Name and Location

The Colaba Lighthouse, also known as the Prongs Reef Lighthouse, stands at the southern tip of the Colaba peninsula in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Its address is Plus-code VQHX+MV, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005, India.

Construction and History

Established in 1873-74, the Colaba Lighthouse replaced a series of small beacons and floating lights that marked Prongs Reef. The current tower dates from the late 19th century (circa 1874). Since Indian independence, the lighthouse has been maintained by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), an arm of India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse features a cylindrical masonry tower with a gallery and lantern. Its core is made of brick and mortar, covered in exterior plaster, while original ironwork (handrails, lantern room) is painted white. The structure stands approximately 26 meters (85 feet) from base to lantern roof.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse is equipped with a modern rotating beacon featuring sealed beam lamps. Its range extends up to 22 nautical miles (40 kilometers) in clear conditions. The characteristic is a group-flashing signal of three white flashes every 15 seconds. The lighthouse has been fully automated since the late 20th century and monitored remotely from DGLL's Mumbai station.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Colaba Lighthouse is closed to the public, located on naval/restricted land. However, visitors can view it from vantage points such as the Gateway of India esplanade, naval jetty (subject to permission), or Prince's Dock ferry rides. Transportation options include local BEST buses, taxis, and suburban trains to Churchgate/CST station plus taxi.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Arabian Sea to the west, the Mumbai skyline northward, and incoming shipping lanes. Nearby landmarks include the Gateway of India (1 kilometer north), Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Naval Dockyard, and Colaba Causeway. The surrounding environment features an open rocky shore with intermittent shrub growth and sea birds often roosting on lower platforms.

Anecdotes and Folklore

King George V's 1911 visit to Bombay reportedly included a salute from the Colaba Lighthouse (although this anecdote remains unconfirmed). Fishermen of Colaba tradition also speak of a "green shimmer" seen around the tower on moonless nights, likely due to bioluminescent plankton.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is an active aid to navigation under DGLL's jurisdiction. Its Admiralty Chart references include S-23 (Mumbai Harbour) and IN-B04. The light is not part of a sector, but rather illuminates a broad sector from 235° to 040° true, covering approaches from the south and southwest.

Further Information

The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships publishes "List of Lights, Volume L" (latest edition), which provides further information on the lighthouse. Other sources include Maurice W. Stevens' book "Lighthouses of India" (2002) and the Wikipedia article "Colaba Point Lighthouse".