Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge

The Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge (Pathimoonnu Kannara Palam), also known as the 13 Arch Bridge, is a historic railway bridge located at Kazhuthurutty in the Kollam district of Kerala. The bridge was built by the British in 1904 and is a major landmark on the Kollam-Sengottai railway line. The bridge consists of 13 arches and is approximately 102.72 meters long and 5.18 meters tall.

The bridge is considered to be a testament to the architectural abilities of the British and is a part of one of India’s oldest mountain railway lines. It was used as a major commercial route to transport goods between Kollam and Chennai (Madras) and today, the 13 arch bridge is one of the popular attractions in the Kollam district.

The Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge is a prime example of British engineering excellence, with its thirteen arches providing an awe-inspiring sight. Each arch is made from solid granite, carefully crafted, and placed to support the weight of trains passing over the bridge. The bridge’s construction was a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the British engineers who designed and built it.

Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge serves as a major landmark on the Kollam Shenkottai route and is a main railway route connecting Kollam and Tamilnadu. Note that entry onto the bridge is restricted, so please be cautious and aware of approaching trains. At the starting point of the bridge, there is a tunnel. It’s cool to walk through the Tunnel and the experience of passing by it on the road below is fantastic. To get inside, one must climb 60 steps.

The bridge connects two hills and its name, Pathimoonnu Kannara, is derived from the Malayalam word for “13 arches,” reflecting its unique architectural design. The views from this location are breathtaking and if you happen to be traveling in the area, it is highly recommended that you take a break and appreciate the beauty of the bridge and its surroundings.

The Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge is a part of the Kollam-Chennai Meter Guage railway route and is located 4 kilometers away from Thenmala and on the Kollam – Thirumangalam National Highway (NH 744). This route is popular among nature enthusiasts due to the presence of the Palaruvi and Kazhuthurutti waterfalls on its outskirts, as well as the Thenmala ecotourism center, with the Courtallam waterfalls as the final destination. One can reach the bridge by road, the nearest railway station is at Kazhuthurutty which is 1 kilometer away and the closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International airport located at a distance of 88 kilometers.