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Mallipattinam Lighthouse

Fl (4) White 15s🇮🇳INOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mallipattinam Lighthouse

Also known as: Mallipattinam (Mallipatnam, Malipatinam)

This concrete lighthouse, completed and first lit in 2010, stands 45 meters tall. Its cylindrical structure features a lantern and gallery, with an octagonal observation level below. The tower displays distinctive red and white vertical stripes, a unique daymark among Indian lighthouses. It emits a white flash every 15 seconds, visible for 22 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: Navigating the Palk Strait, this lighthouse aids vessels in the busy waterway between India and Sri Lanka. Its pioneering vertical stripe design serves as a clear coastal identifier near Manora.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Geographic Range
22NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2010

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
45m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red and white vertical stripes
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with lantern, gallery, and an octagonal observation level below the lantern

Location

Country
🇮🇳India
Region
Tamil Nadu
Sea Region
Palk Strait at Manora, about 50 km west of Calimere Point
Latitude
10.2677°
Longitude
79.3037°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nagappattinam(43.7 km)
Admiralty No.
F0901.9
NGA No.
27148
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Mallipattinam Lighthouse at night?+
Mallipattinam displays the characteristic Fl (4) White 15s — 4 white flashes 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. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Mallipattinam Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mallipattinam Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Nagappattinam at 43.8 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Karaikal (47.1 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mallipattinam Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mallipattinam 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 Mallipattinam Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mallipattinam 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.