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.

Vypin Lighthouse
Cochin Lighthouse
The lighthouse in 2016
Vypin Lighthouse
Cochin Lighthouse
Kerala
LocationPuthuvype, Kochi, Kerala
India
Coordinates9°59′54″N 76°13′18″E
Year first constructed1839 (first)
Year first lit1979 (current)
Constructionconcrete tower
Tower shapeoctagonal tower with balcony and lantern
Markings / patternwhite and red horizontal bands, white lantern
Tower height46 metres (151 ft)
Focal height49 metres (161 ft)
Light sourcemains power
Range28 nautical miles (52 km; 32 mi)
CharacteristicFl (4) W 20s.
Admiralty numberF0698
NGA number27528
ARLHS numberIND-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
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. Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of India: Kerala and Karnataka". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  2. "Cochin District". DGLL. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  3. "Lighthouses of India: Kerala and Karnataka". unc.edu. unc.edu. Archived from the original on 2 April 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 12 March 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2014.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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