Since ancient times
The NITK Lighthouse, popular as the Surathkal Lighthouse, stands tall as a guarding beacon of sailors since it was set up in the 1970s. It is on the same lines as NITK and that is the main reason behind its name. This lighthouse is the crucial one as it ensures the safe way for the ships to go through the dangerous waters of the Arabian Sea.
Before the lighthouse was constructed, this area's coastline was a story of numerous shipwrecks and maritime disasters. Distinctively acknowledging the necessity for a navigational aid, the authorities built the lighthouse to increase maritime safety. Through the years, Mangalore light-house has seen the city transform from a small a quiet harbour to a large bustling port, while still providing aid to vessels in terms of navigational assistance.
A concrete conqueror of the shore
At the end of the NITK campus, a 41 meters high light house stands in the shape of a concrete cylindrical dark red and white-striped tower. Functional and aesthetic at the same time, the design represents coastal architecture. The lantern of the lighthouse is equipped with the most advanced lighting technology, capable of illuminating up to 32 nautical miles, a distance sufficient even during the roughest of sea conditions.
The structure is constructed to endure the demanding coastal weather conditions, having a strong base and hard concrete walls. Both inside and outside, the lighthouse stairs spiral and finally lead to the lantern room on top. This room is the home of the light's main apparatus, which involves the use of the Fresnel lens that amplifies the light's intensity and reach.
The rooftop balcony has a 360 degree view of the Arabian Sea and the entire coastline and is therefore one of the favourite places for photographers and tourists. The simplicity of the lighthouse’s architecture, and its strategic geographical location, make it an exceptional landmark, one that stands out amongst the dark blue background of the sea.
