'Bhoothathan Kettu' is situated 63kms from Ernakulam, it is
a good picnic spot.A myth about this place is that the hills and the forest
here were built by a Bhootham in an overnight. Hence it came to be called as
the Bhoothathankettu which means the fort of the Bhootham which means spirit or
ghost. The dam is constructed using irregular shaped large stones and is built
on the Periyar river. Another story related to the dam was that there was a
Shiva temple here which the Bhoothams decided to sink. They decided to
construct a dam in order to submerge the temple in water. As they are bhoothams
they can’t walk out at daylight and that they need to finish the construction
of the dam in a night. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a cock and made the
sound which made the bhoothams think that it was morning. The dam which they
built was undone by the Lord. It is believed that what we see today is the
remains of that.
It is a major tourist attraction and people can do trekking
from here. Guides are available here who gives information about the dam and
the safe spots in this place. There is a small cave on the way which is believed
to be the temple of ghosts. From the new dam site one can trek through these
forests to reach the old dam site. On your way you can enjoy a wide variety of
flora and the voice of the birds. Boating facilities are available here.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam junction
Nearest Airport: Cochin international airport
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