TOURIST ATTRACTION PLACES AT KOLLAM, KERALA

ABOUT KERALA

God’s Own Country, Kerala has some extremely beautiful tourist destinations to hold the attention of global tourists. There are hill-stations, backwaters, commercial cities, hamlets, and much more to explore. Rich culture and heritage of Kerala also attract nature lovers from all over the world. Once you set foot in the beautiful paradise, all other things seem inconsequential. Most of the metro cities pale in comparison of Kerala in terms of beauty. Apt for family vacations, romantic getaways, and honeymoon, it has a bounty of beauty and engaging activities. 

The Punalur Suspension Bridge

    Punalur suspension bridge is the first motorable bridge in South India. The suspension bridgecrossing the river is the only suspended-deck type in south India. Built in 1877 by Albert Henry across the Kallada River, this huge bridge was suspended by two spans and was used for vehicular movement. Construction took more than six years. It is said that after completion of the bridge people hesitated to walk over the bridge. In order to prove the strength of the bridge the engineer and his family passed under the bridge in a country boat while six elephants were walking over it. Now the bridge is of historical interest and is a major tourist attraction.

Reason for the construction

   The main concept behind the construction of this bridge was that areas on the other side of the river Kallada was dense forests. A bridge was necessary. It was also built to prevent wild animals from getting to the populated side, a bridge which shakes when some one gets on it was built, this shaking scared off the animals and they wouldn't cross the bridge.

Method of Construction

  The bridge is connected to four wells. The iron rods of the bridge is connected to the clips, situated in the wells. Each well is about 100 feet deep and no one since knows the engineering behind the construction of this bridge. It still remains a mystery.

Punalur Hanging Bridge is now a protected monument under the Archaeological Department of Kerala. Recently, the Kerala Government has repaired and renovated the bridge. And no vehicles are now allowed through the bridge. A new park with a beautiful garden and resting place is built near the bridge, spotted with night lamps to make it a tourist spot.

    Another interesting thing is about how the engineer proved the strength of the Punalur Hanging Bridge. After the construction of this bridge, the people were unwilling to walk on the bridge as they doubt about its strength. So, to prove this, six elephants were made to walk through the Hanging Bridge, at the same time the engineer Albert Henry and his family passed through the river under the bridge in a country boat.

LOCATION

PUNALUR, KOLLAM DISTRICT

KERALA STATE, INDIA