Kothamangalam, Kerala: Visitors to Bhoothathankettu in Ernakulam district can now enjoy a panoramic view of the reservoir, surrounding forests and the natural landscape from a renovated watchtower that has reopened after remaining closed for around a decade.

The reopening adds a new attraction to one of central Kerala's popular nature and picnic destinations and is expected to strengthen the area's tourism potential.

The watchtower, which was constructed in 2014, had remained inaccessible to visitors for several years. Its reopening is aimed at providing tourists with a better vantage point to appreciate the landscape around Bhoothathankettu, including the reservoir and forested surroundings.

New Viewpoint for Visitors

The elevated viewpoint allows visitors to experience Bhoothathankettu from a different perspective. The combination of the reservoir, forest areas and surrounding hills makes the location particularly attractive to nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

A dedicated selfie point has also been established near the watchtower, adding a contemporary visitor feature to the destination while providing tourists with an additional spot for photographs.

The watchtower was formally reopened by Shibu Thekkumpuram MLA.

More Tourist Facilities Coming Up

The reopening of the watchtower is part of a broader effort to improve tourism facilities at Bhoothathankettu.

A treehouse and homestay at the destination are currently being renovated under the leadership of the ITDPMC and are expected to open to visitors soon. The addition of accommodation facilities could encourage tourists to spend more time in the area rather than treating Bhoothathankettu only as a short excursion.

The combination of accommodation, nature-based activities and improved visitor facilities could help create a more complete tourism experience around the destination.

Bhoothathankettu's Natural and Cultural Appeal

Located near Kothamangalam, Bhoothathankettu is known for its reservoir, forests, large natural rock formations and the legends associated with its name.

The destination is situated around 10 km from Kothamangalam and approximately 50 km from Kochi. Kerala Tourism promotes Bhoothathankettu as a destination offering opportunities for trekking, nature walks, boating and birdwatching. The nearby Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, associated with the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, further enhances the area's appeal to nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

The nearby Old Bhoothathankettu also offers a nature trail along the Periyar, allowing visitors to explore the area's distinctive landscape and folklore.

Potential Boost for Local Tourism

The reopening of the watchtower and planned accommodation facilities could provide a new impetus to tourism in the Bhoothathankettu–Kothamangalam region.

Improved facilities can encourage visitors to include Bhoothathankettu in wider itineraries covering Thattekkad, Kothamangalam and other nature-based attractions in central Kerala. Longer visitor stays could also create additional opportunities for local homestays, guides, transport providers and small businesses.

The development comes at a time when Kerala Tourism is placing greater emphasis on nature, community-based and lesser-known destinations across the state.

A New Reason to Visit Bhoothathankettu

With its watchtower once again open, a new photography point in place and additional accommodation facilities being prepared, Bhoothathankettu is gaining fresh momentum as a tourist destination.

For travellers looking beyond Kerala's better-known destinations, the renewed facilities at Bhoothathankettu offer another reason to explore the state's forests, reservoirs and nature trails.

The reopening also demonstrates how upgrading existing tourism infrastructure can give established destinations a fresh appeal without changing their natural character.

For visitors travelling through central Kerala, Bhoothathankettu could soon become an even more attractive stop for panoramic views, nature experiences and a closer look at one of the state's fascinating landscapes.