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Karaikal Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 10s🇮🇳INOperational

Location & Light Range

About Karaikal Lighthouse

Also known as: Karaikal (Karikal, Caricall)

The Karaikal Lighthouse is a cylindrical concrete tower completed in 1901. Standing 18 meters tall, it emits a white light with one flash every 10 seconds, visible for 12.7 nautical miles. The current structure replaced earlier navigational aids, with the first light established in 1853 from a flagstaff and a masonry column erected in 1864. Situated just off the beach at Karaikal, the lighthouse features a lantern and gallery at its summit. The tower's construction material is concrete and its color is white. It is located in the Puducherry region of India.

Why it matters: This lighthouse has been a continuous navigational aid since 1853, serving local fishermen and coastal shipping. It also stands as a reminder of the community's resilience following the 2004 tsunami.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1901
First Lit
1853

Significant events: tsunami of 26 December 2004

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Karaikal(4.5 km)
Admiralty No.
F0916
NGA No.
27136
ARLHS No.
IND-037

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical white concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

Country
🇮🇳India
Region
Puducherry
Sea Region
just off the beach at Karaikal
Latitude
10.9141°
Longitude
79.8505°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Karaikal Lighthouse at night?+
Karaikal displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 10s — 2 white flashes every 10 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Karaikal Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Karaikal Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Karaikal at 4.9 NM to the S. Other ports served include Nagappattinam (9.3 NM S), Cuddalore (43.8 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Karaikal Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Karaikal Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Karaikal Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Karaikal Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.