13 ARCH BRIDGE KAZHUTHURUTTY, PATHIMOONNU KANNARA PALAM KAZHATHURUTHI

13 ARCH BRIDGE KAZHUTHURUTTY

Pathimoonnu Kannara Palam (13 Arch Bridge) situated at kazhathuruthi in Kollam district is not only a treat to eyes but also it has got lot of ancestral values too. This bridge is one of India's oldest mountain rails enroute to Thenmala-Chenkotta.

The main attraction of this bridge is, it has 13 arch, and it is Meter Gauge too. This was built by the British and it still remains as a monument of the British technology. Because before 100 years they built this 13 arch bridge without the help of cement, and the technology was known as Surki construction.

The bridge is of nearly 102.72 meters long and 5.18 meters height. It has got 100 years of age and still remaining without any cracks. One side of this rail bridge is Kollam-Shenkottai National Highway and the other side is enchanted with the River Kazhuthurutti.

This rail route was once one of the major route that connects Kollam (Quilon) with Chennai  for the trading of crops and spices. The rail journey through this rail line is also one of the best, because the route covers journey through dense forest, long tunnels, many steeps and downs.

But the meter gauge is now turned to broad gauge system in 2011. Whatever that may be this bridge is an architectural marvel, constructed more than a century ago with just rocks,limestone and jaggery, and still keeping its pace with the cracked new technology bridges

ARYANKAVU, ARYANKAVU HILL STATION OF KERALA, ARYANKAVU TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Aryankavu - Hill Station of Kerala

Aryankavu is a beautiful Hill Station village of Kollam Kerala is a must-see destination for anyone who wishes to explore Kerala. It is one of the most serene and charming tourist place in Kerala. It is one of the pilgrimage center, which is situated about 73 km away from the east of the Kollam. It is known as the valley of Western Ghats Range (Sahya Parvatham). It is an important commercial route for merchants on either side of the Western Ghats. The natural beauty with the hills, valleys and fountains are covered by luxurious green forests, which is amazing. It is the gateway to the Tamilnadu. The Punalur – Shenkottai meter gauge railway line passes through Aryankavu. The central attractions of Aryankavu are Palaruvi, know as  the river of milk and the Church devoted to mother of Lady, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and St; George Malakara Catholic Church. One of the famous temples has dedicated to Lord Sastha (Ayyappan). The main festivals are Mandala pooja and Thirukalyanam are celebrated in the month of December. Thousands of pilgrims are herd to the temple during this time. The temple has some fine sculptures and abstract paintings. The other major attractions of Aryankavu are Kadamanapara Sandal Forest, which is the second largest sandal forest in this beautiful village and Rose Mala, which is the ecotourism spots located about 11km from Aryankavu.

Attraction in Aryankavu:
Maximum places of South India are famous for holy values. Aryankavu is also having some historical temples, houses and locations to visit

Aryankavu Shasta Temple:
Aryankavu is known throughout Kerala for its Ayyappa Temple named as Aryankavu Shasta temple. Of the four chief temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kollam district alone, Arankavu temple worships Lord in the form of a teenager. In fact, Aryankavu owes its name itself to the Aryankavu Sree Shasta temple for one of the many names of Lord Ayyappa is ‘Tiru Aryan’.

The temple is situated amidst the woods and the region is of spectacular scenic beauty. Although the temple is in Kerala, it follows pujas and rituals as per the Tamil customs. If you are a woman between the age of 10 and 50, you would not be allowed entry inside the temple. Even the famous Sastha temple in Sabarimala follows the same tradition. The architectural design of the temple is especially noteworthy since it is made 35 feet below the regular pathway. The mural paintings and sculptures inside the temple premises evoke awe in its devotees.

Palaruvi falls:
Palaruvi is formed of two words in Malayalam language, ‘pal’ means ‘milk’ and ‘aruvi’ means ‘stream’. The literal meaning of the word is ‘stream of milk’. Water falls from over a height of 300 feet. Water brimming at the small pond below the falls essentially appears so clear and bubbly that you would realize that there could be no better name for the falls. Waterfalls charm human minds like no other. But spending time near the slender brook makes you feel like never before. Is it the lush green surroundings or the musical flow or milky stream of water? I cannot say for all I know is if you are a nature lover, you cannot afford to miss this stunning natural rivulet.

Even the kings of bygone eras realized this, Maharajas of Travancore have built grand mandapams and a stable here. Palaruvi served as their favorite place for retreat. Getting to the falls is not so easy. You will have to trek through the forest pathways, which for nature lovers is another precious opportunity to experience nature’s footsteps.

The trek route which passes through dense forests will enable you to see old caves, streams reed breaks etc. It is roughly 5 Km long. The sheer pleasure of bathing in its crystalline water is enough to remove any fatigue resulting from the trek.

Rosemala
Rosemala is another spot in Aryankavu which its tourists hardly miss. It is about 12 Km away from the main junction at Aryankavu. It is known in tourist itineraries as an enchanting ecotourism spot. The deep forests of Rosemala is scarcely populated, majority of its inhabitants being tribals and farmers. Many spots are scattered across rosemala that gives grand views of the Thenmala dam set against the backdrop of green hills.

Other places of interest in Aryankavu include its sandal forest at Kadamanpara, which is the second largest sandal forest of the state and Bourdillion’s plot, world’s first stumped planted teak gardens.

How to reach:

How to reach Aryankavu?

From Trivandrum by Road

Trivandrum→ Nedumangadu → Palode → Kulathupuzha → Thenmala → Aryankavu.

From Kollam by Road and Rail

Kollam → Kottarakkara → Punalur → Thenmala → Aryankavu                                               

From Kottayam Kerala by Road and Rail

Kottayam  → Adoor → Kottarakkara → Punalur → Thenmala → Aryankavu

From Madurai TamilNadu by Road and Rail

Madurai  → Tenkasi → Sencottah → Puliyarai → Aryankavu

By Rail: Aryankavu is the hill station and meter gauge rail line is available in the town. However, the closest big station is Punalu that is 35 few km distant from Aryankavu.

By Air: Closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram located at 95 Km distance. Flights for Thiruvananthapuram are available from Delhi, Pune, Bangalore and many other cities so people looking to reach Aryankavu.

By road: Aryankavu is connected to both Kollam (77 Km) and Thiruvanantha Puram (85Km).