A cool place to hang out

BANGALORE: A hanging bridge at Panjikallu near Jalsur in Sullia taluk, connecting two villages Panjikallu and Mandekolu,  has turned into a tourist zone attracting hundreds of revelers every year.The bridge built at a serene location is attracting tourists by hordes for its unique experience offered to both children and elders. Unusual as it may seem, people board buses plying between Kasaragod and Sullia only to alight at Panjikallu to watch the beautiful sight of  the hanging bridge.Most visitors have vouched that standing on the bridge and catching sight of the flowing river through the wooden planks in the bridge has a soothing effect on their minds. The light breeze also lifts their spirits and leaves them rejuvenated.It is just not visitors but even local residents who use the bridge regularly also feel the same way. A local resident Seetharama Kenaje says  that visitors especially children love to walk from one end to the other end of the bridge. Watching the river make gurgling sounds from the middle of the bridge is a unique experience for many, he adds. As Payashwini river flows through out the year, many swimmers step into the river for a refreshing bath. On weekends or during public holidays, the river is full of visitors from in and around Sullia. How to reach the hanging bridge?This hanging bridge is located nearly 75 kms from Mangalore. As the place is located between Puttur and Sullia , one can catch private or government buses plying towards Sullia, Madikeri and alight at Jalsur.  From here visitors can engage rickshaws to access this place which is just 3 km from Jalsur.When to visit?This place attracts tourists throughout the year. During monsoons, many people just stand on the bridge to face the full wrath of lashing rain sor to watch the river in full spate. What to take?Tourists planning a weekend visit can carry swimming costumes, as the river is not too deep. As the bridge connects the dense forest on one end, locals encourage tourists to carry eatables in order to feed the friendly monkeys located aplenty in the region.