Vypin Lighthouse
The Vypin Lighthouse or Cochin Lighthouse[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.
The lighthouse in 2016 | |
Vypin Lighthouse Cochin Lighthouse Kerala | |
Location | Puthuvype, Kochi, Kerala India |
---|---|
Coordinates | 9°59′54″N 76°13′18″E |
Year first constructed | 1839 (first) |
Year first lit | 1979 (current) |
Construction | concrete tower |
Tower shape | octagonal tower with balcony and lantern |
Markings / pattern | white and red horizontal bands, white lantern |
Tower height | 46 metres (151 ft) |
Focal height | 49 metres (161 ft) |
Light source | mains power |
Range | 28 nautical miles (52 km; 32 mi) |
Characteristic | Fl (4) W 20s. |
Admiralty number | F0698 |
NGA number | 27528 |
ARLHS number | IND-083[1] |
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
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]
References
- Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of India: Kerala and Karnataka". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- "Cochin District". DGLL. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- "Lighthouses of India: Kerala and Karnataka". unc.edu. unc.edu. Archived from the original on 2 April 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 12 March 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2014.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
External links
- Vypin Lighthouse in Lighthouse Digest's Lighthouse Explorer Database
- Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships
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