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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
You will love exploring Punalur, a charming riverside town where the cool waters of the Kallada River flow past misty forest hills, spice plantations, cascading waterfalls, and an iconic British-era suspension bridge.
Region
Kerala
Min temp
21
Max temp
34
Located along the foothills of the Western Ghats in eastern Kollam district, Punalur welcomes you as the "Lap of the Western Ghats" and the scenic gateway to Sabarimala. The town gets its name from two Tamil/Malayalam words - Punal meaning water and Ooru meaning place - celebrating its location along the sparkling Kallada River.
Punalur is a historic town in Kollam known for its 19th-century Suspension Bridge, Kallada River, nearby forests, waterfalls, and easy access to Kerala’s eastern highlands.
You should plan your next Kerala trip to Punalur if you want an offbeat mix of colonial engineering, lush nature, and scenic hill drives.
Iconic 19th-Century Suspension Bridge
You can walk across South India’s oldest vehicular suspension bridge and watch the Kallada River flow under your feet.
Scenic Heritage Train Rides
You can board a picturesque train journey along the historic Kollam–Sengottai railway line through mountain tunnels, dense teak forests, and arched bridges.
Choose Punalur if you want to combine heritage, riverside views, nature, and nearby attractions such as Thenmala and Palaruvi.
October to February is generally suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities in Punalur.
For discounted and peaceful stays
Pick your travel months based on whether you prefer comfortable outdoor sightseeing or the greener landscape of the rainy season.
| Months | Weather | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to February | Pleasant | Peak Season | For bridge walks, plantation tours, and temple visits |
| June to September | Heavy rainfall | Moderate Season | For nature photography and enjoying scenic greenery |
| March to May | Warmer days | Off-Season | For discounted and peaceful stays |
Attractions
Punalur Suspension Bridge (Thookkupalam)
You can walk across this 400-foot suspension bridge built in 1877 by British engineer Albert Henry, suspended entirely by massive iron chains and wooden planks.
Historic Punalur Paper Mills
Visit the heritage grounds of Kerala’s first industrial paper factory, established along the riverbanks in 1888.
Kottarakkara Palace & Kathakali Museum
You can visit the nearby historic town of Kottarakkara to explore the birthplace of Kathakali and admire classical Kerala art heritage.
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary & Thenmala Dam
Explore boating safaris, deer parks, and canopy walks located just 20 km from the town center.
Punalur is connected to Kollam and nearby towns by road and rail. It lies on the Kollam–Shencottah route and is well connected to the eastern parts of Kerala.
Road and rail are convenient ways to reach Punalur, while nearby airports can be used for longer-distance travel.
By Air
You can land at Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), located roughly 75 km away, and take a direct 2-hour taxi drive to Punalur.
By Train
You can arrive directly at Punalur Railway Station (PUU), an important junction on the historic Kollam–Sengottai line with direct express and passenger trains.
By Road
You can travel easily via National Highway 744 (NH 744 / Kollam–Thirumangalam Highway) using private cabs, self-drive rentals, or KSRTC buses from Trivandrum, Kollam, and Kottarakkara.
Walk across the historic Punalur Suspension Bridge, spend time beside the Kallada River, visit nearby waterfalls, and explore the nature trails around Thenmala.
Add a mix of heritage sightseeing and outdoor activities to experience the different sides of Punalur.
Walk Across the Historic Swaying Bridge
You can step onto the wooden floorboards of the suspension bridge and capture spectacular reflections of the river below.
Tour Black Pepper & Rubber Plantations
You can walk through fragrant pepper vines and rubber estates to see traditional latex extraction and spice harvesting.
Spot Forest Birds & Butterflies
You can carry your camera along forest trails to capture hornbills, paradise flycatchers, and vibrant butterflies.
Take the Scenic Punalur–Sengottai Heritage Train
You can ride through lush Western Ghat mountain passes, crossing viaducts, tunnels, and deep river gorges.
Punalur and the surrounding eastern Kollam region have several temples, including religious centres around Kulathupuzha, Achankovil, and Aryankavu.
