Punalur Suspension Bridge

The Punalur suspension bridge crossing the river is the only suspended-deck type in south India. Built in 1877 by Albert Henry across the Kallada River, this huge bridge was suspended by two 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 over 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 over it. Now the bridge is only of historical interest.

The main concept behind the construction of this bridge was that areas on the other side of the river Kallada was dense forests. A bridge was necessary, but a concrete bridge would not deter wild animals from passing through, to the populated area. To prevent that, a bridge which shakes when some one gets on it, was built.

The bridge is connected to four wells. The iron rods of the bridge is connected to the clips, situated in the wells. Each well is of about 100 feet deep and no one since knows the engineering behind the construction of this bridge.

Source : Wikipedia

Recently the bridge was renovated and opened for public.

Bridge before renovation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXcD1-2PmJ8

After renovation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc5Vy0cfWFA