Banasura Hill 3.25

Banasura Hill is one of the tallest mountains in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. The hill is named after Banasura, a mythical character of Indian legends.GeographyBanasura Hill has an altitude of 2073m and is a part of the Western Ghats. It is the northernmost peak higher than 2000m south of the Gangetic plains in India. It lies off the state highway from Kuttiady to Mananthavady. Mananthavady which lies 25 km away is the closest town and the closest state transport depot. The closest National Highway is NH 212 that passes through Kalpetta which is about 37 km away.Trekking routes and visitor informationOne has to take a deviation at Vellamunda village and go via Pulinjal to reach the peak. About 1.5 km from Pulinjal you pass by Banasura Hill Resort, unique for its rammed-earth architecture. About 500 meters beyond the resort begins a treacherous but adventurous track. Along the way there is a thunderous waterfall that locals call “Meenmutty”. It’s a good three-hour climb to the top of the hill. The view from there is spectacular. Permission from the North Wayanad Forest Division office located at Mananthavady has to be obtained for trekking up Banasura Hill. At the foot of the hill is the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in India. The dam is another point from where one can start the trek up Banasura Hill.