Mathoor Hanging Trough

Mathoor Hanging Trough, also known as Mathur Aqueduct, is an elevated concrete aqueduct near Mathoor village in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. Built in 1966 across the Pahrali River, it is regarded as one of Asia's tallest and longest trough bridges, carrying irrigation water from the Pattanamkal canal. The structure is 1,240 feet long and about 115 feet high, offering panoramic views of surrounding hills, farmland and river valley.

Visitors can walk along the narrow trough bridge elevated about 115 feet above the Pahrali River. The walkway has a water channel on one side and a pedestrian footpath with railings on the other. Expect panoramic views of the river valley, coconut groves, paddy fields and the Western Ghats in the distance. The site includes staircases to access the top, viewing areas at both ends, and small shops and parking at the entrance. The experience is primarily sightseeing, photography and enjoying the engineering structure and landscape.

Constructed in 1966 under the leadership of then Chief Minister K. Kamaraj to carry water of the Pattanamkal canal for irrigation. Built across the Pahrali River between the villages of Aruvikkarai and Mathoor, the aqueduct was engineered to channel water from one hill to another for agricultural use in Vilavancode and Kalkulam taluks. It remains a notable example of mid-20th century irrigation engineering in Tamil Nadu.

The aqueduct is significant for its role in supporting agriculture and irrigation in Kanyakumari district and is recognized as an important engineering landmark and local tourist attraction showcasing the region's water management heritage.