Bhoothathankettu

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

It is connected to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where visitors can see different varieties of birds and animals. The Idamalayar reservoir is about 12 km distance from the site. There is no railway access to the site; access to the site is through the greenish and thick forest. At the time of Malayatoor pilgrim season, travellers use the roads through the forest.

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 dam"; past generations believed it was built by a "Bhootham" (monster). [cite web |url=http://www.keralatourism.org/destination/picnic-spots/bhoothathankettu-286.php |title=Bhoothathankettu |publisher=KeralaTourism.org]

Boat tragedy

On 20 February 2007, total 18 people, including three teachers, nine boys and six girls of an excursion team from St Antony’s UP School in Elavoor, Eranakulam district of Kerala who drowned in Periyar Lake at Thattekkad. The tragedy occurred when water leaked into boat, causing it to overturn. The boat which was the cause of the accident was under repair and was overloaded. [cite web |url=http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IER20080221023421&Title=Kerala&rLink=0 |title=Thattekkad boat tragedy victims remembered |publisher=New Indian Express] [cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/22/stories/2007022212200100.htm |title=Tearful adieu to boat tragedy victims |publisher=The Hindu] [cite web |url=http://salemvoice.org/news144.html |title=Boat drowned; 18 school children killed in Kerala |publisher=Salem voice]

References