| |
 |
Mathoor
Mathoor is a sleepy little hamlet on the border of Trivandrum and Tamil
Nadu.
From Thiruvattoor, Mathoor is just two and a half kilometres away. The
bridge here, perhaps is the highest irrigation bridge in Asia.
The road zigzags though rocky terrain and paddy fields. They soon give
way to mountainous terrain. Vehicles other than buses proceed till the
fag end of the road. Even while climbing the steep road, beating up
dust clouds in the trail, one can hear the distant rumbling of the swift
forest brook. Getting down from the vehicle in the last leg of the trail,
walk 20 feet and turn. Suddenly, a breathtaking view of panoramic view
appears. Emotions, with a tinge of fear creeps in as the steep height
instills awe on the onlooker. Palayar, the brook rushes past big black
rocks and walking past them will bring in view the irrigation bridge.
The bridge is so narrow, than just two persons can stand shoulder to
shoulder. It is about 1024 metres long and 110 feet high and is supported
by 28 granite pillars. Only the stout hearted can walk across the bridge
but is well rewarded by an exquisite view of the whole valley. Wild
flowers, distant waterfalls, and various brooks, -- a bird's eye view
of all these is an unforgettable experience. The sudden gale with a
whistling sound will bring us back to reality in this surrealistic surroundings
as we scramble to hold on to the bridge's railings. The holiday makers
and locals bathing in the fast flowing river below can be seen like
tiny ants moving around. Trekking enthusiasts and holidaymakers can
get to Mathoor and return in a day.
|
|