Bhoothathankettu
Bhoothathankettu, a scenic dam site with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest and tourist spot in Kerala, India. It is situated outside the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam and 50 km away from the main city of Kochi.
The original natural dam has been supplemented by a modern dam impounding the Bhoothathankettu Reservoir (Thattekad Reservoir).
Thattekkad – Reservoir
Bhoothathankettu Tourism
During the Malayatoor pilgrim season, travelers use the roads through the forest. The picturesque view of the nature with her all elements attracts not only the domestic tourists but international tourists too. The pious virtuous nature and her true essence will surely make you to enjoy and explore its gorgeousness.
Old Bhoothathankettu dam
WATCH THE VIDEO OF BHOOTHATHAN KETTU TRAVELOGUE
Bhoothathankettu – Attractions
Large blocks of unshaped stones are placed on both sides of the Periyar River to form the dam, making it look like a natural dam built by super humans. The name Bhoothathan Kettu, means “monster fort”; past generations believed it was built by a Bhootham (monster).
Scenic Beauty of Bhoothathankettu Reservoir
Bhoothathankettu – Myth
The reason behind the dam’s name is that monsters (Malayalam: Bhootham) planned to submerge the Trikkariyoor temple, whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva by making a dam in the Periyar river and flooding the area. Suspecting trickery, the omnipotent Lord Shiva, came up with a plan to deter them. He faked the approaching dawn by a rooster’s sound. The demons fearing the arrival of light fled the place.
To this day there is a visible proof of their effort where you can see the boulders which the demons were supposed to have rolled onto the riverbed, the Old Bhothathan kettu. The Periyar flows on through the narrow space which the demons did not quite manage to dam up.
Unshaped heavy roacks in Periyar River, Remaining of Old Bhoothathankettu Dam
It is a great place to go with friends the scenery is awesome and there is place for walking alongside the river overall it is a nice place to hangout with friends. Other nearby attractions are Idamalayaar and Thattekkad.
Fauna & Flora
Evergreen forest area near the dam site is the habitat of various birds and animals. On a pleasant day of September 2018, when I visited there, I got sight of many birds and animals. Here are the photos I captured from the forest area of Bhoothathankett Eco-tourism area.
Malabar Grey Hornbill – Bhoothathankett Forest
Malabar Grey Hornbill Male – Bhoothathankett Forest
Indian Giant Squirrel or Malabar Giant Squirrel – Bhoothathankett Forest
Malabar Giant Squirrel Indian Giant Squirrel – Bhoothathankett Forest
Indian Ringneck Parrot – Bhoothathankett Forest
Green Grasshopper – Bhoothathankett Forest
How to reach Bhoothathan kettu
Bhoothathan kettu is located 50 km away from Kochi – Ernakulam and 26 km away from Cochin International Airport. 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam.