The Padaharam Bridge, located between Thakazhi and Nedumudi in Alappuzha, has quickly become a place everyone is talking about. Built around 2024–2025, this bridge was constructed to solve a long-standing problem in the Kuttanad region—poor road connectivity. For years, people living in Kuttanad depended on narrow village roads and slow water routes to travel between important places. Moving from the AC Road (Alappuzha–Changanassery) to the Ambalappuzha–Tiruvalla Road took extra time and was often inconvenient. The Padaharam Bridge was built to create a direct, faster, and safer route, making daily travel much easier for locals. At the same time, the bridge has become more than just a transport link. Its wide pedestrian walkways, peaceful river views, and traditional watchtowers make it a relaxing spot to walk, sit, and enjoy the beauty of Kuttanad. Because of this, it is slowly turning into one of the new favourite places for visitors to explore Alappuzha.
A New Link in the Heart of Kuttanad
Kuttanad is a region unlike any other in Kerala known as the ‘Rice Bowl of the state’. It is a vast stretch of lush paddy fields lying below sea level, interlaced with rivers, canals, and shimmering backwaters. Life here moves gently along the waterways, with boats, bridges, and narrow roads shaping the rhythm of everyday travel. Its natural beauty is untouched and open, making even a simple journey feel scenic. Before the Padaharam Bridge came into the picture, traveling between the villages of Thakazhi and Nedumudi often meant taking longer detours through narrow roads or depending on water transport. Daily commuting to schools, markets, and main roads could take more time than necessary, especially during seasons when water levels rose. Visitors exploring Kuttanad also missed an easy, direct route to move between its inner villages. The new bridge changes all of this. With a modern structure built across the Pamba River, Padaharam Bridge now opens smooth movement for both locals and travelers. The bridge features a wide road deck suitable for vehicles and dedicated pedestrian walkways on both sides, giving people a safe space to walk and enjoy the scenery. The thoughtfully designed space ensures that the bridge serves not just as a road connection, but also as a pleasant viewing point over the peaceful landscape of Kuttanad.
Construction & Design Highlights
Work on the Padaharam Bridge began as part of a major development plan to ease travel across Kuttanad. The construction progressed through 2023 and 2024, and by early 2025, the bridge neared completion—drawing attention from locals, travellers, and even photographers who began sharing early views on social media. Structurally, the bridge is impressive for the region. Stretching across the Pamba River, it has a total length of around 453 metres, supported by multiple spans of 45 m, 35 m, and 12 m. The road deck is designed wide enough to support smooth vehicle movement, while the pedestrian walkways on both sides—each around 1.7 metres wide—make it one of Kerala’s few truly pathway-friendly bridges. This feature allows people to walk comfortably, enjoy the scenery, and use the bridge like a public space, not just a road. One of the most unique design choices is the addition of traditional Kerala-style watchtowers placed across the structure. These viewpoints offer elevated visuals of the river and paddy fields, turning the bridge into a spot where people can pause, relax, and take in the beauty of Kuttanad from above. Building such a large bridge in the heart of Kuttanad was not simple. The region’s soft, waterlogged soil, fluctuating water levels, and paddy field terrain required careful engineering and strong foundations. Heavy machinery had to operate in challenging conditions, and work had to continue seasonal flooding and monsoon patterns. Despite these challenges, the Padaharam Bridge stands today as a well-designed, pedestrian-friendly structure—something rare in this rural landscape. It blends practical connectivity with thoughtful public design, giving Kuttanad both an improved travel route and a new viewpoint to appreciate its natural charm.
What makes the Padaharam Bridge stand out is that it offers much more than a quicker route across Kuttanad—it provides an experience that tourists naturally look for. The moment you step onto the bridge, you’re greeted with wide, open views of paddy fields, quiet waterways, and the calm, refreshing atmosphere that Kuttanad is famous for.
