The Tenkasi – Aryankavu – Thenmala – Punalur Road forms a vital stretch of National Highway 744 (NH 744), which connects Madurai in Tamil Nadu with Kollam in Kerala. This highway passes through the scenic Western Ghats, offering an important transportation link between the southern districts of both states. The route is known for its strategic importance as it connects the fertile plains of Tamil Nadu with the coastal belt of Kerala, supporting trade, tourism, and regional development.
Starting from Tenkasi, a historic town famous for the Kasi Viswanathar Temple and waterfalls like Courtallam, the road gradually ascends into the dense forests of the Western Ghats. The stretch between Tenkasi and Aryankavu is notable for its winding mountain sections, tunnels, and railway overpasses. Aryankavu, located near the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, is known for its ancient Sastha Temple and the surrounding forest ranges that form part of the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
After crossing into Kerala, the highway reaches Thenmala, a popular eco-tourism destination recognized as India’s first planned eco-tourism project. Thenmala is surrounded by rich biodiversity, reservoirs, and forest trails, making it a hub for nature-based tourism. The Thenmala Dam, built across the Kallada River, is a major attraction along this section, contributing to irrigation and power generation in the region.
Continuing westward, the road proceeds toward Punalur, one of Kerala’s oldest municipalities. Punalur serves as a key junction connecting the hill regions to the coastal city of Kollam. The town is known for the Punalur Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel from the colonial era, and its timber and paper industries. This section of the highway experiences heavy vehicular movement, as it links several industrial and agricultural centers.
Overall, the Tenkasi – Aryankavu – Thenmala – Punalur route represents a blend of engineering achievement and natural beauty. It plays a crucial role in facilitating inter-state travel and commerce while offering travelers a glimpse of South India’s diverse landscapes—from temple towns and forested ghats to eco-tourism centers and river valleys. The well-maintained NH 744 continues to serve as an essential corridor connecting the eastern and western regions of peninsular India.
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