STORIES by HEARITAGE

Place of Interest: Site <> District: Kollam

Built across the Kallada River during the reign of Travancore King Ayilam Thirunal Rama Varma, the Punalur Suspension Bridge is the first of its kind in South India. It is not just an architectural wonder, it is a living monument that tells the story of innovation, courage and trust from a bygone era. This engineering marvel took six long years to complete. Its construction began in 1872 under the supervision of the Scottish architect Albert Henry and was opened for use in 1877. At a time when bridges of such scale were rare in India, this creation stood as a masterpiece of modern engineering.

Most materials for its construction were imported from England, while the sturdy Kambam wood from Kerala was used for its wooden panels, a tradition still followed during restoration. The bridge is supported on both sides by four wells, each over 100 feet deep where massive iron chains are anchored using stone discs. The technique used to build these wells remains an unsolved mystery even today. Stretching 400 feet long, the bridge stands gracefully with its wooden floor panels and iron suspension design, swaying gently over the flowing river below.

According to old records, the bridge was conceived to help the people of Punalur trade with communities on the other side of the river. But local residents initially opposed its construction, fearing that wild animals from the dense forests across the river would cross over and destroy their crops. To ease this concern, Albert Henry designed the bridge as a suspension structure as its floor would shake when heavy animals tried to cross, scaring them away, yet remain stable for humans and carts.

When the bridge was finally opened, the people were hesitant to use it fearing it might collapse under weight. To prove its strength, Albert Henry performed a bold act that became part of local legend. He lined up six elephants on the bridge and along with his family, took a boat ride underneath on the kallada river to demonstrate his confidence in the design. From that moment, the bridge earned the trust of the people and that trust has endured for more than 150 years.

A century later, as Punalur grew busier, a new concrete bridge was constructed nearby to support heavier traffic. The old suspension bridge was then closed to vehicles and preserved as a heritage monument. Today, it serves as a charming pedestrian walkway, inviting visitors to step back in time and admire its enduring strength. Surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden with benches and viewpoints, the Punalur Suspension Bridge remains a proud reminder of Kerala’s engineering heritage.

As you walk across its gently swaying floor, listening to the hum of the Kallada River below, you can’t help but marvel at how history and innovation blend seamlessly in this timeless creation.

Story No: 20