Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge
A British Engineering Triumph: The Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge, popularly known as the 13 Arch Bridge, is a stunning piece of colonial-era architecture located in Kazhuthurutty. Built by the British in 1904, it is a key landmark on the historic Kollam-Sengottai railway line. This railway line was ori ginally constructed to transport goods, particularly tea and spices, between the Travancore kingdom and the Madras Presidency. The bridge stands as a testament to the durability of early 20th-century construction, as it still supports heavy railway traffic today. It is beautifully positioned between two lush green hillocks, crossing a deep valley that adds to its dramatic visual appeal. Integration with Nature: What makes the Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge truly special is how it blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment of the Western Ghats. On one side of the bridge flows the Kazhuthurutty River, and on the other side runs the NH 744 highway. The bridge is flanked by two dark, mysterious tunnels carved directly into the mountainside, creating a scene reminiscent of a classic adventure movie. During the monsoon season, the entire area turns a vibrant shade of green, and small waterfalls sprout from the rocky cliffs nearby. The sight of a train slowly moving across the thirteen arches, surrounded by mist and forest, is one of the most photographed scenes in all of Kerala. A Historic Connection: For over a century, this bridge has served as a vital link between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It was part of the first mountain railway in South India. While it originally supported a meter-gauge track, it has since been converted to accommodate broad-gauge trains, proving its structural integrity. The bridge is not just a transport facility but a cultural icon that reminds visitors of the region's rich industrial and colonial history. It remains a "must-see" for history buffs, railway enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the marriage of man-made structures and natural beauty. The bridge represents an era where engineering was as much about aesthetics as it was about function.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
Historical / Railway HeritageEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee: Since the Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge is a functional railway structure located along a public highway, there is no entry fee to view it. You can spend as much time as you like admiring the architecture from the roadside without paying any tickets.No Entry Fee: Since the Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge is a functional railway structure located along a public highway, there is no entry fee to view it. You can spend as much time as you like admiring the architecture from the roadside without paying any tickets.
Train Fare: If you wish to experience the bridge by traveling over it, you only need to purchase a standard train ticket from Kollam to Aryankavu or Sengottai. This is a very affordable way to enjoy the heritage and the scenic views of the mountain railway.Timing:
Daylight Visibility: There are no official timings for the bridge, but it is best viewed from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Good lighting is essential to appreciate the architectural details and to ensure safety while walking along the highway or the riverbed.
Read MoreDaylight Visibility: There are no official timings for the bridge, but it is best viewed from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Good lighting is essential to appreciate the architectural details and to ensure safety while walking along the highway or the riverbed.
Ideal Visit Time: Check the railway timetable and visit when the Kollam-Sengottai passenger train is scheduled to pass. Seeing the train on the bridge is the highlight. Late mornings (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) usually offer the clearest views without mountain mist.Special Events:
Heritage Train Runs: On special occasions like Railway Day or major anniversaries of the line, the railways sometimes run special heritage steam-themed trains. These events attract rail fans from across the country who want to see a vintage-style train crossing the historic...Heritage Train Runs: On special occasions like Railway Day or major anniversaries of the line, the railways sometimes run special heritage steam-themed trains. These events attract rail fans from across the country who want to see a vintage-style train crossing the historic 13 Arch Bridge.Best Photo Spots:
The Roadside Parallel: Standing on the NH 744 highway provides a perfect wide-angle view of the entire length of the bridge. This spot allows you to capture all 13 arches and the mountain tunnels. It is the best place to wait for a passing train for an action shot.The Roadside Parallel: Standing on the NH 744 highway provides a perfect wide-angle view of the entire length of the bridge. This spot allows you to capture all 13 arches and the mountain tunnels. It is the best place to wait for a passing train for an action shot.
Under the Arches: Going down to the riverbed allows for dramatic "low-angle" shots looking up through the arches. This highlights the massive scale of the granite pillars and the intricate stonework, creating a sense of grandeur and historical depth in the photographs.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Historical Walk and Sightseeing: The best way to appreciate the Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge is to take a slow walk along the road that runs parallel to it. You can admire the massive granite pillars and the perfect symmetry of the 13 arches. It is a great place to learn about the colonial history of the Indian Railways and the "Surki" construction method used over a century ago.
Train Spotting and Photography: For many, the highlight is waiting for a train to pass over the bridge. The sight of the locomotive emerging from the mountain tunnel and crossing the arches is a photographer's dream. Timing your visit with the passenger train schedule allows you to capture this iconic moment, which is one of the most famous images of Kollam tourism.
Exploring the Tunnels: While entering the railway tun...
Information
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Why Famous:
Historic Railway Heritage: This bridge is a famous landmark of the British Raj. It is celebrated as one of the oldest and most beautiful railway bridges in India, representing the pinnacle of early 20th-century mountain railway engineering.
Sce...Historic Railway Heritage: This bridge is a famous landmark of the British Raj. It is celebrated as one of the oldest and most beautiful railway bridges in India, representing the pinnacle of early 20th-century mountain railway engineering.
Scenic Train Route: The bridge is a "star attraction" on the Kollam-Sengottai rail route. Tourists often take this specific train journey just to experience the thrill of crossing the 13 arches and entering the mountain tunnels immediately after. -
Architecture:
The Arch Mastery: The Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge is a magnificent example of British masonry. It measures 102. 72 meters in length and 5. 18 meters in height. The bridge is supported by 13 massive granite pillars, each standing nearly 100 feet tall.
Read MoreThe Arch Mastery: The Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge is a magnificent example of British masonry. It measures 102. 72 meters in length and 5. 18 meters in height. The bridge is supported by 13 massive granite pillars, each standing nearly 100 feet tall.
Traditional Construction Materials: Interestingly, the bridge was constructed using the "Surki" method, a traditional mixture of lime, sand, and jaggery, which has proven to be incredibly durable over 120 years. The arches are perfectly symmetrical, demonstrating the precise geometric calculations of the colonial engineers.How To Reach:
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is 88 KMS away. You can take a taxi from the airport directly to Kazhuthurutty or travel to Kollam city first.
By Train: The nearest station is Kazhuthurutty, just 1 KM away. However, for bett...Near Tourist Places:
1. Palaruvi Falls (10 KMS), 2. Thenmala Dam (4 KMS), 3. Aryankavu Temple (6 KMS), 4. Deer Park Thenmala (5 KMS), 5. Punalur Bridge (25 KMS), 6. Kazhuthurutty Falls (2 KMS), 7. Rosemala (15 KMS), 8. Courtallam Falls (30 KMS), 9. Shendurney Forest (12 KMS), 10. Kulathupuzha Temple (15 KMS)Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Stay behind the safety barriers on the highway. Do not attempt to walk on the railway tracks as this is both illegal and dangerous. The road can be busy with trucks, so keep children close while taking photos.
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