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Thalassery Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 9s🇮🇳INOperational

Location & Light Range

About Thalassery Lighthouse

Also known as: Thalassery (Tellicherry)

The Thalassery Lighthouse is a white, cylindrical stone tower standing 10 meters tall, with a focal height of 27.1 meters. It displays a white light with a characteristic of one flash every 9 seconds, visible for 14.7 nautical miles. The current structure was built in 1903, though a light was first established at this location in 1835. The lighthouse is situated within a fort constructed by the British East India Company in 1708. Its lantern dome is painted red, and the site is open to the public while the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is located in Thalassery, a town with a history of maritime trade. Its reactivation after a period of disuse indicates its continued relevance for local navigation.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 9s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
9s
Raw Code
Fl W 9s
Focal Height
27.1272m
Light Range
10NM (18.5 km)
Geographic Range
14.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1903
First Lit
1835

Significant events: station established 1835, reactivated 2009, temporarily extinguished March 2009

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: round cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern dome painted red

Location

Country
🇮🇳India
Region
Kerala
Sea Region
Thalassery, formerly Tellicherry, within a fort built in 1708 by the British East India Company
Latitude
12.5054°
Longitude
74.9730°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Mangalore(27.2 km)
Admiralty No.
F0674
NGA No.
112-27664
ARLHS No.
IND-116
Wikidata
Q33981664 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Thalassery Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 27.1272 meters and a nominal range of 10 nautical miles (approximately 18.5 km), Thalassery is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Thalassery Lighthouse at night?+
Thalassery displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 9s — 3 white flashes every 9 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 Thalassery Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Thalassery Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Mangalore at 26.9 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include New Mangalore (27.1 NM NNW), Cannanore (45.7 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Thalassery Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Thalassery 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 Thalassery Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Thalassery 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.