to further North from this station. from railway station taxi or autorickshaws are easily available to reach the site.

Air : Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport. Expect to pay about Rs.450 for a taxi to get from Cochin airport to Cochin, then Bus or train to Alleppey. Alternatively come to airports at Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kozhikode (Calicut), Chennai, Bangalore and catch a train to Alappuzha. from airport buses, taxi or autorickshaws are easily available to reach the site.

Others : Autorickshaw : This is cheap way of transportation between attractions in Alappuzha.

Ferry services : Regular ferry services connect most locations on both banks of the backwaters.The Kerala State Water Transport Department operates ferries for passengers as well as tourists. It is the cheapest mode of transport through the backwaters.

Things to CarryEdit

Carry items such as camera, sun glasses, medical kit, emergency lights.
Carry your own food and plenty of water because restaurant is not available near sight.