Neriamangalam-bridge is the first Arch bridge in south India & the gateway to Munnar. It is a picturesque historical destination offering wonderful sights of lower areas of Ernakulam and high ranges of Idukki, Kerala . The bridge was built in 1935 during the time of Travancore Maharaja. The construction of the bridge started in 1924 during the reign of Sethu Lakshmi Bhai, the ruler of Travancore. Sri Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma opened the bridge for public on 2nd march of 1935. The Neriamangalam bridge laid across Periyar River (one of the longest river in Kerala , Length 244km) and its connects two major tourist destinations in Kerala .
The construction of the bridge started in 1928 during the reign of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, regent of the Kingdom of Travancore, and was opened to the public by Travancore King Chithira Thirunal after its completion on 2 March 1935. Due to 1924 heavy showers of rain, the road that connected Kochi to Munnar was destroyed. So, in order to reset the trade relations, Sethu Lakshmi Bayi ordered to build a road connecting Aluva to Munnar and to construct a bridge across the Periyar River. The bridge has withstood almost a century’s wear and tear and stills strong without much maintenance and repairs.
The bridge is built on six pillars of which only four are visible outside. The bridge consists of five arches. The bridge is built in such a way that when a heavy vehicle enters it, the weight of the vehicle would be lifted on the arches. At present, the bridge is part of National Highway 49, which leads to Danushkodi in Tamil Nadu.
Neriamangalam Bridge lies on the banks of the river Periyar. It is popularly known as the getaway to the high ranges. The bridge came into existence in 1935, and the connecting beauty turned 86 this year, showing the rich evidence of outstanding built and laid architecture. It represents Asia’s first Arch Bridge, which is then and now the most taken path touching the high ranges of Idukki. The bridge is like a gateway connecting the land of Kochi and the uphills of Munnar and Idukki. The travelling minds can easily access the top hotels and the best luxury resorts in Munnar with the passage. It also links many other destinations that sky up the desires.
The Historical Side
The construction began in 1924 during the reign of the fighting leader of Travancore, ‘Sethu Lakshmi Bayi’. The bridge was then unfolded to the public by ‘Sri Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma’ on 2nd March 1935. Earlier, before the construction, the used trail from Kochi to Munnar was through ‘Pooyamkutty’ and ‘Mankulam’. Initially, the route witnessed the perfect flow of spices and goods. It was all good until the beginning of heavy rainfall and flood that shook the region in 1924. The road was submerged and collapsed, creating a barrier to the trade. It saw the complete collapse of the trade links from Munnar to Kochi. ‘Sethu Laksmi Bayi’ made her order to establish a route connecting Aluva and Munnar. It also alarmed the call for the famous bridge of Neriamangalam on the banks of the Periyar River. It took almost 10 years to complete the entire process. Everyone, including the native villagers, had their specific role in the epic built.
Significance To The Modern Time
Neriamangalam village is praised as the ‘Cherrapunjee of Kerala’ as it receives the highest rainfall. Due to this fact, agriculture is still the rising occupation here. As agriculture and cultivation have been on a trend, the flow of spices and cultivations are also hiking. Moreover, the bridge is now connecting Dhanushkody in Tamil Nadu as a part of the National Highway 49. Even after the flood in 2018, it has showed the standing will to the modern build ups...
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