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About Banasura Sagar Dam
The Banasura Sagar dam is located around 21 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It is a multipurpose dam on a tributary of the Kabini River. Massive stone and rock slabs render the dam structure. Banasura Sagar Dam got its name from the Asura king Banasura who was the son of Mahabali and a respected king of Kerala. According to legend, he performed penance on the summit of these hills, so they bear his name.
Banasura Sagar Dam Complex
Banasura Sagar Dam is at the foot of Banasura Hill. The dam will provide a backdrop view of the Banasura Hills. It is a great place to start the Banasura Hills trek. Further, Banasura Lake surrounds the dam. The main draw is the scenic views of the dam’s surroundings, which include beautiful mountains and water with islands submerged in it. Besides, the dame is home to India’s first Solar Atop Dam.
The distance between the entry gate and the dam is nearly a km, with about 100 steps to ascend. There is, indeed, a fee-based bus service that takes travelers to and from the dam. You can avoid climbing steps by utilizing the bus instead of walking. However, the queue system for boarding the bus is not followed properly.
Activities at the Banasura Sagar Dam
You can go zip-lining and boating at the dam. The zip line provides an aerial view of the dam landscape. The dam offers a variety of water sports such as slow boating, speed boating, kayaking, coracle rides, water ballooning, and water cycling. The main attractions here are a slow boat ride that can accommodate approximately 20 people and a speed motor boat ride that can accommodate approximately 5 people. Boat rides on the dam provide a spectacular view of the Banasura hills as well as the surrounding landscape.
At the entrance, there is a playhouse with games such as shooting, paintball shooting, trampoline, dart throw, horror house, archery, and other carnival games. There is also a park within the complex that we could not visit during our visit.
Spillway Gate
Before 1.5 km to the dam, you can see the Spillway gates that are part of the Banasura Sagar dam. It is made of concrete and features six spillway gates. However, water only flows during the rainy season, and the rest of the year is a dry gate with nothing to observe.
Our Experience
In the month of October, we went to Banasura Sagar Dam in the evening. The weather was pleasant and suitable, but there was heavy rain shortly after we arrived. So we had to wait in the bus shelter for a while. Even in the rain, a few people took the bus to visit the dam. We opted to wait till the rain stopped before proceeding because we felt the queue was not being followed properly and passengers were getting wet when boarding the bus. When the rain stopped, we decided to walk to the dam. The breezy atmosphere and beautiful scenery in the drizzly weather were phenomenal. This is a wonderful place to visit with family and friends.
Other Attractions near Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasuramala Meenmutty Waterfalls
The Banasuramala Meenmutty waterfalls are approximately 2 km from the Banasura Sagar Dam. While visiting the dam, you can also explore the falls. This is a stunning waterfall located deep within the forest, with multiple tiers. The entrance gates to the falls are open from 10 am to 5 pm, but visitors are not permitted after 4 pm, so if you arrive after that time, you will be denied entry. We also went around 4 pm and found out about it later. This is because of the 1.5 km trek required to reach the falls, which will take some time.
Banasura Spice Garden
The Banasura spices and ayurvedic garden is located next to the dam. There are various types of spices such as pepper, cardamom, and medicinal herbs grown here, and a guide will take you on a tour and explain everything in your preferred language. It is a relaxing location to visit in under an hour if you have the time. Spices, herbs, homemade chocolates, and essential fragrant oils are also available for purchase.
Banasura Hills Trek
Banasura Hill is the second-highest peak in the Wayanad district, rising approximately 6000 feet above sea level. The aerial view of the Banasura Sagar dam and the nearby mountains from the top is the best part of this trek. To trek the Banasura Hills, you must first obtain permission from the North Wayanad Forest Division office in Mananthavady. The hike to the hills can start at the dam and take you past the Meenmutty waterfalls. It is a moderately difficult trek that will take approximately 8 hours to complete both ways.
How To Reach Banasura Sagar Dam
Travel Tips
- The dam is open from 6 am to 6 pm, with entry costing 40 rupees per person.
- It is usually packed on weekends, especially on Sunday evenings.
- The entry ticket does not include transit to the dam; you must purchase it separately at the bus terminal near the entrance.
- Parking is available beside the entry gate for a small fee.
- Within the complex, there are a few activities and eateries for both adults and children. Further, outside the facility, there are numerous small shops selling spices, chocolates, snacks, hats, sunglasses, and other items similar to those found in other tourist destinations.
- For another similar area with magnificent surroundings, see our post on Tungabhadra Dam.
One of the dam’s main attractions is boat rides. Overall, a pleasant location for a picnic with family and friends.