The dedicated pedestrian pathways make it easy for visitors to walk without worrying about traffic. This turns the bridge into a perfect spot for slow strolls, photo stops, and simply breathing in the beauty of the backwater landscape. Whether you enjoy capturing sunsets, recording travel reels, or just enjoying peaceful moments, the Padaharam Bridge offers the ideal setting.
Another special attraction is the series of Kerala-style watchtowers built into the design. These towers give tourists a higher viewpoint, allowing them to see the river and fields from a different angle. From here, you can watch boats passing through the Pamba River, observe farming activity in the surrounding fields, or enjoy the golden glow of the evening sun spreading across the water.
For many visitors, the bridge also provides a new way to experience Kuttanad beyond the usual backwater boat rides. It adds a fresh perspective to the region—showing the same beautiful landscape from above, rather than from the water alone. This combination of easy access, scenic beauty, and a peaceful ambience is what makes Padaharam Bridge quickly become a favourite stop for travellers exploring Alappuzha.
What Visitors Can Do / How to Experience It
Visiting the Padaharam Bridge is a relaxed and refreshing experience, especially if you enjoy peaceful views and open landscapes. The best time to visit is either early in the morning, when the light is soft and the surroundings are calm, or in the late afternoon, when the warm sunset colours spread beautifully across the paddy fields and the Pamba River.
Reaching the bridge is also easy. You can approach it from Alappuzha town, or from the nearby villages of Thakazhi and Nedumudi. Buses, autos, and private vehicles all pass through these routes, making it accessible for both locals and travellers. If you’re driving, the roads leading to the bridge offer a pleasant ride through typical Kuttanad scenery.
To make the most of your visit, you can combine the trip with other experiences Kuttanad is known for—rice-field walks, canoe rides, village visits, or short boat trips through the narrow canals. This helps you see different sides of the region in a single journey.
It’s a good idea to come prepared. Bring a camera or phone for photos, sun protection if you’re visiting during the day, and comfortable footwear for walking along the pedestrian paths. Because the bridge is new, it’s also worth checking basic details like parking availability, current access rules, or the condition of nearby approach roads before you go.
Whether you’re a photographer, a casual explorer, or simply someone who enjoys quiet places, the Padaharam Bridge offers a gentle, memorable experience in the heart of Kuttanad.
Why This Matters for Locals and the Region
The Padaharam Bridge is more than just a new landmark—it brings real benefits to the people who live and work in Kuttanad. With improved connectivity, daily life becomes much easier. Children can reach schools faster, locals can access markets and hospitals without long detours, and the movement of goods becomes smoother. For a region where travel was often slow and dependent on narrow roads or waterways, this bridge is a meaningful upgrade. The new bridge also opens fresh opportunities for tourism. Until now, many visitors have experienced Kuttanad mainly through boat rides. With the Padaharam Bridge, travellers now have another reason to stay longer and explore the inner villages, fields, and viewpoints of the area. This can help local homestays, shops, and small businesses grow as more tourists discover new routes and experiences beyond the usual backwater trails. Because Kuttanad is a low-lying region that faces floods and changing water levels, having a strong and reliable bridge brings an added sense of security. It allows for steady transportation even during challenging weather, helping both residents and emergency services move without interruption. On a cultural level, the bridge connects communities that were once separated by longer distances. It gives young people new spaces to explore, gather, and enjoy their surroundings. In many ways, the Padaharam Bridge becomes a symbol of connection—linking villages, supporting local life, and opening new possibilities for the future of Kuttanad.
What to Look Forward To
As the Padaharam Bridge becomes fully active, it is set to play a bigger role in the cultural and tourism landscape of Kuttanad. During the festive seasons and traditional boat races, the bridge could offer a brand-new vantage point to enjoy the celebrations. Watching the long snake boats glide across the Pamba River from a raised walkway will give visitors a unique and memorable experience.
