Alappuzha Lighthouse

The Alappuzha Lighthouse is a historic maritime landmark situated in the coastal town of Alappuzha, Kerala. Constructed in 1862 during the reign of the Travancore rulers, it was the first lighthouse built along the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala. The 28-meter tall cylindrical masonry tower features distinctive red and white horizontal bands and offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and surrounding backwaters. It remains an active aid to navigation and serves as a major tourist attraction with an on-site museum.

Visitors can climb the teak spiral staircase inside the 28-meter tall cylindrical tower to reach the viewing gallery at the top. The climb involves narrow winding wooden stairs followed by a steep iron ladder at the final section. From the top, visitors get panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, Alappuzha Beach, and the Vembanad backwaters. The site includes a small museum displaying vintage maritime artifacts including old lighthouse lenses and petroleum vapor burners. The grounds feature a garden, children's play area, and designated selfie points.

Constructed in 1862 during the reign of Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore, with construction beginning under Marthanda Varma II. The first stone was laid by Mrs Mary Anne Crawford on 26 April 1860. It was commissioned into service on 28 March 1862 with first-order optical equipment supplied by M/s Chance Bros, Birmingham. Originally serving the busy port of Alappuzha which was opened to foreign traders in 1792, it was the first lighthouse on the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala. The original coconut oil double wick lamp was replaced in 1952, and electric lighting was commissioned in 1960.

The lighthouse represents the maritime heritage of Alappuzha, which was one of the busiest ports and trade centers of Kerala during the Travancore era. It symbolizes the region's historical importance in international trade with Portuguese, Dutch, and English traders.