Kalady

Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthampa Mandapam

Kalady is a village located east of the Periyar river, in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, South India. It is the birthplace of Sri Adi Sankara, and is a popular destination for pilgrims.He propounded the philosophy of Advaita.

Sreekrishna Advaitashramam 

The Crocodile Ghat, the bathing Ghat outside the temple is the place where Sankara was caught by a crocodile. He took the opportunity to ask his mother if he could take up Sanyasa . When she said yes, the crocodile let him go.

Sreekrishna Temple

Iringole Kavu

Irigole Kavu 

Thick Forest

Kallil Temple

It is a 9th century Jain temple shaped out from a huge rock in a picturesque surrounding situated 8 miles south of the Periyar. 

There are 120 steps to reach the temple. It is at the top of a hill. The idols of Theerthankaran and Padmavathi Devi are carved on the rock inside the cave. On the top of the large rock the footprint is also carved.

Chelamalai

Chelamalai is also believed to be the "Vanchinagaram" or "Vanchi" of AD first century, which was the capital of the early Chera Kingdom. The ruins of several temples located within a 10 km radius of Chelamalai clearly indicate the importance of the area and the human population that once existed here. The location of Vanchi is range from Karavur near the banks of the Amaravati in Tamil Nadu, to near Kodungalloor, to Thrikariyoor near Kothamangalam. The noted historian V. Kanakasabhai states that present-day Thrikariyoor is the location of Vanchi, but according to the `Pathitipathu' (a famous anthology of Tamil poems of the Sangam age) VI.3, Vanchi is situated on the summit of a tall hill encircled by seven hills and forest. In view of the above information why not Chelamalai be a viable candidate for the location of Vanchi. It is close to Thrikariyoor thus not completely denying Kanakasabhai's theory either. 

There are several wells located within a 5 to 6 sq. km. area. On the eastern side of Chelamalai and on the western side of the Punnekkad - Thattekad road, at the ten km milestone, the exposed portion of an underground structure, resembling a cellar, about six to eight ft. wide and ten ft. long is seen. One side of it is a laterite wall while the other three sides are granite. Only the top of the vertical stone slabs are visible, the rest being buried in the ground. In the middle of this structure, portions of granite slabs, vertically sunk in the ground, are seen. This could have been a tomb.  Oposite this presumable tomb, were found several large earthen jars or pots. Called Nanangadis, these are burial containers for people, used during the BC 2000 to AD 500 period.  This area could have been a cemetery, as the Nanangadis were found, of the Cheras who lived in the Chelamalai region.

Kodanad

Capturing the elephant

Located 45 KMs east of the Kochi, itis one of the Largest training centre of South India. It placed near to the bank of Periyar. 

Kodanad is knoen for the Elephant Kral, the place where newly captured elephant are kept and trained. The trained elephant are used for rides for the tourist. 

There is a small zoo is placed near to the kral. It is open from 8.00Am to 6.00Pm except Mondays

Ayyappanmudi

Ayyappanmudi

Malayattoor

Malayattoor is located on the Western Ghats, 52 kms from Kochi beside the Periyar River. 'Malayattoor' literally means the meeting place of land, mountain and river. It is the first pilgrim centre in India to be accorded international status by the Vatican. It is also the largest pilgrim centre in the name of St. Thomas in India. Thousands of pilgrims of all castes and creed undertake the pilgrimage to St. Thomas church, located on top of the hillock Kurishumudi (hill of the holy cross) during the annual festival -Malayattoor Perunnal held in March/April, 8 days after Easter.  

The distance from the foot to the top of the Kurishumudi is around 2.5km- 3km and takes around 1 hour to 1.5 hours to climb. Pilgrims chanting the name of the Apostle 'Ponninkurisumala Muthappa Ponmalakayattam' to climb Kurisumudi during  the Lent season. Some devotees carry crosses, stones, brooms etc. while some kneel and climb up the mountain. Along the way there are the 14 stations of the cross where devotees stop to pray.  

Pligrims on the way to church

Idamalayar

The Idamalayar reservoir is about 12 km distance from the site

Thattekkad

About 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district; Thattekkad is in Devikulam taluk, Idukki district, central Kerala.The world famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the main attraction that is also regarded as one of the major picnic spot for the visitors. You can also spot various domestic and migratory birds in this park. The park becomes populated with colorful razz especially in the months of winter as they fly down from northern countries. 

