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.