Bhoothathankettu, literally "fort of spirits," is an arresting dam and forest sanctuary in Kerala. Nestled near the village of Pindimana, 10 kilometres from Kothamangalam and about 50 kilometres from Kochi, it captivates visitors with its towering boulder formations and the serene Periyar River that it embraces.
Folklore whispers of supernatural beings heaving enormous rocks to dam the river - only to abandon their mission at daybreak. Today, the natural barricade stands alongside a modern dam that forms the Bhoothathankettu (Thattekad) Reservoir, welcoming birders, photographers, and Malayattoor pilgrims who travel through this verdant corridor.
BHOOTHATHANKETTU
History
Myth
Legend narrates that mischievous spirits (Bhoothams) plotted to submerge the sacred Trikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple by blocking the Periyar River. Lord Shiva sensed the deception and mimicked dawn with the crowing of a rooster. Startled, the spirits fled, leaving half-built barricades scattered across the riverbed. Even today, the Periyar glides through the narrow passage they failed to seal, etching folklore into the landscape.
Reality
Geologists attribute Bhoothathankettu's dramatic terrain to two monumental floods - the first in the 4th century and the second in 1341, which simultaneously reshaped the port of Kochi. During these deluges, landslides sent gigantic granite rocks rumbling downstream, lodging across the Periyar and creating a natural barricade that later inspired the modern dam.
In 1790, as Tipu Sultan advanced towards Travancore, local defenders strategically breached the temporary dam structure at Bhoothathankettu, unleashing floodwaters that slowed his campaign. History and legend, therefore, converge powerfully along these storied banks.
In 1790, as Tipu Sultan advanced towards Travancore, local defenders strategically breached the temporary dam structure at Bhoothathankettu, unleashing floodwaters that slowed his campaign. History and legend, therefore, converge powerfully along these storied banks.
OLD BHOOTHATHANKETTU
Follow the forest trail to Old Bhoothathankettu, where colossal stones lie sprawled like relics from a mythical past. The path meanders through riparian woods alive with birdcalls, butterflies, and towering "cheeni" trees that echo magnificently when gently tapped - a traditional signal used by local communities.
Expect hidden caves, hollow tree trunks perfect for photographs, and the iconic channel where the Periyar squeezes between unfinished barricades. The largely level, one-hour hike welcomes explorers of every age to bask in nature's tranquillity and the enduring lore of the Periyar valley.
Expect hidden caves, hollow tree trunks perfect for photographs, and the iconic channel where the Periyar squeezes between unfinished barricades. The largely level, one-hour hike welcomes explorers of every age to bask in nature's tranquillity and the enduring lore of the Periyar valley.