Punalur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
|
Punalur
Kerala • India |
|
 |
|
| District(s) | Kollam |
| Coordinates | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
• 56 m (184 ft) |
| Population | 47,226 (2001) |
Punalur is a city and a municipality in Kollam district in the southern state of Kerala, India. It is situated 45 km north-east of Kollam and 75 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, located at 76.92 °E 9.00 °N, 34 meters above sea level. Some notable locations in the town include the Punalur Paper Mill Ltd., a paper Industry established in 1888 by a British Nationale and currently under the control and management of Mr. Kunal Dalmia and the Punalur suspension bridge, which crosses the Kallada River. 
The Suspension Bridge at Punalur, is the only one of its kind in south India. Built in 1877 by Albert Henry across the Kallada River, this huge bridge was suspended by three spans and was used for vehicular movement. Construction took more than six years. Now the bridge is only of archeological interest. Punalur is the head quarters of Pathanapuram taluk.
Nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram. Punalur Railway Station is located on the Kollam-Shencotta railway line.
Some of the famous nearby places are Kottarakara, Anchal, Kulathupuzha, Ampalamkunnu.
Some of the tourist spots near Punalur are Thenmala, Palaruvi Water Falls(15 km). Thenmala Ecotourism is only 21 km away from this township. Punalur is on the western edge of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
Main agricultural products of this township include rubber, black pepper, and other spices. The chief commodities of export here are the hill produces, pine-apple, pepper products, plywood and timber, etc.
[edit] Geography
Punalur is located at [1]. It has an average elevation of 56 metres (183 feet).
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India censusGRIndia, Punalur had a population of 47,226. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Punalur has an average literacy rate of 84%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 82%. In Punalur, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
