Bhoothathan Kettu New bridge and Nadukani view point,Kothamangalam (St.Thomas Mount) 19Jul2021

With an original plan to visit the Idamallayar dam and nearby Vadatupara falls, we started off from Aluva at 7am. 

On reaching the New BhoothathanKettu bridge, we couldn’t help ourselves but stop for a quick photo session. The Periyar was in full flow and the waters looked fast and dangerous.

After crossin the bridge, we reached a barricaded entry point with local police and forest officers who refused to let us go ahead, saying the region is in triple lockdown. Even after promising that we wont stop anywhere or interact with anybody, the police refused to let us enter. So we had to turn around and look for an alternate spot to visit. Thats when Bala suggested the nearby Nadukani view point, which has a christian cross on the top.

Google maps offcourse took us through some amazing backcountry routes, where we again stopped for a photo session.

Finally we reached Nadukani View point(kothamangala), or as locals called it, St.Thomas Mount.

Caution: the slopes are very slippery in the rain, so please be careful. Wear good shoes. The trek in monsoon is not advisable for old or very young.

As can be seen in picture above, the path to the top is well marked with religious pictures and candle stands. Also the final bit has railings in few places.

After a slippery and tiring climb to the top, the view at the top was TOTALLY worth it. 

We got a bonus of it being cloudy and few minutes of a light drizzle. Was surreal, as if for a moment we were in heaven, close to the gods.

(Caution: shops only at bottom, so carry own water and snacks to the top. But PLEASE dont litter and carry garbage back down with you)