Alappuzha Lighthouse- a heritage spot in Kerala

Alappuzha Lighthouse

Alappuzha Lighthouse- a heritage spot in Kerala

Situated at Alleppey Beach, the 150-year-old Alappuzha Lighthouse is a wonderful sightseeing spot. It has been built in a traditional way and is a nice option for the local fishermen to keep on their business. The height of the lighthouse is 30 meters followed by hundred wooden steps. It requires a fit and healthy body to climb on these steps. The 360-degree view from the top is just awesome as you look at the surrounding area and the blue sea. The top of the lighthouse possesses a platform that can hold up to 20-25 people. After getting up the spiral staircase you would be amazed to see the spectacular view around you.

About Alappuzha Lighthouse

The lighthouse is quite historical and due to its stripped red and white colors, it looks bright and visible from a very far distance. An interesting fact about it is the shape which is like the shape of the ‘queen of chess’. Those who are interested to know about the past record of the place, then surely this spot could give you some glimpse of that time. It is not that easy to climb a hundred steps upwards but it is not that tough too. You need to be free from any type of asthma problem or knee joint issue. The most important feature that made it a lighthouse is the light used here. The tall building made of lateritic stones used to glow with a double-wick lamp previously. Later a gas flusher and drum optic were placed there. Gradually in the year 1960, all those were replaced by an emergency lanterns. Finally, on the 20th century, the old lamps were changed into Halide Lamp of 230 volts. During the ancient days, the light in the lighthouse was the brightest in the region.

History of Alappuzha Lighthouse

After going through the history of Kerala we come to know that the region was previously ruled by Portuguese and English traders. Before the English rulers, it was under the rule of Marthanda Maharaja when the construction got started. And it got completed when Maharaja of Travancore was in power. During the rule of these kings, the British rulers cooperated with them to build the lighthouse. The spot where the lighthouse stands now was one of the busiest ports for trading. Other than the lighthouse there is a museum that houses many old exhibits.

Useful information

The charge to enter the lighthouse is 10 INR for adults and 3 INR for children. The rate for foreign tourists is 25 INR. There is a museum and its entry fee is 20 INR. It is situated at the civil station Ward of Alappuzha close to the beach of Alleppey which is 4 km away from the town of Alappuzha. It is a nice sightseeing spot which got built in the year 1862. The visiting hours start from 9 to 11 in the morning and then again from 3 PM to 5 PM and is open on all days of the week.  It is easy to reach the spot that lies on the same way towards Alappuzha Beach. The railway station is very close but the Kochi Airport is quite far.

Staying there

There are many luxurious resorts around the lighthouse. Some of the well-known resorts in the vicinity are Vismaya Lake Heritage and Fab Hotel Kuwait Residency. The Wind and Waves Alleppey Beach Stay is very close to the lighthouse which stands within a distance of 200 m. Arcadia and Royale Park are just beside the spot. Other than these hotels there are many OYO hotels you could find at a reasonable price. So staying there is not an issue. Now if you are staying then definitely you would not go back home by just visiting one spot. You would also want to visit the nearby attractions.

Nearby attractions in Alappuzha Lighthouse

There are many other beautiful options you could visit other than the lighthouse. Some of the places are St. Mary’s Forane Church, Mullakkal Temple, Sri Krishna Temple, Marari Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Kayamkulam, Pathiramanal, and the most wonderful and serene Alappuzha Beach. The Alappuzha Lighthouse is a heritage destination and is a good one to look back on history.

Alappuzha Beach:

Alappuzha Beach

The Alappuzha Beach is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and serenity. It is located just a few minutes away from the lighthouse and is a perfect place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the sunset. There are also several food stalls and shops selling traditional Kerala items near the beach.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

Kumarakom bird sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

This bird sanctuary is located about 14 km from Alappuzha and is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Spread over an area of 14 acres, the sanctuary is home to various species of migratory birds that come from different parts of the world. Visitors can take a boat ride through the sanctuary to get a closer look at the birds.

Punnamada Kayal:

This backwater is located about 7 km from Alappuzha and is a popular spot for boating and fishing. Visitors can take a scenic boat ride through the backwaters and witness the picturesque rural life of Kerala.

