The lighthouse was designed by Captain Mitchell and constructed to support the busy commercial port of Alappuzha during the 19th century.
The original lighting apparatus used a wick lamp and coconut oil before being upgraded to petroleum vapor and eventually electricity.
The tower is built on a massive masonry pedestal that raises the focal plane to 30 meters above the mean sea level.
It is one of the oldest functioning lighthouses on the southwest coast of India.
Alappuzha Lighthouse is a historic red-and-white striped beacon located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala. The structure, completed in 1862, stands 28 meters tall and remains a functional navigational aid for ships. It features a spiraling internal staircase leading to a gallery that provides views of the Arabian Sea and the local backwaters. A small museum at the base exhibits optical equipment and artifacts related to maritime history and lighthouse technology. The lighthouse is constructed of granite blocks and stands on a masonry tower. It is operated by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships under the Government of India. The beacon is visible from a distance of approximately 18 nautical miles at sea.
The viewing gallery at the top offers a panoramic perspective of the coastline and the grid of the city below.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for the steep climb up the spiral stairs.
Bring a bottle of water as there are no hydration stations inside the tower.
Limit the items you carry, as space on the observation deck is constrained.
Do not attempt the climb if you have respiratory or heart conditions, as the stairs are steep and enclosed.
Closed to the public on Mondays for maintenance.
Modest clothing is recommended; avoid loud behavior on the narrow staircase.