There is also potential for small amenities to develop around the bridge in the future—like local cafés, tea stalls, and dedicated viewpoints—making it an even more welcoming stop for travellers. With more people choosing to visit, the surroundings may slowly grow into a lively space where locals and tourists meet, rest, and enjoy the charm of the region.
For visitors exploring Alappuzha or Kuttanad, this bridge may soon become a natural addition to their travel plans. Instead of only taking a boat ride or passing through the village roads, travellers can now include a peaceful walk across the Padaharam Bridge as part of their itinerary. It adds a new angle to the way people experience Kuttanad—quiet, scenic, and refreshing.
How to Experience It
Reaching the Padaharam Bridge is straightforward, as it is located between Thakazhi and Nedumudi in the Kuttanad region of Alappuzha, Kerala. Visitors coming from Alappuzha town can take the Alappuzha–Changanassery (AC Road) and head toward Thakazhi, where local roads lead directly to the bridge. Autos, taxis, and buses are available along this route, making it easy for travellers without private vehicles. For those approaching from Nedumudi, the bridge is just a short drive away through calm village roads bordered by paddy fields and canals. The journey itself is scenic and peaceful. Since the bridge is newly completed, it’s a good idea to check the latest updates on access, parking space, and road conditions before visiting.
Best Time to Visit Padaharam Bridge
The Padaharam Bridge is beautiful throughout the day, but certain times make the experience truly memorable.
Early Morning (6:00–9:00 AM)
Early mornings are the most peaceful time to visit. The weather is cool, and a gentle mist often settles over the paddy fields and river, creating a soft, dreamy atmosphere. The natural light is perfect for photography, and the calm surroundings make it ideal for slow, refreshing walks along the bridge.
Evening & Sunset (4:30–6:30 PM)
Evenings bring a warm golden glow that lights up the landscape beautifully. As the sun sets, the colors reflect off the Pamba River, creating stunning visuals. A pleasant breeze flows across the bridge, making this the perfect time for relaxed strolls, scenic photos, and capturing sunset reels.
Best Nearby Places to Visit
The areas surrounding the Padaharam Bridge are rich in culture, natural beauty, and classic Kuttanad charm. Visitors can easily turn their trip into a half-day or full-day experience by exploring these nearby destinations.
Nedumudi
A peaceful backwater village known for its calm atmosphere and scenic waterways.
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- Gentle boat rides through canals
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- Coconut-lined backwater routes
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- Perfect for quiet village walks and photography
Champakulam
One of the oldest and most vibrant villages in Alappuzha, filled with history and tradition.
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- The famous Champakulam Church
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- Snake boat race training spots along the river
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- Scenic boat rides through lively canals
Ambalappuzha
A spiritual and cultural hotspot located a short drive away.
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- The renowned Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
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- The iconic Ambalappuzha Palpayasam
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- A rich blend of heritage and tradition
Thakazhi
A village known for its literary legacy and historical significance.
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- Birthplace of writer Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai
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- Museums and landmarks celebrating his work
Kuttanad Backwater Routes
The true essence of rural Kerala, offering untouched natural beauty.
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- Peaceful canoe rides
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- Walks through vast rice fields
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- Birdwatching in wetland habitats
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- Authentic village life experiences
Alappuzha (Alleppey) Town
A bustling coastal town that adds variety to your travel plan.
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- Clean beaches and a historic lighthouse
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- Famous houseboat cruises
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- Local markets and eateries offering Kerala delicacies
Conclusion
The Padaharam Bridge has all the elements that make it the next big tourist spot in Kuttanad—it’s beautiful location over the Pamba River, thoughtful design with pedestrian walkways, improved access between villages, and stunning open views of paddy fields and backwaters. It combines the convenience of modern connectivity with the calm beauty of Kerala’s countryside. So, next time you’re in Kuttanad, don’t limit yourself to boat rides walk the new span of the Padaharam Bridge and see the backwaters from a fresh perspective. contact visit to Kerala for best Alappuzha packages for enjoy the scenery, and capture a few memories along the way.
