The Mathoor Aqueduct in Kanyakumari is a classic example of positive unintended consequences. What started as an irrigation project to supply water to the fertile lands of Kalkulam and Vilavancode is now one of the top tourist attractions in Kanyakumari, attracting millions of tourists yearly. Read on to learn more about the Mathoor Hanging Trough, popularly called Mathur thotti palam or thottil palam by the locals:
Mathoor Hanging Bridge History
When the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, K. Kamaraj, visited Kanyakumari, his attention was drawn to the plight of villagers in and around the Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluks. Apparently, the fertile lands around these taluks were facing an agricultural crisis because of a lack of constant water supply.
As a solution, the Chief Minister commissioned an aqueduct to carry water from the Chittar and Pechiparai dams to the villages of these taluks throughout the year. When this was commissioned, it was an ambitious project costing around INR 12.90 lakhs. Work began in 1963 and lasted until 1969.
Other Facts About The Mathoor Hanging Trough
Mathoor Hanging Bridge Distance:
Mathoor is 45 km from Nagercoil and 60 km from Kanyakumari. You could also travel from Trivandrum, which is 50 km away. Tourists often combine Mathoor Hanging Trough with other attractions like the Padmanabhapuram Palace and Thiruparappu Falls.
Mathoor Hanging Bridge Opening Time:
The Mathoor hanging bridge is always open but best visited from July to February. The entry fee is INR 5 for individuals and INR 40 for car parking. During some months, the PWD does not release water to the aqueduct, so you might consider asking us beforehand when booking hotels in Kanyakumari.
Mathoor Hanging Bride Details:
The Mathoor Hanging Trough is 1240 ft (about 377.95 m) long and at a height of 115 ft. The water-flowing trough is 7ft in height and 7.5 ft in width. The entire aqueduct is built on 28 pillars, some of which are set on rocks. It connects two hills – Kaniyaanparai and Kootuvayuparai.
While the aqueduct still channels water to the villages, it is not the only source of irrigation. However, the place is now a major tourist attraction, with people coming to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Western Ghats, the greenery of the coconut palms and rubber trees, and the Parazhiaar River flowing majestically under the bridge. At the height of the bridge, you’ll find a mesmerizing view of the tiny hamlets in the nearby villages and the locals swimming or washing clothes on the Parazhiaar River. There’s also a bridge that connects the two hills, with people traveling and getting by with their daily lives. While at the Mathoor hanging trough, don’t miss the small stalls selling pineapple slices, pickled gooseberries, nannari sarbath, and other eatables.
At Hotel Comorin Grand, we can help you visit all the tourist attractions, including the Mathoor Aqueduct Kanyakumari. Visit us if you’re looking for the best hotels in Kanyakumari.
