It was inaugurated by the Maharaja of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma.
The bridge was built as part of the infrastructure expansion to link the tea estates of Munnar to the port city of Kochi.
Its design utilizes traditional stone masonry techniques that contrast with modern reinforced concrete bridge engineering.
The bridge sits at a crucial geographical junction where the elevation begins to rise sharply toward the Munnar mountain range.
The Neriamangalam Bridge is a historic stone-arch structure spanning the Periyar River on the Kochi-Madurai Highway. Constructed in 1935 during the reign of the Maharaja of Travancore, it serves as a critical gateway connecting the plains of Ernakulam to the high-altitude hill station of Munnar. The bridge is architecturally notable for its sturdy masonry and arched design, which has withstood severe monsoon flooding for nearly a century. It is locally referred to as the 'Gateway to Munnar' due to its strategic position at the transition point between the lowlands and the Western Ghats. The surrounding landscape features dense tropical vegetation and riverine vistas characteristic of the Kerala foothills. Despite the construction of a newer, wider concrete bridge nearby to handle modern heavy traffic, the original structure remains a site of interest for its heritage value.
From the river bank below the bridge looking upward to capture the full arch architecture against the mountain backdrop.
Park vehicles safely at the designated pull-offs nearby before walking onto the bridge for photos.
Be aware of local traffic, as the bridge is narrow and serves as an active transit point.
Visit during the early morning to capture the mist rising from the Periyar River.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the outer railings of the bridge for photographs, as the stone structure has aged.
