Old Iron Bridge over the Thamirabharani River at Papanasam: A Rustic Gem with lots of Scenic Nature
People visit Papanasam for the 1000 year old Papanasanathar temple with the Thamirabharani river next to it, the offbeat Karaiyar dam, the medicinal Agastyar falls, the gorgeous Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and the Sorimuthu Ayyanar forest temple. These are popular attractions and attract a lot of people. However, if you wish to see a true rustic gem with not so many people, I would recommend visiting the old iron bridge over the Thamirabharani river next to the Madura coats campus on the Papanasam to Chettimedu village road. Vehicles do not ply on this old iron bridge, but one can walk on it without any worry and enjoy the views of the Thamirabharani river, the surrounding forests and the mountains of the Western Ghats in the background. There are also steps at one end of the iron bridge that lead you to the Thamirabharani river. You can swim in the river here or you can watch the locals bathe their buffaloes and carry on their daily chores at the river bank. This is also a great place to strike a conversation with the locals and learn something about their culture.
Even though this bridge is located close to Papanasam and the main highway road, if you head away from Papanasam on this village road towards Madura Coats colony and Chettimedu, you will see some of the most authentic rustic environment in this district. On one side of the village road lies the Thamirabharani river and on the other side lie the farms and the villages under the shadow of the mountains of the Western Ghats. If you continue on this road, you will reach Manimuthar dam and the other check post of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. This entire route is picturesque with lots of rustic agricultural and cattle scenes.
Overall, this old iron bridge over the Thamirabharani river between Papanasam and Madura coats colony offers the perfect mix of nature and authentic rustic charm of Tamil Nadu. During the cooler months, this route makes for a great day trip with many natural and temple attractions on the way. During the warmer months, this place is perfect for a dip or swim in the river or a relaxed trip during the early hours of the morning. I recommend this location with many thumbs up for that offbeat rural experience.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) Manjolai: The unknown hill station gem of India
2) Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni: Heavenly motorcycle route through pristine forest
3) Mekkarai: One of Tamil Nadu’s prettiest villages
4) Courtallam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu
5) Sunderapandiapuram: Of lovely brahmin agraharam houses, sunflower fields, windmills and mountain views
6) Puliyarai View Point: Scenic pit stop on the Tenkasi – Kerala highway
7) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats
8) Sivasailam: One of the wettest places during the North East Monsoon in India
9) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East monsoon
10) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
11) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
12) Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu
13) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
14) Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine nature overloaded
15) Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
16) Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple: Magnificent 10th century temple with an ashtanga vimana
17) 10th Century Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple: Lesser known architectural marvel of South India
18) Kallidaikurichi: The village of the saaral season
19) 10th century Valiswara Temple at Thiruvaliswaram: Hidden Chola gem in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu
20) Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam: A top scenic and rustic cycling route
21) Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature
