Banasura Sagar Dam — the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia — is the crown jewel of Wayanad’s remarkable natural landscape, situated in the foothills of the majestic Banasura Hills in Padinjarathara, approximately 20 to 22 kilometres from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Built in 1979 across the Karamanathodu River — a tributary of the Kabini River — as part of the Banasura Sagar Project to support the Kakkayam Hydroelectric Power Project and meet the irrigation and drinking water needs of the region, the dam is constructed from massive stacks of naturally shaped stones and boulders — an engineering approach that makes it visually distinctive, earth-toned, and harmoniously integrated into the surrounding forested landscape in a way that concrete dams never can be.
The dam takes its name from Banasura — the son of the legendary King Mahabali, the beloved ruler of Kerala whose annual homecoming is celebrated as Onam — who is said to have performed severe penance on the summit of the Banasura Hills, the third-highest peak in the Western Ghats. The reservoir formed by the dam is a uniquely beautiful body of water characterised by a cluster of small islands that emerge dramatically during the monsoon season when the reservoir fills to capacity — with the dark forested islands rising from the shimmering water against the backdrop of the Banasura Hills creating one of the most photographed natural vistas in Kerala. Activities at the dam include speed boating, pedal boating, jeep safaris, fish spa, ziplining, and trekking to the Banasura Hills — making it one of the most activity-rich dam destinations in South India.
Banasura Sagar Dam Location
- Address: Banasura Sagar Dam, Padinjarathara, Wayanad District, Kerala — 673121
- Pin Code: 673121
- STD Code: 04936
- Contact Number: 04936 273 460
- Administrative Zone: Mananthavady Taluka — Wayanad District / Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency
| Reference Point | Distance |
| Padinjarathara Bus Stand | 3 kilometres |
| Kalpetta | 20 to 22 kilometres |
| Mananthavady | 21 kilometres |
| Sulthan Bathery | 46 kilometres |
| Karalad Lake | 2 kilometres |
| Banasura Hill (trekking base) | At the dam |
| Kozhikode (Calicut) Railway Station | 91 kilometres |
| Kozhikode International Airport (Calicut) | 97 kilometres |
| Kannur Airport | 100 kilometres |
| Mysuru (Karnataka) | 120 kilometres |
| Bandipur National Park | 80 kilometres |
Timings and Entry Fee of Banasura Sagar Dam
| Activity | Timings | Entry / Activity Fee |
| Dam Visiting Hours | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (all days) | Adults: ₹ 40 / Children: ₹ 20 |
| Speed Boating | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM | ₹ 450 for up to 5 persons |
| Pedal Boating | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Per-boat charges |
| Jeep Safari (entrance to boating area) | On demand | ₹ 100 per person |
| Fish Spa | Available on site | Per-session charges |
| Ziplining | On site | Separate charges |
| Trekking (Banasura Hills) | With guide | Guided trek charges applicable |
How to Reach Banasura Sagar Dam
From Kalpetta
Take Kalpetta–Padinjarathara Road northwestward → approximately 20 to 22 kilometres — 40 to 50 minutes by cab or auto.
From Mananthavady
Take the Mananthavady–Padinjarathara route → approximately 21 kilometres — 35 to 45 minutes.
From Kozhikode (Calicut) Railway Station
Take NH-766 toward Wayanad (via Thamarassery Ghat) → continue to Kalpetta → proceed to Padinjarathara → approximately 91 kilometres — 2.5 to 3 hours.
By Bus
Take KSRTC or private buses from Kalpetta to Padinjarathara → walk 3 kilometres to the dam entrance or take an auto.
Best Time to Visit Banasura Sagar Dam
| Season | Months | Experience |
| Peak Season | November to February | Cool and dry — most comfortable — all activities operational |
| Post-Monsoon | September to October | Reservoir full — islands visible — lush green landscape — dramatic beauty |
| Monsoon | June to August | Greenery at peak — dramatic views — trekking restricted |
| Summer | March to May | Warm — dam accessible — water level lower than post-monsoon |
The best season is October to February — the dam is full and the iconic island formations are visible. Evenings during this period offer spectacular sunset views over the water and hills.
Nearby Places to Visit Banasura Sagar Dam
| Place | Distance | Description |
| Karalad Lake | 2 km | Scenic Wayanad lake — boat rides and serene natural views |
| Banasura Hill (Trekking) | At the dam | Third-highest peak in Western Ghats — guided treks available |
| Chembra Peak | 30 km | Wayanad’s highest peak — heart-shaped lake on the summit — Kerala’s most popular trek |
| Edakkal Caves | 40 km | Prehistoric rock shelter with Stone Age carvings — 6,000-year-old history |
| Pookode Lake | 25 km | Freshwater lake with boating — Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary nearby |
| Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary | 35 km | Core zone of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve — elephant, tiger, leopard safaris |
| Meenmutty Waterfalls | 35 km | Three-tiered 300-metre waterfall — one of Kerala’s most spectacular waterfalls |
| Soochipara (Sentinel Rock) Waterfalls | 40 km | Popular waterfall with swimming pools and forest trekking |
| Thirunelli Temple | 28 km | Ancient Vishnu temple in the forest — one of Kerala’s holiest pilgrimage sites |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where is Banasura Sagar Dam located?
A: Banasura Sagar Dam is at Padinjarathara, Wayanad district, Kerala — PIN 673121 — approximately 20 to 22 kilometres from Kalpetta. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia.
Q2. What are the timings of Banasura Sagar Dam?
A: The dam is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Speed boating is operational only until 4:00 PM. Timings may vary during heavy rain or adverse weather.
Q3. What is the entry fee at Banasura Sagar Dam?
A: Entry fee is ₹ 40 for adults and ₹ 20 for children. Speed boating costs ₹ 450 for up to 5 persons. Jeep safari to the boating area is ₹ 100 per person.
Q4. What is the best time to visit Banasura Sagar Dam?
A: November to February is ideal for the most comfortable weather. October is particularly spectacular when the reservoir is full and the iconic green islands are dramatically visible against the Banasura Hills backdrop.
Q5. What is the nearest railway station to Banasura Sagar Dam?
A: Kozhikode (Calicut) Railway Station is approximately 91 kilometres away — the nearest major station. Calicut International Airport is approximately 97 kilometres from the dam.
Leave a Reply