Banasura Sagar Dam is a reservoir and boating destination near Padinjarathara in Wayanad district. Its rock-and-stone dam, surrounding hills and range of water activities make it a different kind of outing from a waterfall visit. Ranches Jungle is a three-star hotel in Wayanad.
- Location: Near Padinjarathara; the dam is 21 km from Kalpetta.
- Visitor hours: 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.
- Entry fare: Rs.40 for adults and Rs.20 for children.
- Activities: Boating, kayaking and zipline are among the options.
What to see at Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar Dam is known for its large earthen structure, reservoir views and boating trips. The dam was built in 1979 across the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabani River. The Wayanad district describes it as India’s largest earthen dam.
Massive stacks of rocks and stones form the dam. The reservoir and hills give the visitor area its landscape-focused appeal, while a small nature park close to the boating area offers another place to spend time.
The name comes from Banasura, described in local tradition as the Asura king and son of Mahabali, who is said to have performed penance in the surrounding hills. Pookode Lake is another lakeside attraction in Wayanad, with its own guide to visiting the lake.
How do you get to the Banasura Sagar Dam visitor area?
The dam is near Padinjarathara, and the Wayanad district site gives its distance from Kalpetta as 21 km. For wider regional orientation, DTPC Wayanad places Kalpetta Bus Stand about 21 km away, Kozhikode Railway Station about 88 km away and Karipur International Airport about 97 km away.
Wayanad has no railway connection; Kozhikode is the nearest railway station. If you are arranging a trip by road, use Padinjarathara as the local reference point and confirm your route before setting out.
Entry, activities and ticket checks
DTPC Wayanad gives visitor entry hours of 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM and says booking is available only offline. Prices and operating details can change, so check the official site before you go.
Entry costs Rs.40 for adults and Rs.20 for children. The boating choices include speed boat at Rs.1000 for five passengers and pontoon boat at Rs.2000 for 20 passengers. Kayaking costs Rs.450 for two passengers for half an hour, or Rs.250 for a single-seater kayak for half an hour.
For smaller boats, Korakil costs Rs.600 for four passengers, Zenopi Rs.750 for three passengers, and Sikara Rs.1200 for six passengers. Zipline costs Rs.350 per passenger. Still photography costs Rs.50 and videography Rs.1000. A van service for an up-and-down trip costs Rs.25.
How much time should you allow?
A third-party travel page suggests allowing two to three hours, which can give you time to take in the reservoir views and consider the boating area and nearby nature park. Activity availability and waiting time can affect how long you spend there.
Weather and access considerations
Bad or questionable weather can affect boating access: Kerala’s Inland Vessels Rules amendment says vessel crew and staff must not go out in those conditions.
If the weather looks unsettled, confirm which activities are operating before making the trip, and follow any instructions from staff at the visitor area. Seasonal conditions can shape plans across the region; the guide to the best time to visit Wayanad covers different kinds of trips.
FAQs
Where is Banasura Sagar Dam?
It is in Wayanad district near Padinjarathara, 21 km from Kalpetta.
What are the Banasura Sagar Dam timings?
Visitor entry hours are 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM, though hours can change.
Can you book boating online?
No. Booking is available only offline.
Is boating available in bad weather?
Vessel crew and staff must not go out in bad or questionable weather under Kerala’s Inland Vessels Rules amendment. Check conditions at the visitor area before planning to board.