Morning is the best time to locate these birds. The area of the sanctuary is 25 sq km formed between the branches of river periyar. Around 360 species of birds and 167 species of butterflies have been spotted in the park which attracted DR salim ali whose efforts are believed to be used in the formation of this sanctuary. The important birds found here include large falcon, gray jungle fowl, white breasted water hen, giant hornbill and varied species of migratory birds. 

The vegetation in this area consists of tropical evergreen, semi evergreen, and moist deciduous forest and plantations of teak, rosewood. Mahogany and bamboo etc. Further more than 28 varieties of animals including elephants; bison's and nine varieties of reptiles including king cobra have accepted this area as their natural habitat.

Periyar

Periyar is known as `Chhoorni Nadhi' in Sangham poetry. It was also known as Thamraparni Nadhi' (Sukasandesam –stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangham age from Muzuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. 

Periyar River originates from the Sivagiri hills along the border of Kerala-Tamilnadu. It is the longest river in Kerala. The river runs into the Vembanad Lake and to the Arabian Sea. The length of the river is 244 km. 

The important dams across this river are Mullaperiyar, Bhoothathankettu, Kundalam, Mattupetty, Munnar, Idukki, Cheruthoni, Kulamavu, Irattayar, Lower Periyar, Edamalayar, Chenkulam, Anayirangal and Ponmudi. The largest hydro electric project, Idukki and the Arch Dam at Idukki are positioned in this river. Other hydro electric projects of this river are Pallivasal, Chenkulam, Panniyar, Neriyamangalam and Lower Periyar.

The birth place of Shri Shankaracharya (Kalady), and the renowned Malayatoor church are situated on the banks of the Periyar. Mahashivratri festival is held on the banks of this river in Aluva. Thattekadu Bird Sanctuary is situated on the banks of this river. The well-known wildlife sanctuary and tourist place of Thekkady is located at the side of Mullaperiyar Dam.

Bhoothathankettu

Bhoothathankettu Dam

Lower Part of the Dam

Bhoothathan Kettu, the perfect gateway for the nature freak. Forests to trek in, birds to watch, a river for boating, rapids to shoot, a lake to fish in, and much more, provide the perfect holiday for the nature loving tourist. Bhoothathan Kettu is 100 mtr. above MSL and has a very moderate climate. This is an ideal place for organizing a picnic amidst the glorious beauty of nature. The place has an enchantment in its air and this is why the one who visits it once is unable to leave the place easily. Now the popularity of the region has gone so high, that people, who visit Kerala, do take out time to take a Kochi to Bhoothathankettu excursion. The adventure lovers can also trek around the travel route of Kochi to Bhoothathankettu which is covered with colorful and fragrant floras.

 

Upper part of the Dam

Bhoothathankettu is an ideal site to enjoy exhilarating boat rides and also to explore exotic wildlife. The dam-site might have received its name from its connection with 'bhooths' or ghosts/spirits. According to the myth, the natural fortification of the place was established by ghosts overnights. Characterized by rolling hills and dense forests, Bhoothathankettu is one of the most unique Kerala highlights brimmed with scenic beauty and legends. It is a new experience to view the banks of the Periyar, dotted with teak trees and bamboo shrubs.

Upper part of the Dam- another view

How to Reach

Bhoothathankettu is is situated 50Kms north east form Kochi, 26KMs away from Nedumbassery Airport, 10KMs away from Kothamangalam Town. This greenish place is situated in the Pindimana Panchayath. 

cave in the forest of bhoothathankettu

Myth

A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight. Hence the name Bhoothathankettu (fort of the spirits). 

Old Bhoothathankettu

The story goes that ages ago, demons set out to submerge the Trikkariyoor temple, whose presiding diety is Lord Shiva, by damming the Periyar and flooding the area. But, Lord Shiva, suspecting trickery, came up with a plan to deter them. He made it appear that dawn was approaching by making a sound like the crowing of the rooster. The demons fearing the arrival of light fled from their task [IT IS BELIEVED THAT DEVILS HAVE NO POWER DURING THE DAY]. But there remains to this day the visible proof of their effort - the huge stones the demons were supposed to have rolled onto the riverbed, the Old Bhothathankettu. The Periyar flows on through the narrow space which the demons did not quite manage to dam up.