Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam (dam make of massive rocks, stones, boulders and mud) in India. The dam is constructed across the River Karamanathodu (a tributary to River Kabini) to meet the irrigation and drinking needs of the surrounding areas. The location of the dam with a picturesque background makes Banasura Sagar Dam a visual treat.

Banasura Sagar Dam is located at the foothills of Banasura Hill, which is also the third largest peak of the Western Ghats. During monsoon and post monsoon season, you can also spot several island on the waters of Banasura Dam. As the water level goes up, several surrounding areas get submerged, and the taller areas form an island on the water. The panoramic view of the islands, along with the dam water, in the backdrop of Banasura Hill is a visual that will stay in your mind for a long time!

To make Banasura Dam much more attractive to visitors of all kinds, several attractions are offered. A small boat house provide pedal and speed boating services. Speed boat ride on the dam waters with amazing views of the hills is an experience in itself. A bigger ride can take you around one of the islands (though you cannot get into the island).

For the entertainment of children, a huge well-maintained park/garden is present that has several attractions for the kids. Be it swings, slides among many others, Banasura Dam is definitely going to keep children entertained.

For the adventurists, Banasura Sagar Dam is the starting point for several trekking routes to Banasura Hill, and the surrounding hills. Trekking through the forests to the hill, and the view of the lake formed by the dam water, especially during the sunset is a visual that is hard to forget!

Banasura Hill is named after the ruler Banasura, son of King Mahabali, who is believed to visit Kerala during every Onam festival. It is believed that Banasura undertook severe penance on this hill.

Banasura Sagar Dam is located 21 km from Kalpetta. From the vehicle parking lot, you can walk towards the ticketing counter to pay a nominal entry fee. From the ticketing house, the dam is about 500 m mild-uphill walk to reach the lake formed by the dam water. A wall is built to prevent the visitors from getting into the water. The wall runs for about 1 km: from the entry point to the boat house and thus a visitor cannot get into the water at all (and it is not advisable to do that). For those who cannot walk for 1 km, there are few other options to get to the boat house like elephant ride, jeep ride and so on.

Location

On Map

Where to stay?

  • Kalpetta
  • Few resorts are available in the area surrounding the dam

Distance Chart

From Distance (in km)
Kalpetta 20
Calicut 86
Mysore 135
Bangalore 285