Alappuzha Lighthouse, a beacon of history and maritime heritage, is one of the top attractions in the coastal town of Alappuzha. This towering structure, dating back to 1862, not only served as a crucial navigational aid for sailors but also witnessed the vibrant trade activities of the region.

I’ve visited the Alappuzha Lighthouse countless times with my family, and each visit feels just as special as the first. Every time I climb its spiral staircase, I feel like I’m stepping back in time, surrounded by artifacts and stories that bring to life the rich maritime past of Alappuzha.

I am going to share here all you need to know for planning a visit to Alappuzha Lighthouse. So, let’s dive in.

How to Reach Alappuzha Lighthouse

The Alappuzha Lighthouse is located near the Alappuzha Beach in Alappuzha. It is situated along National Highway 66 (NH 66), which is a major route that passes through the city. It takes around 2 hours from Kochi and 3-4 hours from Trivandrum to reach Alappuzha Lighthouse.

Read: 16 Amazing Places to Visit in Alappuzha 

Entry Fee and Visiting Time

The lighthouse is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 11:45 AM in the morning and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM in the evening. It is closed on Mondays.

There is no parking space inside the lighthouse compound. You will need to park your vehicle by the road.

Alappuzha Lighthouse Features

Lighthouse

The Alappuzha Lighthouse, also known as the Alleppey Lighthouse, is a historical beacon located in the coastal town of Alappuzha, Kerala. Erected in 1862 during the reign of the Travancore king, it stands as a testament to the region’s maritime history.

One of the key features of this lighthouse is its significant height, reaching up to 30 meters (about 98 feet), which provides extensive visibility for maritime navigation. This height also makes it a prominent landmark along the Alappuzha coastline, easily visible from both land and sea​.

The lighthouse is built using traditional red and white bands, which is a distinctive feature and adds to its aesthetic appeal. These colors not only enhance its visibility during the day but also give it a classic look that is often associated with historical lighthouses.

The lighthouse has retained much of its original structure and charm, offering a glimpse into the architectural styles and materials used during the colonial era​.

We found a small museum inside the Lighthouse complex which we felt added an educational value to the lighthouse visit. Here we found on display various maritime artifacts, including old lamps, navigational tools, and photographs detailing the history of the lighthouse and the region’s maritime activities.

Another notable feature is the spiral staircase leading up to the top of the lighthouse. While the climb might be steep, it is well worth the effort as it culminates in a panoramic viewing gallery.

From here, we could enjoy breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, the Alappuzha town, and the surrounding landscapes, which include beaches, backwaters, and lush greenery. The vista is particularly striking during sunset, when the sky and sea are bathed in vibrant hues​.

Ashley’s Tip to Fellow Female Travelers: The spiral stairs to the top of the lighthouse are in the form of planks with gaps in between. Avoid wearing skirts or dresses, instead go for jeans or trousers when visiting this lighthouse. I wish someone had warned me before!

Museum

The Alappuzha Lighthouse also houses a museum which gives you a glimpse into the maritime navigation of the past. The lighthouse museum was opened to the public in 2007 with its collection of equipment ranging from old oil lamps to modern GPS systems.

We were thrilled to find items like GAS flashers, sun valves, and radar beacons, that offer an insightful journey through the technological advancements in lighthouse operations over the past 150 years​.

The museum, situated near the lighthouse entrance, is included in the ticket price (INR 10).

It not only showcases the historical aspects of the lighthouse itself but also provides information about other lighthouses in the region, the trade history of the area, and the original equipment used in the lighthouse​​.

The Lighthouse View

The view from the top of the Alappuzha Lighthouse offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape. As we ascended the lighthouse, the scenery unfolded dramatically, providing a striking contrast between the lush greenery and the expansive Arabian Sea.

To the west, the endless horizon of the sea meets the sky, often adorned with the vibrant hues of a coastal sunset, creating a picturesque and serene environment.

Looking towards the east, the town of Alappuzha spreads out in a patchwork of rooftops and streets, interspersed with coconut groves and other verdant vegetation typical of Kerala.

This view highlights the town’s unique charm, with its blend of traditional and modern elements. The bustling activity below gives way to a sense of calm as you gaze further towards the inland backwaters, where the famous Kerala houseboats meander slowly through the tranquil waters.

To the north and south, the coastline stretches out, punctuated by the sandy expanse of Alappuzha Beach and dotted with fishing boats.

The beach itself, often lively with both locals and tourists, looks peaceful from the height of the lighthouse, offering a different perspective on its daily activities. The gentle waves lapping against the shore add to the overall sense of peace and beauty.

Wrapping Up

Visiting the Alappuzha Lighthouse is more than just a journey to a historical site; it’s an immersive experience that connects you with the rich maritime legacy of Kerala.

The panoramic views from the top, the well-preserved museum exhibits, and the lighthouse’s iconic red and white bands collectively create a memorable visit.

It stands as a proud reminder of the region’s nautical heritage, inviting you to explore and appreciate the enduring connection between the land and the sea.