If you are looking for a destination that offers a blend of nature, history, culture, and adventure, then Punalur is the place for you. Punalur is a city in Kollam district of Kerala, located on the banks of the Kallada River. It is also known as the Pepper Village of Kerala, as it is one of the major producers and exporters of black pepper in the country. Punalur is also home to the oldest and largest paper mill in Kerala, which is a landmark of the city’s industrial heritage. But the most distinctive and iconic feature of Punalur is its Hanging Bridge, which is the oldest and longest suspension bridge in Kerala, and a marvel of engineering and architecture.
Punalur has a rich and diverse history, culture, and natural beauty, which makes it a popular tourist place in Kerala. Whether you want to explore the scenic waterfalls, the lush forests, the ancient temples, the vibrant festivals, or the thrilling activities, Punalur has something for everyone. In this article, we will provide you with all the information and guidance you need to plan your trip to Punalur and enjoy its various aspects.
So, let’s get started and discover the wonders of Punalur, the Pepper Village of Kerala with a Hanging Bridge and More.
The Hanging Bridge of Punalur: A Historic and Iconic Landmark
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Punalur is the Hanging Bridge, which is the pride and symbol of the city. The Hanging Bridge of Punalur is a suspension bridge that spans over the Kallada River, connecting the two sides of the city. It is the oldest and longest suspension bridge in Kerala, measuring 400 feet in length and 25 feet in width.
The bridge was built by the British in 1877, as part of the Quilon-Sengottai railway line, to transport goods and people across the river. The bridge is made of iron bars, wooden planks, and steel cables, and has a unique design that allows it to sway slightly when someone walks on it. The bridge is also known as the Suspension Bridge or the Shaking Bridge, because of this feature.
The Hanging Bridge of Punalur is not only a historic and iconic landmark, but also a scenic and cultural attraction. The bridge offers a panoramic view of the Kallada River and its surroundings, which are filled with greenery, hills, and plantations. The bridge is also a venue for various cultural events and festivals, such as the Punalur Paper Mill Festival, the Punalur Pepper Festival, and the Punalur Boat Race, which attract thousands of visitors and locals every year. The bridge is also a popular spot for photography, as it provides a stunning backdrop for capturing the beauty and essence of Punalur. The bridge is open to the public from 6 am to 6 pm, and there is no entry fee to visit it. However, you should be careful while walking on the bridge, as it can be slippery and shaky, and avoid carrying heavy or sharp objects that can damage the bridge.
The Hanging Bridge of Punalur is a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Punalur, as it is a testament to the city’s history, culture, and engineering. It is also a great place to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the Kallada River and its surroundings. The Hanging Bridge of Punalur is a historic and iconic landmark that you will never forget.
The Best Time to Visit Punalur: When and How to Plan Your Trip
Punalur is a city that can be visited throughout the year, as it has a pleasant and moderate climate, with an average temperature of 25°C. However, depending on your preferences and interests, you may want to choose a specific time to visit Punalur, as the city has different seasons, festivals, and activities to offer.
The best time to visit Punalur depends on what you want to see and do in the city. If you want to enjoy the pleasant weather, the vibrant festivals, and the thrilling activities, then the winter months of January, February, November, and December are the best for you.
You can witness and participate in some of the major festivals and events that take place in Punalur during this time, such as the Punalur Paper Mill Festival, the Palaruvi Falls Festival, the Punalur Pepper Festival, and the Punalur Boat Race. You can also enjoy various activities such as trekking, camping, birdwatching, boating, etc., in the eco-tourism project in Kerala, which is located near Punalur. The winter months are also ideal for sightseeing, as the weather is cool and comfortable, and the sky is clear and blue.
If you want to experience the lush greenery, the scenic waterfalls, and the refreshing rain, then the monsoon months of June, July, August, September, and October are the best for you. You can witness the beauty and splendor of the Kallada River and its surroundings, which are transformed by the rain. You can also visit the Palaruvi Falls, which is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Kerala, and enjoy its soothing and rejuvenating effect. The monsoon months are also great for sightseeing, as the weather is pleasant and breezy, and the landscape is vibrant and colorful.
If you want to explore the city and its attractions, and don’t mind the heat and humidity, then the summer months of March, April, and May are the best for you. You can visit the Punalur Paper Mill, which is the oldest and largest paper mill in Kerala, and learn about its history and production. You can also visit the pepper plantations, which are the main source of income and pride for the people of Punalur, and see how the black pepper is cultivated and processed. The summer months are also good for sightseeing, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the crowd is less.