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple:

This temple is located about 13 km from Alappuzha and is one of the famous Krishna temples in Kerala. It is known for its traditional architecture and the delicious prasadam (offering) made of sweet rice pudding.

Mary’s Forane Church:

This church is located in the town of Champakulam and is one of the oldest and most famous churches in Kerala. The church is known for its beautiful architecture, peaceful surroundings, and rich history. Visitors can take a short drive from Alappuzha to reach the church.

What to See Alappuzha Lighthouse

Alappuzha Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination in the town of Alappuzha, Kerala, India. The lighthouse offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding area. Some of the main attractions at the lighthouse include:

  1. The Lighthouse: The lighthouse itself is a historic and iconic structure that offers breathtaking views of the sea and the nearby coastline. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the area.
  2. The Light House Beach: The lighthouse beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and watching the sunset. Visitors can relax on the sand and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
  3. The Park: The park surrounding the lighthouse is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. There are several benches and shaded areas where visitors can sit and relax.
  4. The Museum: The lighthouse has a small museum that displays artifacts and information about the history and significance of lighthouses in India. Visitors can learn about the important role that lighthouses have played in navigation and safety at sea.

Overall, the Alappuzha Lighthouse is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the area. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax, the lighthouse offers something for everyone.

How to reach

Alappuzha Lighthouse is located in the town of Alappuzha in the Indian state of Kerala. There are several options for reaching the lighthouse, including:

  1. By Road: Alappuzha is well connected by road to other major cities in Kerala, and visitors can reach the lighthouse by car, taxi, or bus. There are several local buses that run between Alappuzha and nearby cities, and visitors can also take private taxis or rent a car.
  2. By Rail: Alappuzha has its own railway station, and visitors can reach the lighthouse by taking a train from other cities in Kerala or from major cities in India.
  3. By Air: The nearest airport to Alappuzha is the Cochin International Airport, which is located about 75 km away. Visitors can take a taxi or hire a car from the airport to reach the lighthouse.

Once you reach Alappuzha, the lighthouse is easily accessible on foot or by local transportation. Visitors can take a rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach the lighthouse, or they can walk from nearby hotels or guesthouses.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Alappuzha Lighthouse depends on personal preference and travel plans. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on the best time to visit:

  1. Weather: The weather in Alappuzha is warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, can make the area quite rainy and damp, so visitors may want to avoid this time if they prefer dry weather.
  2. Crowds: Alappuzha is a popular tourist destination, and the lighthouse can get crowded during peak tourist season. The busiest months are from October to March, so visitors may want to avoid these months if they prefer to avoid large crowds.
  3. Festivals: Alappuzha is home to several traditional festivals and events, including the famous snake boat races in August and September. Visitors who are interested in experiencing the local culture may want to plan their trip to coincide with one of these festivals.

Overall, the best time to visit Alappuzha Lighthouse is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are relatively light. However, visitors who are interested in experiencing the local culture and festivals may prefer to visit during the monsoon season or during one of the major festivals.

Faq

Here are some common FAQs related to Alappuzha Lighthouse:

  1. What are the visiting hours for Alappuzha Lighthouse?

The visiting hours for the lighthouse are typically from 9 AM to 5 PM, although these may vary depending on the season and local holidays. It’s always a good idea to check with local tourist information before visiting.

  1. Is there an entry fee for the lighthouse?

Yes, there is an entry fee for the lighthouse, which is typically a small amount. The exact fee may vary, so it’s best to check with local tourist information for the most up-to-date information.

  1. Is there parking available near the lighthouse?

Yes, there is usually parking available near the lighthouse. Visitors can park their vehicles in the designated parking area and walk to the lighthouse.

  1. Can visitors climb to the top of the lighthouse?

Yes, visitors are usually allowed to climb to the top of the lighthouse, although there may be restrictions in place for safety reasons. Visitors should always follow the instructions of the lighthouse staff and use caution when climbing the stairs.

  1. Is there a gift shop or souvenir shop at the lighthouse?

Yes, there is usually a gift shop or souvenir shop at the lighthouse, where visitors can purchase souvenirs, postcards, and other items related to the lighthouse and the surrounding area.

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