Mathoor Hanging Bridge
The Mathoor Hanging Bridge, also known as the Mathur Aqueduct, is an engineering marvel that stands as the tallest and longest trough bridge in all of Asia. Constructed in 1966 during the administration of the legendary Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, it was designed as a drought-relief measure to trans port water from the Pattanamkal Canal across the Pahrali River. The bridge spans a distance of approximately 1 kilometer and rises to a height of 115 feet above the ground, supported by 28 massive pillars. Walking along the narrow pedestrian path on top of the bridge is an exhilarating experience, offering a bird's-eye view of the vast pineapple plantations and rubber estates that carpet the valley below. The water flows through a trough that is 7 feet wide and 7 feet deep, ensuring a steady supply for irrigation in the Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluks. Over the years, it has transformed from a purely functional irrigation structure into a major tourist destination, featuring a dedicated children’s park and bathing platforms at the river level. The sheer scale of the structure against the backdrop of the Western Ghats is a sight to behold, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture and nature. It serves as a reminder of the visionary planning that helped transform the agricultural landscape of the region. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 - 2 HoursPlace Type:
Engineering / NatureEntry Fees:
Nominal Charge: The entry fee is extremely affordable, usually around Rs.5 to Rs.10 per person, which goes toward the maintenance of the park.
Parking & Camera: There are small additional charges for parking vehicles and for using professional ...Nominal Charge: The entry fee is extremely affordable, usually around Rs.5 to Rs.10 per person, which goes toward the maintenance of the park.
Parking & Camera: There are small additional charges for parking vehicles and for using professional video cameras or DSLR equipment.
:Timing:
Regular Timings: The bridge is open to the public from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day, though it is best to leave before it gets dark.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit during the Late Afternoon (4 PM - 6 PM) to enjoy the breeze and avoid the intense t...Regular Timings: The bridge is open to the public from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day, though it is best to leave before it gets dark.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit during the Late Afternoon (4 PM - 6 PM) to enjoy the breeze and avoid the intense tropical sun during the walk.
:Special Events:
Kamaraj Birthday: On July 15th, local residents often gather to pay tribute to the late CM Kamaraj for his vision in building this life-saving aqueduct.
Pongal Festival: During the January harvest festival, the park area becomes a hub for l...Kamaraj Birthday: On July 15th, local residents often gather to pay tribute to the late CM Kamaraj for his vision in building this life-saving aqueduct.
Pongal Festival: During the January harvest festival, the park area becomes a hub for local celebrations and family gatherings.
:Best Photo Spots:
The Perspective Shot: Stand at one end of the bridge and shoot down its length to capture the infinite perspective of the narrow walking path.
From the River Bank: Take a photo from the bottom of the valley looking up to emphasize the incre...The Perspective Shot: Stand at one end of the bridge and shoot down its length to capture the infinite perspective of the narrow walking path.
From the River Bank: Take a photo from the bottom of the valley looking up to emphasize the incredible height and scale of the 28 pillars.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Bridge Walking: Walk the entire 1-km length of the bridge on the narrow pedestrian path while watching the water flow in the trough right beside you.
Nature Photography: Capture the symmetrical alignment of the massive pillars from the bottom or the endless green canopy from the top of the bridge.
River Bathing: Descend the staircase to the Pahrali River below to enjoy a refreshing bath in the clean, flowing water at the designated bathing platforms.
Children's Park: Spend time at the small park located at the base of the bridge, which features swings and slides for kids to enjoy amidst nature.
Pineapple Tasting: Sample the world-famous local pineapples and spiced mangoes from the vendors located near the parking area at the bri...Bridge Walking: Walk the entire 1-km length of the bridge on the narrow pedestrian path while watching the water flow in the trough right beside you.
Nature Photography: Capture the symmetrical alignment of the massive pillars from the bottom or the endless green canopy from the top of the bridge.
River Bathing: Descend the staircase to the Pahrali River below to enjoy a refreshing bath in the clean, flowing water at the designated bathing platforms.
