The Banasura Dam

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The state of Kerala is a landscape laced with many beautiful dams but none is as important as the Banasura Dam, the largest earth dam in India & second of its kind in Asia. The dam is a beautiful construction built with stones & boulders which easily blends in the scenery of Wayanad giving visitors a feel of natural beauty. Built along the Karamanathodu tributary of the vast Kabini River, the dam was built with an eye to support the Kakkayam hydro electric project & fulfils the demand of irrigation in the region. The dam has for decades been a place which attracted all tourists who came to Wayanad & it still is a must visit site for all who come to this heavenly destination.

The dam is named based on the hills around it which ironically takes its name based on a mythological character. Banasura was a demon king who succeeded the most loved king of Kerala – Mahabali. It is believed that Banasura performed a penance in these mountains & thus the name of the mountains & dam came about. The actual name of the dam is Banasura Sagar & its construction was completed in 1979. The building of the dam also was an event of sorrow for the small village of Thariode which was along the banks of the Karamanthodu. The dam flooded the village to create a reservoir & people had to move to higher ground. Prior to independence the British carried out mining at these places looking for Gold but found none & Tipu is said to have taken his troops to Malabar along the Thariode – Vythiri route which passed the Banasura hills. The most respected king of Kerala, Pazhassiraja & his brave Kurichia bowmen also lived around these mountains while fighting the British during their exile.


The dam is a beautiful structure which naturally blends into the landscape and the spillway forms a small road along its length. The reservoir formed by the dam has many small islands which are submerged when the water rises during the monsoons. The reservoir formed by the dam is a visual treat for all tourists & apart from spending time along the banks, visitors can also enjoy boat rides. The visitors can also engage in trekking & nature walk along the dam.

To many people who come to Wayanad, the Banasurasagar dam offers its visitors a place to spend time for recreation & leisure. The beauty of the landscape is what gives the place an additional boost to attract tourists & if in Wayanad do not miss your chance to be here.

Location: Padinjarathara, Kerala, India

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