Wayanad is a captivating district known for its pristine beauty and soothing climate. It offers many scenic spots and activities that promise a memorable experience for all. One such place is the Banasura Sagar Dam, the country’s largest earthen dam and the second-largest in Asia. The extensive natural beauty of the dam and its surrounding places has become a huge attraction among tourists. It is a must-visit destination for nature, adventure and wildlife enthusiasts.
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Why And When Was The Banasura Sagar Dam Built
The dam was built for management of the water resource in the Wayanad district. Mainly to support agricultural activities, generate electricity, prevent flooding and to supply adequate drinking water to the district. Construction started in 1979 under the Banasura Sagar Project and was completed in 2004. It was built using very strong stones and boulders on the tributary of the Kabini River. The breath-taking view of the Banasura Hills in backdrop adds to the glamor of the place. It’s no surprise that tourists in huge numbers are getting attracted to this place.
Additional Information
Location: 26 km from the town of Kalpetta in Wayanad District
Banasura Sagar Dam Timings: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Banasura Sagar Dam Entry Fee: ₹40 for adults and ₹20 for kids
Best Season To Visit: November to May
How To Get Here
By Air: Take a flight to the nearest airport, the Calicut International Airport. From the airport, one can either hire a taxi or take a bus to get to the dam.
By Train: Take a train to the nearest railway station, the Kozhikode Railway Station which is about 75 km away. From here, you can take a bus or hire a taxi.
By Road: Wayanad is very well-connected by road from all the major cities. You can either drive on your own or take a bus from major cities and nearby states.
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Banasura Sagar Dam Activities
There are plenty of activities at the dam that can be experienced by all types of travelers. Here’s a list of some of the top picks:
Boating – Going boating is one of the main activities at the dam. Enjoy pedal boating or speed boating that can give you an adrenaline rush on the tranquil waters of the dam.
Trekking – A trek to the Banasura hill peak or to the Meenmutty Falls is another mesmerizing experience at Banasura Sagar Dam Wayanad. The picturesque trekking trails leading to hills are a visual treat to the eyes.
Bird Watching – Wayanad has different species of birds coming in every year and the area around the dam is a great spot for bird watchers.
Picnic Spots – Spending some time amidst nature is another top thing to do in Banasura Sagar. There are several spots with great views around the dam that are perfect to lay your mats and relax while enjoying nature.
Photography – People with a flair for photography are going to love this place. Wherever you focus the camera, it’s going to be a picture perfect frame. A must visit place for photography enthusiasts.
Some Interesting Facts
- The dam stands at a height of 126 feet and stretches to about 2,247 feet in length.
- It is the largest earthen dam in the country and the second largest in Asia.
- Dam was named after a mythical character called Banasura, who was the son of King Mahabali.
- Six saddle dams are used to increase and decrease the storage capacity of the reservoir.
- This popular tourist destination attracts over one lakh visitors every year.
- This picturesque location has been a favorite shooting location for many movies.
Key Points To Know Before Visiting Banasura Sagar Dam
- Plan your trip well in advance to avoid last minute disappointments.
- Make sure you are dressed in comfortable clothes and shoes as a visit to the dam may require one to walk a lot.
- Check the weather forecast before coming as heavy rain or fog can affect your visibility and safety.
- Club nearby attractions to make the most of your trip.
- Follow all safety guidelines and be extra careful during the monsoon season when the water levels are high.
- Be a responsible traveler by avoiding littering and making sure to dispose of trash properly.
- Be respectful towards nature, wildlife, other visitors and staff at the dam.
- Cary your camera to capture the beauty of nature, please note there’s a fee to carry cameras.
Also Read: Best Time To Visit Wayanad
Banasura Sagar dam area is a perfect spot to have a deep connection with nature. So if you are looking for a unique and scenic destination to visit in Kerala, Wayanad’s Banasura dam is the place to be. This enigmatic place is another reason to fall in love with beautiful Wayanad all over again.
FAQs
Some of the top places to visit near the dam are, Banasura Hill, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Chembra Peak, Kuruva Island, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and Ekkadal Caves.
There are two dams in Wayanad, the Banasura Sagar and Karapuzha dam.
Banasura hill trek’s maximum altitude is 6660ft and the trek is moderately difficult. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to trek one way.
Standing at a height of 225 meters, the Bhakra Nangal Dam is the largest dam in India. It also holds the position of being the second largest dam in Asia.
Boating is an exciting adventure activity at the dam as it allows visitors to get close to nature and explore the scenic reservoir from a closer range.
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