Punalur
Punalur is a city and a municipality in Kollam district in the southern state of Kerala, India. It is situated 45 km north-east of Kollam and 75 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. Punalur is the head quarters of Pathanapuram taluk. Punalur Railway Station is located on the Kollam-Shencotta railway line. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram.
The Kallada River passes through Punalur. The Punalur suspension bridge crossing the river is the only one of its kind in south India. Built in 1877 by Albert Henry across the this huge bridge was suspended by three 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 through 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 through the bridge. Now the bridge is only of archeological interest
Main agricultural products of this township include rubber, black pepper, and other spices. The chief commodities of export here are the hill produces, pine-apple, pepper products, plywood and timber. the Punalur Paper Mill Ltd., a paper Industry established in 1888 by a British Nationale and currently under the control and management of Mr. L.N. Dalmia. Punalur Hanging Bridge Punalur Hanging Bridge Some of the tourist spots near Punalur are Thenmala Ecotourism (21 km) and Palaruvi Water Falls(15 km). Punalur is on the western edge of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. There is a municipal stadium which is only an open ground. Pilgrims from Tamil Nadu going to Ayyappa temple at Pampa halts at Punalur, making it a busy place during festival seasons. Some of the famous nearby places are Kottarakara, Anchal, Kulathupuzha, Ampalamkunnu and Aryankavu. Other nearby towns are Pathanapuram, Kunnikodu and Edamon.
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