Banasura Sagar Dam
Lake / Backwaters
#1 of 34 Places to Visit in Wayanad
Distance (From Wayanad): 22 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 3 Hours
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab
Travel Tips: Reach before 3 PM to get boating ticket
At a distance of 21 km from Mananthavady, 22 km from Kalpetta, 46 km from Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar Dam is an earthen dam situated in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the most popular Wayanad tourist places.
Banasura Sagar Dam was built across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of River Kabini. Ideally placed in the foothills of Banasura hills, it is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam 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.
The dam was built in 1979 under the Indian Banasura Sagar Project that was started to support the Kakkayam Hydro Electric Power Project. This project also aimed at contributing to the drinking water and irrigation requirements of the locals during the hot summer season. Banasura Sagar Dam is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders. The reservoir is marked with a cluster of small islands which were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas during monsoon season. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill provide a mesmerizing sight to the tourists as part of Wayanad holiday packages.
About a 1 km walk from the dam entrance will lead to the boating area which offers a speed boating facility in the breathtaking backwaters of the dam. There are also Jeeps available that charge Rs. 100 per person to take visitors from the entrance to the boating area. There is a small garden and children's play area near the dam. This place is also famous for the fish spa. Many people visit the place to go trekking at Banasura Hill.
The best time to visit Banasura Sagar Dam is from November to May. The dam is a place of great natural beauty. The dam is near Aruval, which is connected by few buses with Kalpetta.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Boating Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 60 for Adults, Rs. 50 for Camera & Rs. 50 for Parking
Boating Fee: Rs. 900 for 5 persons (Speed Boat)
