Bhoothathankettu

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.

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]

On 20 February 2007, 18 people, including three teachers, nine boys and six girls of a school excursion group from St Antony’s UP School in Elavoor, Eranakulam district of Kerala drowned in Periyar Lake at Thattekkad. The tragedy occurred when water leaked into their boat, causing it to overturn. The boat which was the cause of the accident needed repair and was overloaded.[4][5][6]

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. 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 return path is parallel to the river. However the water is very deep and with strong under currents. Edamalayar dam is 14 km drive through 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 and therefore entering into it is illegal, the area has huge elephant population, so it is not advisable for people to picnic anywhere along this route. Only denizens of Vadattupara enclosure can legally use this road.

The railway station at Aluva (Kochi) is about 43 km away. Cochin International Airport is about 26 km from Kochi city (Cochin).

Bhoothathankettu Mud Race is conducted as part of the Onam festival, National Festival of Kerala, in 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.[7]