The Banasura Sagar Dam is an ideal picnic spot with a breathtaking view. Located at 21 kms from Kalpetta in theWayanad District of Kerala, it is an important tourist attraction. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia, and impounds the waters of the Karamanathodu, a tributary of the Kabini River. The vast expanse of the crystal clear water of the dam dotted with small islands is a photographer’s delight.
Boating, water scooting facilities with a comfortable resort have been developed by the tourism department of Kerala. Some small islands are viewable in the monsoon season with a large background of Banasura hills. These islands with the background of hills provide a hypnotizing sight to tourists. Kozhikhode is the nearest airport and the nearest railway station to access this dam. By road, it is well connected from Ooty, Kannur and Kozhikhode districts. Buses are available from Kalpetta up to Padinjarathara. Proceed by jeep from there.
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The Banasura Dam in Wayanad is an ideal spot for a family picnic. Everyone visiting the place will enjoy the view of not only the dam but also the surrounding areas. The place is a proper tourist spot. It offers quite a few amusing activities for the visitors all of which are worth your money.
The Banasura Sagar Dam is an ideal picnic spot with a breathtaking view. Located at 21 kms from Kalpetta in Wayanad District of Kerala, it is an important tourist attraction. Built across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of River Kabini in Kalpetta, it is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam is ideally placed in the foothills of Banasura hills, which got its name from 'Banasura', the son of King Mahabali, the famous ruler of Kerala. It is said that 'Banasura' undertook severe penance on the top of the hills. Banasura hill is the third largest peak in the Western Ghats. Banasura Sagar Dam is part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979. The goal of the project is to support the Kakkayam Hydro electric power project and satisfy the demand for irrigation and drinking water in a region known to have water shortages in summer season.
One of the beautiful sights here is the set of islands in the dam's reservoir. These islands with the Banasura hills in the background are a visual treat for those who visit the dam and its premises. The dam is very close to Karalad Lake, another tourist spot in Wayanad.
The dam was built using big stones and boulders. This dam site is also considered to be an ideal trekking point. You can plan a trek to the dark forests of Banasura Peak. A boating trip in the lake and the dam is also a unique experience for the travellers. You can choose either a speed boat or a pedal boat. You can also plan a trip to the small nature park located close to the boating place. This park with its traditional tree swings will provide cheerful moments for kids.
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person, INR 450 for 5 persons for speed boat, INR 10 per vehicle parking charge and INR 20 per still camera.
