Vilinjam, close to Kerala’s famous Kovalam beach resort is a natural fishing harbour. It is about 16 Km from Trivandrum. An all weather road connects Vilinjam to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). It was a flourishing port during 18-19th century.
The Rulers of Travancore princely state claimed their descent from Cheras dynasty of 9thcentury. Travancore region stretched from south of Cochin to Kanyakumari and was shared by six independent principalities till the rise of Raja Marthanda Varma (1706-58) who defeated them all and consolidated the rule under his strong command. He shifted his capital to Trivandrum, till then an insignificant town and re-built it by beautifully laying down wide roads and construction of noble structures. He also improved the port and other infrastructures for the development of trade and commerce. His successor Sri Rama Raja Bahadur ably assisted by his prime minister Raja Kesava Das continued the process of development. That Trivandrum was retained as capital city in preference to Calicut and Cochin, after the independence and reorganisation of states, speaks highly of Marthanda Varma’s vision.
There is no sign of any lighted beacon of 18th century at Vilinjam. But there must be existing a day mark beacon (flag mast) to assist the vessels enter the port. The port remained neglected since the end of 19th century.
A lighted beacon was established in 1925 at nearby Kolachal. Subsequently a day mark beacon was provided at Vilinjam during 1960. A major Lighthouse was next planned for Vilinjam and completed in 1972. The equipment, supplied by M/s. BBT, Paris was then installed and commissioned into service on 30th June 1972.The incandescent lamp was replaced by 230 V 400 W Metal halide lamp and the direct drive system was incorporated on 30th April, 2003. |
