Date: 12th July 2009
After a good lunch from a hotel near the private bus stand, I boarded a bus bound for Chavara at around 14:00 p.m. It was nearly 14:40 p.m. when I got down near the Rare Earth Company at Puthenthura for a glimpse of a less frequented sea shore. What is so unique about the view of the beach is the fencing done by using branches and twigs just near the rocks. It offers a very unusual view of the sea shore. (As can be seen from the snaps which I would upload when they get developed) I stayed there for some 5-10 minutes only as slowly some crowd started coming.
The next destination was Kovilthottam Light house. Now instead of turning at the AMC Junction I moved ahead till Shankaramangalam, which is some 3-4 kms more than the actual distance.
I passed through Lord Matha School and finally reached the Light house at around 16:15 p.m. There are three quarters inside the compound containing the Light house. I approached one of the quarters and found a person sitting inside the quarter. I enquired whether it was possible for him to show me inside the Light house. The Assistant Light Keeper, Sivaji said that they do not allow a single person to go up to the top. He however told me to wait for a few minutes and see around the compound.
While whiling away my time I did see an Industry very near to the Light house area and in the opposite side there was a bulldozer leveling the sand. After some time Sivaji called me and introduced me to Mr. Surendran, who was the Assistant helper over there and was getting transferred to Velankanni. He was at that time busy with transporting goods to some place. Hence, Sivaji opened the door leading to the Light house and show me the details of the Light House and its working. He noted down my contact details and address for official records. He gave me the Light House contact number and his personal cell number.
What I felt worth mentioning about this post independence commissioned Light house is that this particular Light house is too close to the seas. This point was agreed upon by Sivaji and he stated that this job was pretty risky as he was the only one managing the things over there. I could not have disagreed as while we were talking inside the Light house I could see a huge wave dashing the rocks very near to the Light house. And he remarked that there is according to the norms, there should be two Assistant Light Keepers and two Assistant Helpers stationed in any Light house. I noted down whatever was worth noting down from the information board. Sivaji then showed me the power supply room which provided the necessary voltage to light the lamp on the top. While returning back I felt pleased by having visited the beach which I wanted to visit for long. However I felt dejected that I could not climb up on top of even one of the Light houses. And that wish still remains unfulfilled.
Getting There
From Chinnakada, Kollam bus fare till Puthenthura is Rs. 8 per head. Return bus fare is the same. The road to the left of AMC junction is the point to divert from the Highway which can be covered by walking. If coming from Karungapally side or from the north, Sankaramangalam is the spot to turn to the right side.
Entry fees are Rs. 10 per head.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the light house. The light house is closed during heavy rains, thunderstorms and lightning. Visiting time is 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The lights are put on at 6 p.m.
Those keen on visiting this place can send me a mail at n.ramaswamy@gmail.com or call me on 09747155479
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