Children's Park: Spend time at the small park located at the base of the bridge, which features swings and slides for kids to enjoy amidst nature.
Pineapple Tasting: Sample the world-famous local pineapples and spiced mangoes from the vendors located near the parking area at the bridge entrance.
Bird Watching: The height of the bridge puts you at eye level with many tropical birds that fly across the valley, making it a great spot for avian enthusiasts.
Sunset Viewing: Watch the sun dip behind the hills of the Western Ghats, casting long shadows of the giant pillars across the river valley.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Continental Record: It is famously recognized as the tallest and longest aqueduct in Asia, attracting engineering students and tourists from across the country.
Scenic Vistas: The bridge is renowned for providing a breathtaking panoramic vi...Continental Record: It is famously recognized as the tallest and longest aqueduct in Asia, attracting engineering students and tourists from across the country.
Scenic Vistas: The bridge is renowned for providing a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pahrali River and the dense greenery of the Western Ghats.
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Architecture:
Concrete Pillar Support: The bridge is supported by 28 massive pillars, with the tallest pillar reaching 115 feet. The total length of the flume is approximately 1,240 feet (378 meters).
Trough Dimensions: The water-carrying trough measure...Concrete Pillar Support: The bridge is supported by 28 massive pillars, with the tallest pillar reaching 115 feet. The total length of the flume is approximately 1,240 feet (378 meters).
Trough Dimensions: The water-carrying trough measures 7 feet 6 inches in width and 7 feet in height, designed to handle a discharge of 204 cubic feet per second.
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How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (65 KMS). From there, you can hire a car or take a bus toward Nagercoil and then to Thiruvattar.
By Train: The nearest railhead is Kuzhithurai or Eraniel, but Nagercoil Junction (28 KMS) of...By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (65 KMS). From there, you can hire a car or take a bus toward Nagercoil and then to Thiruvattar.
By Train: The nearest railhead is Kuzhithurai or Eraniel, but Nagercoil Junction (28 KMS) offers better connectivity to all major Indian cities.
By Road: It is well connected by road; you can take a bus from Nagercoil or Kanyakumari toward Thiruvattar or Marthandam and get down at the Mathoor stop.
By Local Transport: Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from Thiruvattar (the nearest town) to take you directly to the bridge entrance.
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Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Monsoon & Post-Monsoon: September to January is the best time, as the Pahrali River is full and the surrounding vegetation is at its most vibrant green.
Afternoon Breeze: Visiting in the late afternoon provides a much-needed cool breeze tha...Monsoon & Post-Monsoon: September to January is the best time, as the Pahrali River is full and the surrounding vegetation is at its most vibrant green.
Afternoon Breeze: Visiting in the late afternoon provides a much-needed cool breeze that makes the 1-km walk across the bridge very comfortable.
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Near Tourist Places:
Thirparappu Falls (12km), Padmanabhapuram Palace (15km), Chitharal Monuments (15km), Pechiparai Dam (20km), Udayagiri Fort (18km), Nagercoil (28km), Muttom Beach (32km), Vattakottai Fort (52km), Kanyakumari (48km), Suchindram Temple (35km).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The bridge is very high and the railings are basic; hold onto children firmly and avoid leaning over the edge if you have vertigo.
Packing: Wear comfortable cotton clothes and walking shoes; bring an umbrella as there is ...Health & Safety: The bridge is very high and the railings are basic; hold onto children firmly and avoid leaning over the edge if you have vertigo.
Packing: Wear comfortable cotton clothes and walking shoes; bring an umbrella as there is no shade on the bridge itself during the 1-km walk.
Accommodation: Stay in Nagercoil or Kanyakumari town; there are also budget lodges available near Thiruvattar for those wanting to stay close to the falls.
Connectivity: Mobile networks like Airtel and Jio work well here, but data speeds might drop; carry cash for entry tickets and the local fruit stalls.
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