Bhoothathankettu in Ernakulam district,
Kerala, is an interesting dam and nature site. It rests amidst forests, hills,
and the wide Periyar River, which is famous for its mystery folklore, natural
backdrop, and adventure sports such as trekking and boating. Just 10 km from
Kothamangalam and roughly 50 km from Kochi, it is a perfect place for family
holidays and nature lovers.
The meaning of the term
"Bhoothathankettu" is "Ghost Fort" in Malayalam. It was
derived from a local myth that demons (bhoothams) attempted to construct a dam
across the Periyar River to flood the region and destroy the Trikkariyoor temple,
where Lord Shiva is revered. But Lord Shiva, aware of their plot, deceived the
demons by causing a rooster to crow at dusk, making it appear as if dawn was
breaking. Assuming the sun was rising, the demons became frightened and ran
away, leaving behind the big stones they had used to block the river. These
stones still exist today and are said to have been done by the demons. This
legend lends Bhoothathankettu its name and infuses it with a magical aura.
It is said that a great civilization had
once flourished on the Periyar River at this place. Tourists can still see the
leftover remains of wells, walls, pots, and even the ruins of an ancient temple
in the wooded areas. The ancient Bhoothathankettu, thought to have been created
by great floods in the 4th century and 1341, comprises huge boulders that were
nudged down the hillsides by landslips at the time of the floods. These natural
rocks were the foundations for the ancient dam.
Bhoothathankettu is not all about
mythology. It is also the prettiest dam in Kerala, with trekking paths through
dense forests. The paths are invigorating and green, and you get to experience
nature in all its glory. You can take boat rides here too, pedal boats and
speedboats included. Boating through the waters with green valleys surrounding
them is an experience you will never forget. Close to Bhoothathankettu lies the
world-renowned Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekad, just 12 km away. The
place serves as the best sanctuary for birdwatching, especially during the
migration seasons. You could easily observe different raptors soaring overhead
or resting on tree branches along the dam.
The area around Bhoothathankettu Dam is
developed for tourism. You will find a children’s play area, landscaped
gardens, tree houses, and even a restaurant to relax and refresh. The entrance
fee is only Rs. 10 per adult. Speedboat rides cost Rs. 500 for four people,
which is well worth the excitement.
Although the Periyar River appears to be
tranquil, it has powerful undertows in certain areas, so always exercise care
along the river. A 2007 tragedy that brought heartache to an otherwise innocent
school outing group on a boat. The boat was packed and poorly maintained, which
in time led it to sink. A reminder for all patrons to enjoy the water and
safety. As the region falls within a reserve forest, it houses wild animals
such as elephants and tigers. There are a lot of picturesque picnic spots along
the way from Bhoothathankettu to Edamalayar Dam (14 km away), but it is not
advisable to picnic or trek without permission, as it is not safe because of
the presence of wildlife. Always abide by the guidelines of the forest department.
Each year, Bhoothathankettu celebrates a
special event during Onam, Kerala's most popular festival. The event is called
the Bhoothathankettu Fest and involves cultural events, thrilling games, and a
popular mud race known as the Bhoothathankettu Slush Fest. Visitors from all
over Kerala come to participate in the activities during this time.
Reaching Bhoothathankettu is easy. The
nearest railway station is at Aluva, which is 43 km away from here. The Cochin
International Airport is also not far, which is some 42 km from here. It is
easy to reach the dam by road from Kochi or surrounding towns.
To facilitate movement, a new
296-meter-long and 11-meter-wide bridge has been constructed alongside the dam.
It was opened to the public by Kerala's Irrigation Minister, K. Krishnankutty,
during June 2020. The bridge enables smoother and more scenic trips to the dam.
To sum up, Bhoothathankettu is a weird mix
of myth, nature, and adventure. If you want to delve into the bylanes of some
rare legends, spend the day trekking in the forest, gliding around on boats, or
spotting birds; this little place has it all. A well-maintained tourist place,
picturesque scenery, and a touch of its cultural lore make Bhoothathankettu a
gem among Kerala’s hidden gems.
