9 Case Study _ Boodhaththan Kettu

K. Raghuraman

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BHOOTHATHAN KETTU

ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA.

LOCATION: ERNAKULAM DISTRICT.

BHOOTHATHAN KETTU

Bhoothathankettu is a dam and tourist spot in Kerala, India.
It is situated outside the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam and 50 km away from the main city of Kochi.

GETTING THERE:

Nearest railway station: Aluva, about 44 km and Ernakulam Junction, about 58 km.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 37 km.

INTRODUCTION TO THE PLACE:

Bhoothathankettu, a scenic dam site 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.
Lying close to Bhoothathankettu is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad.
Trekking through the forests here is an exhiliarating experience.
The two main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district – the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar, one of the biggest Hydro Electric projects are also located nearby.
A very popular picnic spot, the dam has a children’s park, a pedal boating centre and a restaurant.

POINTS OF INTEREST:

The name Bhoothathan Kettu, means “monster fort”; past generations believed it was built by a Bhootham (monster).
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.
Bhoothathanketa is famous for flying snakes.

MYTH:

The mythological story of the reason behind the dam’s name is that monsters(Malayalam: Bhootham) planned to submerge the Trikkariyoor temple, whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva by making a dam in the Periyar river and flooding the area.
Suspecting trickery the omnipotent Lord Shiva, came up with a plan to deter them.
He faked the approaching dawn by a rooster’s sound. The demons fearing the arrival of light fled the place.
To this day there is a visible proof of their effort where you can see the boulders which 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.

THATTEKKAD BIRD SANCTUARY:

The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, covering an area of barely 25 km², and located about 12 km fromKothamangalam (Kerala state, India), was the first bird sanctuary in Kerala.
Salim Ali, one of the best knownornithologis described this sanctuary as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India.
Thattekkad literally means flat forest, and the region is an evergreen low-land forest located between the branches of Periyar River, the longest river in Kerala.
The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary has a rich and varied birdlife.
Several species of birds, both forest birds as well as the water birds, visit the sanctuaries.
The sanctuary is a habitat for different varieties of cuckoos and a region of the sanctuary popularly called “Cuckoo Paradise” is home to them

BHOOTHATHAN KETTU DAM:

Bhoothathankettu is a dam and tourist spot in Kerala, India. It is situated outside the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam and 50 km away from the main city of Kochi.
The original natural dam has been supplemented by a modern dam impounding the Bhoothathankettu Reservoir (Thattekad Reservoir). During the Malayatoor pilgrim season, travelers use the roads through the forest.
To one side of the river lies a dense forest that grows to the very edge of the water, so much so that it seems that a part of the forest is growing on the Periyar itself.
On the other side, you can catch an occasional glimpse of habitation between the coconut and rubber trees, but not enough of it to dampen the serenity of the place.
Bhoothathankettu is 100 metres above sea level and has a very moderate climate. Here a nature loving tourist can enjoy a cruise through the fresh water lake, trek through the deep evergreen forest, and even go for an adventure expedition down the turbulent Periyar.

ABOUT BHOOTHATHAN KETTU:

Bhoothathankettu is 100 metres above sea level and has a very moderate climate.
Here a nature loving tourist can enjoy a cruise through the fresh water lake, trek through the deep evergreen forest, and even go for an adventure expedition down the turbulent Periyar.
One could also take a cool dip in the fresh clean medicinal water coming down the mountain where Neelakoduveli, a life giving herb is said to grow, a trip upriver on a houseboat, a ride on a speed boat, go rock climbing, fishing…the possibilities for relaxation and fun remain endless

Even if one may not be interested in anthropology, the river itself, embraced by the evergreen forests on both sides, the white storks lazily rising into the air, the kingfishers torpedoing into the water, sights of rare migratory birds from Siberia and above all the absolute peace and quietness that one experiences here, will make the trip to Bhoothathan- kettu truly memorable.

WHY TO VISIT BHOOTHATHAN KETTU ?

It is an ideal eco tourism destination, providing the perfect holiday for nature lovers with forests to trek in, birds to watch, a river for boating, rapids to shoot, a lake to fish in and much more.
The water body formed by the construction of a barrage across the Periyar river and land embraced by evergreen forests and bamboo are the major attractions.
It is curiosity about this place that brings tourists here, it will be Bhoothathankettu’s mesmerizing beauty that keeps them enthralled forever.
Tall mountains, a calm lake, river Periyar and an all encompassing forest meet at the eco tourism destination to make it a tribute to nature.
A journey up the Periyar, with its beauty and tranquility, to satisfy your parched senses are mere bonuses.
The dam is a vantage point from where you can spot the turbulent water rushing from the dam towards the old Bhothathankettu.
The river gives one the impression of sprouting here and there into a pool of blood, due to the presence of a red water plant, possibly algae, that grows on the rocks just beneath the rushing water.
A view of the surrounding area from up there will make you forget the scorching rays of the sun that beats down on you. You will be just lost in the beauty of the Periyar.
The sun rise from Bhoothathankettu is yet another treat to watch.

PROJECT PROPOSAL:

DESIGN CRITERIA:

Bhoothathankettu dam site developed into the first adventure tourism spot in Ernakulam district ,to develop it into a perfect outdoor tourist destination with an aim to attract the youth for camping experiences and adventure sports. mostly for conduct training camps. Night camping options and trekking trails will be developed.

One could also take a cool dip in the fresh clean medicinal water coming down the mountain where Neelakoduveli, a life giving herb is said to grow, a trip upriver on a houseboat, a ride on a speed boat, go rock climbing, fishing…the possibilities for relaxation and fun remain endless.for this bathing ghats and boat jetty are provided.
The river gives one the impression of sprouting here and there into a pool of blood, due to the presence of a red water plant, possibly algae, that grows on the rocks just beneath the rushing water.
A view of the surrounding area from up there will make you forget the scorching rays of the sun that beats down on you. You will be just lost in the beauty of the Periyar.To view the beauty of river viewing decks and gazebos are provided.
Materials used are totally eco friendly like timber,stone,mud bricks,bamboo.