Minicoy Island Light House
South Side Lighthouse, Lakshadweep 682559, India
Name and Location
Minicoy Island Light House: A beacon of safety in the Laccadive Islands, located on Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep, India.
Construction and History
The Minicoy Island Light House was constructed in 1885 by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, India. Its original purpose was to provide navigation aid to ships traversing the treacherous waters of the Laccadive Islands. The lighthouse is believed to have been designed in a unique architectural style, blending elements of Indian and European influences.
Architecture and Materials
The Minicoy Island Light House is a 49.5-meter-tall structure with a distinctive design that has become synonymous with Indian lighthouses. Its foundation is built on solid rock, ensuring stability and resilience against the harsh marine environment. The lighthouse's tower features a striking red-and-white striped pattern, making it easily visible to ships from a distance.
Light and Navigation
The Minicoy Island Light House operates manually, with a team of keepers responsible for maintaining the light and fog signal. The original optic was replaced with a modern LED system in recent years, ensuring continued safety for mariners.
Accessibility and Visiting
As of today, the Minicoy Island Light House is still an active aid to navigation, serving as a vital beacon for ships traversing the Laccadive Islands. Visitors can reach the lighthouse by boat from the mainland or through guided tours arranged with local authorities. Opening Hours: [Insert hours]. Entrance Fee: [Insert fee or information on guided tours].
Notable Views and Landscape
Minicoy Island is a picturesque island surrounded by coral reefs and pristine beaches. The lighthouse stands atop a rocky outcropping, offering breathtaking views of the Laccadive Islands.
Anecdotes and Folklore
The Minicoy Island Light House has played a significant role in local folklore, with stories passed down through generations about the keepers' bravery and dedication to their duties. Visitors have reported experiencing unique experiences while visiting the lighthouse, including sightings of dolphins and whales.
Technical and Operational Details
For navigational purposes, mariners can consult nautical charts such as unknown. The Minicoy Island Light House operates manually, with a team of keepers responsible for maintaining the light and fog signal.
Further Information
- Latitude: 8.2693766° N Longitude: 73.0260912° E
- Map Link: [Insert link to a map showing the location of Minicoy Island Light House]
- Nearby Attractions:
- Minicoy Island's beautiful beaches and coral reefs
- Local markets and cultural experiences
- Opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing
Details
Name | Minicoy Island Light House |
---|---|
City | |
Country | India |
Coordinates | 8.2693766, 73.0260912 |
Year of construction | 1885 |
Architectural style | unique, blending elements of Indian and European influences |
Tower height | 49.5 |
Heritage status | true |
Access description | by boat from the mainland or through guided tours arranged with local authorities |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | island, coral reefs, and pristine beaches |
View description | breathtaking views of the Laccadive Islands |
Guided tours | true |
Opening hours | unspecified |
Nearby attractions | ["beautiful beaches and coral reefs","local markets and cultural experiences","opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing"] |
Automated | false |