Punalur Thrikkotheshwaram Sree Mahadeva Temple
You can admire traditional Kerala temple architecture and attend peaceful morning poojas at this ancient riverside Shiva shrine.
Bharanikkavu Devi Temple
You can visit this revered temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali to experience traditional rituals, temple lamps, and vibrant festival processions.
Sri Dharmasastha Temple (Sasthamkonam)
You can offer prayers at this peaceful hilltop shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, set amidst quiet coconut and teak groves.
Add a temple visit to your Punalur itinerary if you want to explore the religious traditions and cultural side of eastern Kollam.
Try Kerala favourites such as appam and stew, puttu and kadala curry, Kerala parotta, fish curry, tapioca dishes, and traditional snacks during your Punalur trip.
Pepper Chicken Roast
Savor spicy pan-roasted chicken prepared with fresh, locally grown black pepper, roasted shallots, and curry leaves.
Karimeen Pollichathu
You can relish freshwater pearl spot fish coated in rich onion-tomato masala and roasted inside a banana leaf.
Punalur Cashew Halwa & Banana Fritters
Taste chewy, ghee-rich cashew halwa and hot crispy pazham pori at local tea shops.
Keep time for local Kerala meals and simple regional dishes while exploring Punalur and nearby towns.
Punalur is more known for its local produce and regional shopping than specialised tourist souvenirs. You can look for spices, traditional Kerala products, snacks, and locally made items.
Farm-Fresh Black Pepper & Spices
Buy high-grade Tellicherry black pepper, green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon bark, and nutmeg sourced directly from local growers.
Roasted & Raw Cashew Nuts
You can purchase premium-grade whole and flavored cashews at processing outlet prices.
Traditional Kasavu Handloom Sarees & Mundus
Shop for fine cotton handloom garments featuring gold zari borders.
Pick up a few locally available products as simple reminders of your trip through eastern Kollam.
Punalur town has local shopping areas where visitors can find fresh produce, groceries, snacks, spices, clothing, and everyday Kerala products.
Punalur Main Bazaar
You can explore lively street shops selling fresh spices, handlooms, traditional snacks, and local produce.
Wisma Mall
You can browse multi-brand clothing stores, footwear, electronics, and daily essentials in a modern air-conditioned retail space.
Chemmanthoor Market
Visit this bustling local market area for farm-fresh fruits, organic vegetables, and traditional clay cookware.
Visit the town’s market areas for everyday items, local food products, and a glimpse of the daily life of Punalur.
Wear lightweight cotton clothes, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes for bridge strolls and plantation visits.
Carry cash for local spice shops, village snacks, and auto-rickshaw fares.
EasoTrip can help you plan a Punalur trip with stays, sightseeing, local travel, and nearby attractions included in your Kerala holiday itinerary.
Customized Holiday Packages
You can personalize your itinerary to feature nature walks, waterfall visits, heritage train rides, or romantic riverside retreats.
Private Vehicles & Mountain Drivers
You travel smoothly in dedicated air-conditioned cars driven by experienced drivers who know the hill and ghat roads well.
Verified Stays & River Resorts
You stay in comfortable, hygienic hotels and eco-resorts with scenic views across eastern Kerala.
Let EasoTrip include Punalur in your Kerala holiday plan and arrange the key travel details around your schedule.
Where is Punalur located?
Punalur is situated on the banks of the Kallada River in eastern Kollam district, Kerala, along the foothills of the Western Ghats.
What makes the Punalur Suspension Bridge famous?
Built in 1877 by the British, it is the oldest suspension bridge in South India, designed to prevent wild animals from crossing while connecting two riverbanks with massive iron chains.
How far is Punalur from Trivandrum and Kollam?
Punalur is located approximately 45 km from Kollam city and around 68 to 75 km from Trivandrum.
What are the top things to do in Punalur?
You can walk across the Suspension Bridge, take the heritage train ride across the 13-Arch Bridge, tour pepper plantations, visit ancient Shiva temples, and explore nearby Thenmala.
What unique local food should you try in Punalur?
You must try Punalur Pepper Chicken Roast, crispy Maala Dosa, Karimeen Pollichathu, fresh Kallada fish curry, and Cashew Halwa.