Lost in the Greenery: Discovering Banasura Hill

Banasura Hill, a hill of rocks in the scenic Wayanad district in Kerala, India, is the most unique geographical and ecological feature of the region. It is the highest point in the Wayanad district and also one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats. Famous for its viewscapes, flora, and tremendous biodiversity, Banasura Hill is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, adventure tourists, and ecologists. The hill gets its name from the mythological demon king Banasura, a well-known personality in Hindu mythology, and therefore the location has an extra cultural and historical value. The hill is part of the series of Banasura Western Ghats hills and part of the constituent element of the ecological corridor that preserves the balance of flora and fauna of this hotspot of biodiversity. 

History

Banasura Hill is situated to the north of Wayanad district 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.

Banasura 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, Banasura 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 area is a lifetime experience for travellers. In addition to trekking, the travellers come to the hill also for camps, bird sightseeing, 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 Hill

Banasura 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 serene ambience. One of the Western Ghats, Banasura 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.

1. 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 along 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' delight. The hike to the Meenmutty Waterfalls is approximately 2 kilometres and must be done in trekking attire and with the assistance of a guide.

2. Karlad Lake: Karlad Lake is yet another hidden gem just close to Banasura 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.

3. Pookode Lake: Pookode Lake is the most frequented lake and most beautiful lake in Wayanad that welcomes tourists to it 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 very 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 fishes and water lilies.

4. Edakkal Caves: For history enthusiasts and those who love archaeology, Edakkal Caves is a place to visit just 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 trekking is 45 minutes to an hour, and although the trekking is strenuous, the dazzling view from the top is well worth it.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling Activities

Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport that demands strength, endurance, and technique. Some of the most stunning rock-climbing spots on the planet are found in India, with locations for beginners as well as professionals. From the granite boulders of Hampi in Karnataka to the gigantic Sar Pass cliffs of Himachal Pradesh, rock climbing spots galore are found all over the country. Badami, Karnataka is famous for rock climbing sports. Badami red sandstone cliffs are the ideal place for any sports climber or a conventional climber. The more than 70-foot tall cliffs of varying heights have varying levels of difficulty and hence it is the ideal place for all climbers regardless of their experience.

Ramanagara, located just outside Bengaluru, is another climber's paradise. It is also very popular because it has an odd formation of rocks and is historic as it is the shooting location of the film Sholay, which is one of the best classic Bollywood films. For thrill-seekers seeking a combination of rappelling and rock climbing, spots such as Malshej Ghat in Maharashtra, Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh, and Shey Rock in Ladakh offer spectacular cliffs that have been utilized as the route for treks. Rappelling or abseiling is controlled, slow down-rope on rock faces. It is an adrenaline sport because adventure sports lovers get a chance to glide down cliffs over scenic landscapes.

How to Reach Banasura Hill

• By Airport: The closest airport to Banasura 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 Banasura 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 – Daily, regular daily bus connection is easily available in around 2-3 hours.

Best Time to Visit Banasura Hill

• Winter (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.