Some tips and advice
Once you have decided when to visit Punalur, you need to plan and book your trip accordingly. Here are some tips and advice on how to do that:
Mode of transport:
Punalur is well-connected by road, rail, and air, and you can choose the mode of transport that suits your budget and convenience. The nearest airport to Punalur is the Trivandrum International Airport, which is 72 km away, and you can take a taxi or a bus from there to reach Punalur. The nearest railway station to Punalur is the Punalur Railway Station, which is located in the city itself, and you can take a train from any major city in Kerala or Tamil Nadu to reach Punalur. The nearest bus station to Punalur is the Punalur Bus Station, which is also located in the city itself, and you can take a bus from any major city in Kerala or Tamil Nadu to reach Punalur. You can also drive to Punalur by your own vehicle, as the city is well-connected by national and state highways, and enjoy the scenic route along the way.
Duration of travel:
The duration of travel to Punalur depends on the mode of transport and the distance from your starting point. For example, if you are traveling from Trivandrum by air, it will take you about an hour to reach Punalur, including the taxi or bus ride from the airport. If you are traveling from Kochi by train, it will take you about four hours to reach Punalur, depending on the train schedule and availability. If you are traveling from Madurai by bus, it will take you about six hours to reach Punalur, depending on the traffic and road conditions. If you are driving to Punalur by your own vehicle, it will take you about three hours from Trivandrum, five hours from Kochi, and seven hours from Madurai, depending on the speed and route you take.
Budget:
The budget for your trip to Punalur depends on the mode of transport, the duration of stay, the accommodation and food options, and the attractions and activities you choose. For example, if you are traveling from Trivandrum by air, staying for two nights in a 3-star hotel, eating at a mid-range restaurant, and visiting the Hanging Bridge, the Palaruvi Falls, and the eco-tourism project, you will need about Rs. 10,000 per person for your trip. If you are traveling from Kochi by train, staying for three nights in a 4-star resort, eating at a high-end restaurant, and visiting the Punalur Paper Mill, the pepper plantations, and the Kollam city, you will need about Rs. 15,000 per person for your trip. If you are traveling from Madurai by bus, staying for four nights in a homestay, eating at a local cafe, and visiting the temples, the festivals, and the boat race, you will need about Rs. 5,000 per person for your trip. You can also save money by booking your tickets, hotels, and packages in advance, or by choosing off-season or weekday dates for your trip.
Itinerary:
The itinerary for your trip to Punalur depends on the duration of stay, the attractions and activities you choose, and the time and energy you have. For example, if you are staying for two nights in Punalur, you can follow this itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive in Punalur by your preferred mode of transport, check-in to your hotel, and relax for a while. In the afternoon, visit the Hanging Bridge of Punalur, and enjoy the view and the breeze of the Kallada River. In the evening, attend the Punalur Paper Mill Festival, and witness the cultural and musical performances, the exhibitions, and the fireworks. Have dinner at the Punalur Paper Mill Restaurant, and taste the authentic Kerala cuisine.
Day 2:
After breakfast, head to the Palaruvi Falls, which is 35 km from Punalur, and spend some time admiring and bathing in the waterfall. Then, proceed to the eco-tourism project in Kerala, which is located near the falls, and indulge in some activities such as trekking, camping, birdwatching, etc. Have lunch at the resort, and relax for a while. In the evening, return to Punalur, and explore the pepper plantations, and learn about the cultivation and processing of the black pepper. Have dinner at the Punalur Pepper Cafe, and try some hot and cold beverages, snacks, and desserts.
Day 3:
After breakfast, check-out from your hotel, and visit the Punalur Railway Station, which is the oldest and most beautiful railway station in Kerala, and see the steam engines and the railway museum. Then, head to the Kollam city, which is 45 km from Punalur, and visit some of the attractions and places in Kollam, such as the Ashtamudi Lake, the Thangassery Lighthouse, the Kollam Beach, the Sasthamkotta Lake, etc. Have lunch at a restaurant of your choice, and shop for some souvenirs and handicrafts. In the evening, depart from Kollam by your preferred mode of transport, and end your trip to Punalur with a smile and a memory.
This is just a sample itinerary, and you can customize it according to your preferences and interests. You can also extend or shorten your stay in Punalur, and visit more or less attractions and activities, depending on your time and energy.
The main thing is to enjoy your trip to Punalur, and experience its beauty, history, culture, and attractions for yourself.