Summary
The Vypin Lighthouse or Cochin Lighthouse[1][2] is situated at Puthuvype in Kochi, Kerala. India. It started as an oil-fuelled lamp at Fort Kochi in 1839, and was updated over the years. It was replaced by a structure in Puthuvype in 1979. It is the tallest lighthouse in Kerala.
 The lighthouse in 2023 | |
 | |
| Location | Puthuvype, Kochi, Kerala India |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 9°59′54″N 76°13′18″E / 9.998397°N 76.221599°E |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1839 (first) |
| Construction | concrete tower |
| Height | 46 metres (151 ft) |
| Shape | octagonal tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings | white and red horizontal bands, white lantern |
| Light | |
| First lit | 1979 (current) |
| Focal height | 49 metres (161 ft) |
| Range | 28 nautical miles (52 km; 32 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (4) W 20s. |
The lighthouse, near Putuvype beach, is open to visitors.
Technical details edit
The tower is 46 metres (151 ft) high, and is made of double-layered concrete. The light beam is visible at 28 nautical miles (52 km; 32 mi).[3]
History edit
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 edit
References edit
- ^ "Cochin District". DGLL. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of India: Kerala and Karnataka". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of India: Kerala and Karnataka". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ^ "Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships". Archived from the original on 12 March 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
External links edit
- Vypin Lighthouse in Lighthouse Digest's Lighthouse Explorer Database
- Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships