Punalur

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Punalur | type = city | latd = 9.01762 | longd = 76.92652
locator_position = right | state_name = Kerala
district = Kollam
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altitude = 56
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 47,226| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
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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. Punalur is the head quarters of Pathanapuram taluk. Punalur Railway Station is located on the Kollam-Shencotta railway line. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram. The Main Eastern Highway ( Punalur-Pathanamthitta-Muvattupuzha Road / SH - 08 ) and Kollam - Shengottai Road (NH-220)connects the town to other major towns.

Geography

Punalur has an average elevation of 56 metres (183 feet). [Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/13/Punalur.html Punalur] ] The Kallada River passes through Punalur. Various scenic spots on Kallada River [ [http://www.panoramio.com/photo/7000306 Panoramio - Photo of Amazing Punalur - Kakod Whitewater02 ] ] attracts many tourists to Punalur but the infrastructure development needs to be addressed.The Punalur suspension bridge crossing the river is the only suspended-deck type in south India. Built in 1877 by Albert Henry across the this huge bridge was suspended by three spans and was used for vehicular movement. Construction took more than six years. It is said that after completion of the bridge people hesitated to walk through the bridge. In order to prove the strength of the bridge the engineer and his family passed under the bridge in a country boat while six elephants were walking through the bridge. Now the bridge is only of archeological interest. [bridgemeister.com [http://www.bridgemeister.com/bridge.php?bid=415 Punalur suspension bridge] ] , [ [http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=57dbf06be5d626011223e6319706f5ca View the Suspension Bridge on Google Earth] ]

Economy

Main agricultural products of this township include rubber, black pepper, and other spices. The chief commodities of export here are the hill produces, pineapple, pepper products, plywood and timber. the Punalur Paper Mill Ltd., a paper Industry established in 1888 by a British Nationale was under the control and management of Mr. L.N. Dalmia till 1984. This prestegious organisation was closed due to labour disputes and improper handling of the situation by the mill management and the state government. Some of the tourist spots near Punalur are Thenmala Ecotourism (21 km) and Palaruvi Water Falls(15 km). Punalur is on the western edge of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. There is a municipal stadium which is only an open ground. Pilgrims from Tamil Nadu going to Ayyappa temple at Pampa halt at Punalur, making it a busy place during festival seasons. Some of the famous nearby places are Pathanamthitta, Kottarakara, Anchal, Kulathupuzha, Ampalamkunnu and Aryankavu. Other nearby towns are Pathanapuram, Kunnikodu and Edamon.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] 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. A large christian community is served by St. Mary's Cathedral, Punalur, PENTECOSTAL CHURCH like: Church of God, ASSEMBLES OF GOD HEAD OFFICE, I.P.C CHURCHES, PUNALUR PEPERMILLS...ETC..

chools

Schools play an active role in producing a bright future for Punalur. The most well known is the Government Higher Secondary School. Other schools include the Boys High School and Saint Gorety High School. S.N. College conducts many graduation and post graduation courses for its 2,300 students.Some schools are sabarigiri senior secondary school,toch public school etc .Kariyara is situated five kilometer from Punalur. Some beautiful Masjid in Karayara, Muslim Juma Masjid, Thoompara Muslim Juma Masjid, Chundavila Masjid and Mettumpuram Masjid

ee also

*Main Eastern Highway
*Pathanamthitta

References