Banasura Dam

Banasura Dam (celebrated as Banasura Sagar Dam), majestically situated at the foot of the rugged Banasura Peak in Padinjarathara just 21 km northwest of Kalpetta in Wayanad in Kerala, stands as India's largest, Asia's second largest, and most striking earthen dam and hydel reservoir.

Constructed across the pristine Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River using massive compacted earth, rock boulders, and stone masonry as part of the Banasurasagar Project, this monumental engineering marvel impounds a vast expanse of crystal blue mountain water framed by the towering 2,073 meter Banasura Peak.

It's the home of an enchanting archipelago of submerged green islands dotting the reservoir, thrilling high speed speedboat rides through island channels, a lush hydel tourism park with landscaped gardens and children's amusement zones, adrenaline pumping zip lining over the water, and the base camp for challenging high altitude treks up Banasura Peak.

It represents a rich eco tourism destination where pioneering civil engineering, mythological folklore of King Banasura, dramatic Western Ghats mountain vistas, and refreshing reservoir breezes unite in Gods Own Country.

Located in Padinjarathara along the Kalpetta Mananthavady route, it sits 21 km from Kalpetta, 85 km from Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT), and 95 km from Calicut International Airport (CCJ), easily accessible by private taxi, auto rickshaw, or regular state transport bus.

The Largest Earth Dam in India & Banasura Lore

Built entirely of natural earth and rock materials, the dam forms a massive embankment designed to support the Kakkayam Hydroelectric Power Project and supply year round irrigation to the drought prone agrarian plains of Malabar.

The dam and peak take their name from the legendary demon king Banasura, son of Mahabali, who according to Hindu mythology performed severe penance atop these towering mountain summits to win the favor of Lord Shiva.

Truth is, when the monsoon rains fill the reservoir to full capacity, the surrounding valley hilltops submerge, leaving dozens of tiny emerald green hillocks floating like islands across the turquoise water.

Speedboating & Hydel Tourism Park

Thrilling Speedboat Safaris: Visitors can board 5 seater high speed boats that race across the open reservoir, creating dramatic white wakes as they weave between the misty floating islands.

Landscaped Gardens & Adventure: The base area features an expansive Hydel Tourism Park with manicured flower beds, fish ponds, suspension footbridges, an exhilarating zip line line stretching over the water, and horse riding tracks.

Banasura Peak Trekking & Panoramic Viewpoints

The Summit Trail: The dam is the launching pad for the famous Banasura Peak Trek, a demanding 9 km trail through dense Shola forests, bamboo thickets, and steep grassland ridges leading to panoramic views of the entire Wayanad plateau.

The Dam View Deck: Travelers can walk or take an eco friendly electric buggy ride to the top of the earthen embankment, where cooling breezes and sweeping views of the Western Ghats await.

After visiting Banasura Dam, explore the nearby Karlad Lake for kayaking, go boating on Pookot Lake in Vythiri, or take a wildlife safari through the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Muthanga.