Blessed with towering hillocks in Western Ghats, valleys, forest, migratory birds and wild animals, Bhoothathankettu unveils before you the spectacular views of nature.
Periyar flows like a waist chain in the lush green valley that spreads over several acres. With eye-pleasing sceneries and comfortable climate, it is a spot suited for tourists during summer and monsoon seasons.
Bird watching, adventure trekking, wildlife photography and boat trips are the key attractions that draw tourists here.
The journey to old Bhoothathankettu through the forest path will give you a matchless experience with the presence of colossal trees, herbs, caves and muniyara (dolmens).
The chirping of birds will accompany you along the way. Trumpeting of elephants will reach your eardrums as you proceed along the sunlit path.
Once you reach old Bhoothathankettu, the majestic beauty of Periyar flowing amidst the giant rocks will unfold before your eyes. Also one can enjoy a dip at specific safe spots to beat the scorching heat. Truly it will be a revitalizing experience for the body as well as the mind.
The rocks here are hindering the smooth flow of the river, which continues its journey through the big gap between the rocks. The people from old generation say the rocks were placed by the ghosts. If one more rock was there, the flow could have been arrested completely.
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Elephant herds regularly visit the spot in summer to quench their thirst and also to cool themselves off. The wildlife sanctuary including Bhoothathankettu is also an abode for animals including tiger, leopard, wild bison, deer and bear.
From the top of the dam, Koottickal can be seen. A 2-km boat ride or a walk through the jungle will take you there. At Koottickal, Pooyamkutty River and Idamalayar River that merge and flows along one side meets Periyar on the other side. This spot resembling an island is also a favourite spot of birds. Boating for 10 km is also offered at Bhoothathankettu dam. During the ride, one can witness the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary too.
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has made arrangements for pedestal boating in reservoir and five tree houses have been set up to enjoy the panoramic views. Also, facilities for horse riding on the banks are made. A garden and watchtower have been set up in the park adjoining the dam.
The DTPC information centre at Bhoothathankettu will provide the tourists the necessary details. A restaurant serving dishes such as river fish, tapioca, pidi and chicken curry is also functioning here.
More info on Bhoothathankettu
Bhoothathankettu, a scenic damsite with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. 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). Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here.
Location: Ernakulam Dt.
Pindimana village, 10 km from
Kothamangalam.
How to reach
By road: Kothamangalam which is 10 km away from the dam site is easily accessible by bus from Kochi (50 km, via Alwey, Perumbavur), Muvattupuzha (15 Km) and
Neryamangalam (17 Km).
By Rail: Alwey 50 km
By air: Nedumbassery 45 km
Stay
V. K. J International, Rs. 3000-3500-5000, Ph: 0485 2588100
Somatheeram Birds Lagoon Rs. 3000-3500, Ph: 9447779001
Peninsular Woods, Rs. 2000-2500 Ph: 9544148211
Sights around
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Tattekkad (9km). Trekking through the forest will be an exhilarating experience.
Tags:- tourism, travel, kerala, bhoothathankettu