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Kilakarai Lighthouse

Fl W 15s🇮🇳Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, INOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kilakarai Lighthouse

The Kilakarai Lighthouse is a white hexagonal concrete tower, standing 30 meters tall and painted with red bands. It was commissioned in 1979, with its light source being electrified in 2003 and upgraded again in 2009. The current rotating metal-halide beacon is mounted 35 meters above sea level. The tower features dual galleries for maintenance and is powered by the coastal grid with diesel backup. Its light is visible for 16 nautical miles and emits a white flash every 15 seconds.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides vessels through the Gulf of Mannar's hazardous shoals.

Background
Kilakkarai Lighthouse is located at Kilakkarai, Tamil Nadu. The lighthouse started functioning on 2 October 1979. There was no lighthouse at this location prior to the installation of the present structure. A flag mast was present at this location previously to assist fishermen. The light source was modified on 30 April 2003. It was commissioned in 1979, is a 30 m‑high hexagonal concrete tower painted in white and red bands, guiding vessels through the Gulf of Mannar’s hazardous shoals. Initially using a paraffin‑vapor burner, its light was electrified in 2003 and upgraded in 2009 to a rotating metal‑halide beacon mounted at 35 m above sea level, visible for 16 nautical miles. Powered by the coastal grid with diesel backup and designed for easy maintenance via dual galleries, it remains a vital navigational aid for local fishing and merchant traffic.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 15s
Focal Height
35m
Light Range
3NM (5.6 km)
Geographic Range
19NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1979

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
F0738
NGA No.
27172
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q18388198 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
98m
Tower Shape
hexagonal
Tower Color
white and red
Material
concrete

Structure: White hexagonal concrete tower, red banded; 98. AIS (MMSI No 004194417). INDIA-BAY OF BENGAL

Location

City
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
Country
🇮🇳IN
Latitude
9.2276°
Longitude
78.7851°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Kilakarai Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 35 meters and a nominal range of 3 nautical miles (approximately 5.6 km), Kilakarai is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. As a shorter-range light, it primarily serves nearshore and coastal traffic.
How do mariners identify Kilakarai Lighthouse at night?+
Kilakarai displays the characteristic Fl W 15s — 1 white flash every 15 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.
Which ports and harbors does Kilakarai Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kilakarai Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Rameshwaram at 31.6 NM to the E. Other ports served include Tuticorin (44.1 NM SW), New Tuticorin (44.3 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kilakarai Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kilakarai 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 Kilakarai Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kilakarai 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.