The bridge originally built by the British is the oldest motorable road in South India. There is a modern two line concrete bridge adjacent to the old bridge. New bridge is presently utilized for traffic. The old one is protected as a monument now. One side of the bridge is Punalur town. The other side of the road was dence forests in those years and there was no habitation except tribals.
The kollam (quilon)Chengotta Railway was also built by the British. The intention may have been to transport teakwood from forests to nearby ports for onward transmission to UK. The Nilambur railing and chalakudi vazhachal tramway are other examples of britishness creating infrastructure to transport teakwood. One passing by Punalur should not miss to walk through the bridge.
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