Tags : Dam
Timings : 09:00 - 17:00
Time Required : 2-3 days
Entry Fee :
Entry: INR 10 per person
Speed Boating: INR 450 for a group of five.
Photography: INR 20
Lying in the Banasura hills in Wayanad district, Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in the country and the second-largest in Asia. The view of the reservoir from the top of the dam is expansive, and adventures like speed boating are available on site. A trek up to Banasura Peak passes streams and diverse flora and fauna, with several waterfalls along the way. An earthen dam, also known as an embankment dam, is built by placing mounds of clay, sand, rock, or soil.
Boating and trekking are what this Dam is known for; there are not many places in India offering the adrenaline filled speed boating experience. Horse Racing and Camel Rides are also available if you book the service in advance. Green meadows are bordered by blue hills.
Trekking
With exotic panoramic views, Banasura offers wanderlusts enchanting trekking options. A trek to Meenmutty Falls would take all your worries away. This three-tiered, three hundred feet high waterfall is a two-kilometre trek, but one needs to be extremely cautious during monsoons because the climb is treacherous and has left casualties before. The trek to the Banasura hill peak is another mesmerising journey, with the view of the surrounding areas a visual treat to the eyes.
Places to Visit Nearby
Suchipara Falls which is an ideal location for rock climbing, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves and Chembara Peak are a few other spots you may explore. A lot of famous temples like Shri Ayyappa Mandir, Shri Nath Mandir and the Nirur Shiva Mandir are very close to the dam.
The tickets are not readily available and one you may need to line up in queues for your tickets and facilities.
High to mid budget resorts are available in and around the resort with price ranging from INR 2000 to INR 10000 per night. Since Banasura dam is also considered a starting point for the trek, most of the hotels offer packages including adventure sports and trekking options.
Banasura Hill Resort is the most famous resort in the area offering huts, suites and villas along with the adventure sports.
Green Grace Wayanad Homes, Seagut Banasura Resorts, Lake View Cottage and Bethel Homestay are few other budget options.