Kovilthottam lighthouse

Kovilthottam lighthouse is a maritime navigation structure in Kollam on India's southwestern coast. The square tower displays alternating black and white stripes, with a lantern room and viewing platform positioned at its top overlooking the Arabian Sea.

The structure was built in 1953 to replace a simple flag mast used for navigation guidance. A permanent stone tower was completed in 1960 to provide a more reliable beacon for maritime traffic in the region.

The lighthouse marks the entrance to the Ashtamudi Backwaters and helps local fishing boats and merchant vessels navigate these busy waters safely. Fishermen rely on its beam as a landmark when moving in and out of the port during their daily work.

The beacon operates with a 15 nautical mile range using modern halogen lamps to support navigation in the area. Visitors should note that the light activates during dusk and darkness, making evening the best time to see it in operation.

The lighthouse uses a specialized optic system with a 250-millimeter drum lens that concentrates its light beam far across the sea. This engineering allows the tower to project its signal much farther than its modest height alone would suggest.