Suspension Bridges in Kerala

When many people think of Punalur in Kollam district, the first thing that comes to mind is the historic suspension bridge there. The first suspension bridge in Kerala and the second in India is in Punalur. This suspension bridge was built by the British to prevent the entry of wild animals that destroy crops and cause huge losses to the villagers. Built using steel materials imported from Ireland, this bridge was inaugurated in 1877 by Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal. The suspension bridge was designed by Scotsman Albert Henry. To allay the locals' fears about the strength of the bridge suspended on chains, seven elephants were led across it on the inauguration day and Henry and his family stood at the foot of the bridge in a boat. Exactly a century later, in 1977, when a new concrete bridge was built nearby, vehicular traffic on the suspension bridge was stopped. Today, this bridge is under the protection of the Archaeological Department. Other suspension bridges in Kerala are Inchathotty, Connolly, Thaikkoottam, Pandalam, Peralassery and Madakkal. These suspension bridges were built by the Kerala government.