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Home > Kerala Travel > Kerala Travel Guide > Cochin Picnic Spots
Cochin Picnic Spots
Bhoothathankettu
Location : 50 km north east of Ernakulam town, Ernakulam district, central Kerala.
Bhoothathankettu, a scenic damsite 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 Irrigation Project are also located nearby.
Getting there:
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam junction, about 50 km away.
Nearest Airport: Kochi international airport about 26 km from Ernakulam town.
Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary
Location : About 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km northeast ofKothamangalam in Ernakulam district; Thattekkad is in Devikulam taluk, Idukki district, central Kerala.
Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist. It is the exotic microcosm of India's bird population that brought Dr. Salim Ali to this place. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent.
Spread across 25 sq. km. the sanctuary lies between the tributaries of the river Periyar like a peninsula. Rare birds like the Crimson-throated Barbet, Bee eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black Winged Kite, Night Heron, Falcon, Grey Jungle Fowl, White-Breasted Water Hen, Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmoth, Rose-billed Roller and Blue-winged Parakeet live here.
Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahagony, etc. The dense forest is also the home of nearly 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles.
Getting there:
Nearest Railway Station : Aluva, about 48 km away.
Nearest Airport : Cochin International Airport, about 44 km.
