PUNALUR

PUNALUR

Punalur has an average elevation of 56 metres (183 feet ). The Kallada River passes through Punalur. Various scenic spots on Kallada River attracts many tourists to Punalur but the infrastructure development needs to be addressed. The Punalur suspension bridge crossing the river is the only suspended-deck type in south India. Built in 1877 by Albert Henry across the this huge bridge was suspended by three spans and was used for vehicular movement. Construction took more than six years. It is said that after completion of the bridge people hesitated to walk through the bridge. In order to prove the strength of the bridge the engineer and his family passed under the bridge in a country boat while six elephants were walking through the bridge. Now the bridge is only of archeological interest

Main agricultural products of this township include rubber , black pepper , and other spices. The chief commodities of export here are the hill produces, pineapple , pepper products, plywood and timber. the Punalur Paper Mill Ltd., a paper Industry established in 1888 by a British Nationale was under the control and management of Mr. L.N. Dalmia till 1984. This prestigious organisation was closed due to labour disputes and improper handling of the situation by the mill management and the state government.