Bhoothathankettu
Bhoothathankettu Dam | |
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Coordinates | 10°08′11″N 76°39′44″E / 10.13639°N 76.66222°E |
Status | Operational |
Bhoothathankettu is a dam and tourist spot in
Point of Interest
Large blocks of unshaped stones are placed on both sides of the Periyar River to form the dam, making it look like a natural dam built by superhumans. The name Bhoothathan Kettu, means "monster fort"; past generations believed it was built by a Bhootham (monster). [1]
Also located here are:
- Bhoothathankettu reservoir
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (Thattekad reservoiris about 12 km distance from the place
Myth
The reason behind the dam's name is that monsters (Malayalam: Bhootham) planned to submerge the
Reality
It has been attributed to two great floods – one in the 4th century and the other in 1341, which threw open the port of Kochi. The massive landslides during the flood are believed to have caused gigantic rocks to roll down from the mountain and become entrenched in the Old Bhoothathankettu.[2] [3]
Incidents
On 20 February 2007, 18 people, including three
Pedal boats and speed boats are provided. The area around the boating facility is landscaped with tree houses and a children's play area. There is also a restaurant. The entrance fee is Rs-10/adult, for speed boat charge is Rs-500/ for 4 persons. There is a nature walk trail after the dam through thick growth to the old Boothathankettu which is very refreshing and the return path is parallel to the river. However, the water is very deep and strong undercurrents. Edamalayar dam is 14 km drive through the thick jungle from Boothathankettu dam. You can find many picnic spots along the way. Apart from the fact that this land is deemed reserve forest, the area has a huge elephant and tiger population, so it is not advisable for people to picnic anywhere along this route. It is forbidden to use the stretch without permission.
Transportation
The railway station at Aluva (a northern suburb of the city of Kochi) is about 43 km away. Cochin International Airport is about 42 km and 26 km from Kochi city (Cochin).
Bhoothathankettu Mud Race 2018
Bhoothathankettu Mud Race has conducted as part of the Onam an annual holiday and a National Festival of Kerala, every year. Entertainment programs and adventurous games are the main attractions of Bhoothathankettu Fest. Visitors from various parts of Kerala come to participate and enjoy the Bhoothathankettu Fest. Bhoothathankettu Mud Race (Bhoothathankettu Slush Fest) has been postponed to the October, due to floods in 2018.[citation needed]
Bhoothathankettu New Bridge
The bridge built ( 296 m length and 11 m width) parallel to the Bhoothathankettu Dam was opened to the public for transportation. Irrigation Minister of Kerala K. Krishnankutty inaugurated the bridge on 10 June 2020.
References
- ^ "Bhoothathankettu". KeralaTourism.org. Archived from the original on 29 July 2010. Retrieved 26 February 2008.
- ^ "The magic of Bhoothathankettu". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 May 2003.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Malayalam Historical Novel "Rama Raja Bahadur" authored by C. V. Raman Pillai
- ^ "Thattekkad boat tragedy victims remembered". The New Indian Express.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Tearful adieu to boat tragedy victims". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 22 February 2007. Archived from the original on 23 February 2007.
- ^ "Boat drowned; 18 school children killed in Kerala". Salem Voice. Archived from the original on 28 August 2008.