T

This sprawling dam site is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders.

The entry ticket counter is at the gateway to the site. Private vehicles are not permitted beyond the parking area near the main gate. There is a jeep shuttle facility to the dam site (though you may walk) from the main gate. Go for the jeep service as it could a bit tedious to walk during the hotter part of the day.

The jeep will drop you at the top of the dam, from where you can walk to the picnic spot and the boating site. Keep the jeep ticket handy for the return trip.

The highlight of the excursion is probably the speed boat ride. They make a circuitous trip around the marooned hills in the dam. Head to the far end of the dam , beyond the picnic spot. There is a ticket counter on the slopes leading to water. Need to wear the life jacket before boarding the speed launch. Not for the weak hearted!

The picnic area is set on a small hillock full of jack fruit trees and massive swings hanging for its branches.

The area has number of resorts in Wayanad. The upscale Banasura Hill Resort located about 12km north of the dam is boasted as India's only 'earth' resort and possibly the largest of its kind in Asia.

How to reach Banasura Dam?  

The Banasura Dam is easily accessible by road. It's about 20km northwest (towards Kuttiyadi) of Kalpetta ; 45km west of Sulthan Bathery; 21km south of Mananthavady; 25km northwest of Vythiri.

Take the State highway 54 (SH54) from Kalpetta towards Kuttiady. The diversion for the dam is at Padinjarathara.

From Sulthan Battery side take the diversion at Kainatty towards SH 54 and follow the above direction.

From north of Wayanad ( Mananthavady side), take the Calicut Road and at the "4th Mile" junction take the right diversion. This road will join the SH54 at Tharuvana. Take the left diversion towards Kalpetta. Again leave the main road and take the left diversion at Padinjarathara towards the dam.