This Hill is situated to the north of the Wayanad district,t close to Padinjarathara town. It falls under the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage location owing to its unique biological richness and environmental values. The hill is surrounded by dense forests, rolling meadows, and several waterfalls that make it beautiful. Banasura Sagar Dam, India's largest earth dam and a major tourist attraction, lies at the foot of Banasura Hill. The geographical significance of the hill and its location in the Western Ghats make it a crucial element of regional geography and ecotourism. Hill lovers planning nature escapes can explore our Treks Near Bangalore guide.This Hill is a significant place in regional geography as well as the tourism sector. Geographically, it is a prominent feature of the Western Ghats mountain chain, a natural wind barrier during the monsoons that regulates Kerala's climate. The hill contributes importantly to the hydrological balance of the region with many streams and waterfalls to supply the Kabini River. Such water courses, with their existence, make the surrounding country fertile and cultivable as well as applicable for the maintenance of local settlers. The forests covering the landscape, consisting of evergreen and semi-evergreen species, are home to a luxuriant range of wildlife in the shape of elephants, leopards, Malabar giant squirrels, and other endemic birds. Tourism in itself, This Hill is a trekking and adventure sport lover's paradise. The hike up to the top is a laborious but fulfilling adventure, offering splendid scenery of the nearby valleys, Banasura Sagar Dam, and distant ranges. Trekking in the dense forest, rock-based topography, and misty areas is a lifetime experience for travellers. In addition to trekking, the travellers come to the hill also for camps, bird watching, and majestic sunrise and sunset scenery. As a result of the growing popularity of the concept of eco-tourism in Wayanad, the importance of Banasura Hill as a compulsory visit has grown further.Nearby Places around Banasura HillThis Hill, in the picturesque Wayanad district of Kerala, is a nature enthusiast's paradise, an adventure tour operator's dream, and a sanctuary for all those who want to relish the bliss of a serene ambience. One of the Western Ghats, This Hill is the second-highest peak in the region and is surrounded by a series of high-diversity places of interest that attract visitors to their natural beauty, adventure sports, and heritage. Of the numerous tourist places near Banasura Hill, the most fascinating ones are Meenmutty Waterfalls, Karlad Lake, Pookode Lake, and Edakkal Caves. These are a mix of adventure, recreation, and history and are hence the destinations one simply cannot afford to miss on a visit to Wayanad. Nature enthusiasts exploring Wayanad often include our Banasura Hill Trek Package in their itinerary.Meenmutty Waterfalls: Meenmutty Waterfalls is one of the most picturesque and highest waterfalls of Wayanad, cascading from a height of nearly 300 meters (984 feet) in three cascades. Located far away in dense tropical rainforests, it's a challenging but rewarding journey through dense rainforest, wet slippery boulders, and twisting paths to reach the waterfalls. "Meenmutty" literally translates to "Meen" (fish) and "Mutty" (blocked) in Malayalam, a place where fish are barred. The three-tiered falls are nothing but a sheer panoramic view down the surrounding valley and the forest, and nature enthusiasts and shutterbugs. The hike to the Meenmutty Waterfalls is approximately 2 kilometres and must be done in trekking attire and with the assistance of a guide.Karlad Lake: Karlad Lake is yet another hidden gem just close to Hill, where nature enthusiasts and adventure enthusiasts can have a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. This new lake, a couple of kilometres from Banasura Sagar Dam, is thickly forested, and therefore it is a very good spot for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and adventure activity enthusiasts as well. While people-thronged Pookode Lake is one thing, Karlad Lake is not so crowded and is a peaceful haven amidst the urban hubbub. The most sought-after feature of Karlad Lake is the range of adventure sports it offers to tourists. Be it zip-lining or kayaking, zorbing in water or boat cruising, the lake offers an adrenaline-packed combination of land and aquatic sports.Pookode Lake: Pookode Lake is the most frequented lake and the most beautiful lake in Wayanad, which welcomes tourists with its enchanting beauty and unique geography. The freshwater lake is surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills and is in the shape of the map of India, with dense flora and fauna. The crystal clear water of the lake mirrors the green around it, forming a postcard-like situation that surprises the tourists. Boating is one of the most popular sports enjoyed in Pookode Lake, and rowboats and pedal boats can be employed by tourists to travel on the calm water. While paddling along on their way, they get chances to see colourful aquatic plants and animals such as freshwater fish and water lilies.Edakkal Caves: For history enthusiasts and those who love archaeology, Edakkal Caves is a place to visit near Banasura Hill. The ancient rock shelter on Ambukuthi Hills is renowned for the petroglyphs dating as far back as 6000 BCE. Edakkal Caves are not caves but a natural rock formation where a big boulder gets wedged between two large stones, and the result is a shelter. The trek to Edakkal Caves itself is an experience since the tourists have to trek up along hilly and bumpy roads through coffee plantations and dense jungles. The trek is 45 minutes to an hour, and although the trek is strenuous, the dazzling view from the top is well worth it.How to Reach Banasura HillBy Airport: The closest airport to Hill is Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode Airport) (CCJ), 85 km. It is connected with other Indian cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi. Taxi or bus booking is possible from the airport to Kalpetta or Mananthavady, the closest town to Hill.By Train: There is no station, but the closest station is: Kozhikode Railway Station (Calicut) – 80 km. Mysore Railway Station – 140 km, Kannur Railway Station – 115 km. It is possible to proceed to Wayanad from the aforesaid railway stations by taxis or buses. Special trains from Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai have their terminals at the Kozhikode Railway Station.By Bus: There are daily buses operated by private companies as well as by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) from other towns, i.e., Kochi, Bangalore, Mysore, and the like to Wayanad.Mysore to Wayanad – There are plenty of regular KSRTC as well as private buses.Wayanad to Kozhikode – A Daily, regular bus connection is easily available in around 2-3 hours.Best Time to Visit Banasura HillWinter (October – March): Best time for trekking with clear skies and cool temperatures (10°C to 25°C).Summer (April – June): Hot and humid but manageable in the early mornings.Monsoon (July – September): Lush greenery and waterfalls are at their best, but trekking can be slippery and challenging.
