Alleppey (Alappuzha-as locally pronounced) town is well connected-by Road (NH-47) and Railway network. And being situated on the southern end of Vembanad backwaters it is an important centre of back waters canal system. The famous Jawahar Trophy Boat race takes place in the back waters near here. Alleppey is also an important centre for coir products.
Alleppey was a principal port of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. The Alleppey port and canal network was founded by the visionary Prime minister of Travancore Raja Kesava Das during the rule of Sri Rama Rajah Bahadur. The port was commissioned in the year 1772 and within short period vessels from most Indian and European ports started calling. There was no regular lighthouse provided in 18th century-only a light, provided on the pier head.served the mariners.
The construction of the present Lighthouse tower was taken up when Marthanda Varma-II was the ruler of Travancore. It was completed in the year 1861, during the reign of Rama Varma. A 1st order optical equipment with coconut oil double wick lamp light-source supplied by M/s. Chance Bros. Birmingham was installed and commissioned into service on 28th March 1862. The same equipment continued to serve till 1952 when it was replaced by 500 mm drum optic and DA gas flasher of AGA make.
The main supply was extended to the station in 1960 as such an electrically operated 4th order revolving optic system supplied by M/s BBT, Paris replaced the old equipment and was commissioned on 4th August 1960. The direct drive system was incorporated on 8th April 1998 and a separate emergency light in 300 mm lantern on 30th December 1998. The incandescent lamp was replaced by 230V 150W Metal halide lamp on 28th February 1999. |
