![]() Puthuvype Lighthouse, 2016
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Kerala
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Location |
Vypin, Kerala India |
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Coordinates | 9°59′54″N 76°13′18″E / 9.998397°N 76.221599°ECoordinates: 9°59′54″N 76°13′18″E / 9.998397°N 76.221599°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 |
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 |
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The Vypin lighthouse or Cochin lighthouse is situated at Puthuvype in Vypin island, 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.
The tower has a height of 43 meters and is made of double layered concrete. The light beam has the range of 28 nautical miles.
An oil lamp light started functioning at Fort Kochi in the year 1839. In 1902, a new light and reflecting mechanism was introduced. Modifications were made in 1914. In 1920s, a new 10 meter tall tower came up.
In 1936, a 25 meter tall steel tower was installed with a gas light. 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.