Introduction
The most important blue-green postcard of Wayanad is Banasura Sagar an island-filled reservoir with the Banasura Hills surrounding it. The dam is an embankment of earth in itself and the boating area is on a picturesque cove with clear views of the hills.
The short, safe speed-boat loops are loved by families; the calm clear water on calm morning-time by photographers; and the small shuttle and the garden walks, with the little shuttle all the way to the dam view-point, are beloved by kids.
This guide provides the actual way of how to plan the boat ride- best time to be on smooth water, ticket, queue arrangement, and safety without wasting time in the queues.
Getting There and Best Time
Banasura Sagar is located in the southwest of the Wayanad district, which is approximately 21-25km of Kalpetta. Approach roads are good and well surfaced.
When going by Kozhikode, the ghad climb would take you to Kalpetta before going on a pretty countryside run passing by tea/ pepper estates and paddy fields and then the reservoir will appear.
To have the most relaxing ride and the best shots, organise either:
- In the morning: 9:00-11.30 AM (cold, less bright, reduced queues weekdays)
- Evening window: 3.30-5.00 PM (golden hour light; may be windier after 4 PM)
Weekdays are friendlier. Tours and school groups can be found to congest the queue during weekends/holidays after 11:30 AM and in this case, it is better to arrive early and purchase tickets as you enter the boating area.
Key Process: How the Boat Ride Works
Park in the general lot adjacent to the entrance gate and stroll through the landscaped walk into the boating counter (on some days, battery shuttle/jeep connects sections-buy a little ticket in case you do not want to walk). There will be distinct rate boards of entry/parking/boating.
Purchase tickets at the counter, get your token and board under the shade canopy. Life jackets are mandatory and are supplied to all riders; children are given smaller ones. The use of cameras/phones is permissible but spray on speed-boats is a reality–carry a zip pouch.
Boarding is summoned by batches. Staff will allocate you a boat seat/row; take their weight/seat balancing directions. Speed boat loops generally take 10- 20 minutes with photo stops at mid reservoir locations.
In operation, pedal/row boats follow a designated course near the beach, and have extended durations. You should also use the jackets to return when you are out of the ride and retain the token until it is stamped by the staff.
Quick Planner: Distance, Time and Typical Costs
| Kalpetta → Banasura Sagar | 21–25 km; 45–60 mins | Smooth countryside drive |
| Mananthavady → Banasura | 22–28 km; 45–55 mins | Via Padinjarathara |
| Sulthan Bathery → Banasura | 45–55 km; 1.5–2 hrs | Via Kalpetta |
| Entry ticket (adult) | ₹10–40 | Follow day’s board |
| Parking | Two‑wheeler ₹10–20; Car ₹20–50 | Pay‑and‑park lot |
| Shuttle/jeep (if running) | ₹10–30 per head | Optional to skip the walk |
| Speed boat (2–5 pax) | ₹600–1,200 per boat | 10–20 min loop; rates vary |
| Family/row/pedal boat | ₹200–450 per boat | 20–30 min near shore |
| Photo props/snacks | ₹20–150 | Tea, corn, ice cream |
Boat Types, Durations and What You’ll See
| Boat Type | Capacity | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Speed boat | 2–5 passengers | Couples, small families, quick photos |
| Pedal boat (when available) | 2/4 seater | Families with kids, easy pace |
| Row boat (limited days) | 4–6 seater with oarsman | Seniors, calm photos |
| Group craft (seasonal) | 8–10 passengers | Friends, mixed groups |
1‑Day Flow (Pair with Nearby Sights)
- 8:30-9:00 AM: Reach Banasura Sagar; park, walk around the garden, purchase boating tickets.
- 9-10.30 AM: Speed boat or pedal boat ride; walk the dam view-deck upon completion of ride.
- 10:45-11:30 AM: Stall tea/bhajji; take snapshots of Banasura hill line.
- 12:00-1:30 PM: Add-on: Meenmutty Waterfalls (Wayanad) trail on the Ooty road side OR Karlad Lake (zipline/kayak separate tickets).
- Afternoon: Lunch in one of the restaurants of Kalpetta/Padinjarathara and proceed your Wayanad circuit (Pookode Lake, Edakkal Caves, or Tholpetty/Kuruvadweep, according to your schedule).
Food, Transport and Practical Tips
- Food: Corn, bajji and ice-cream stands are outside the entrance. Kalpetta and Mananthavady are reliable sources of veg “meals” and Kerala snacks, in the case of sit-down food.
- Transport: Autos can be hired at the neighbouring towns, whereas a cab/self-drive is easier to utilise in terms of time. Make sure that fuel is filled up in Kalpetta/Mananthavady–there is no pump within the reservoir area.
- Family pack: Cap, sunglasses, water bottles, zip pouches to electronics, and a light rain jacket during the months of October through December. In case of travel with elders, the shuttle/jeep can be used on the longer garden distance wherever possible.
- Photography: 24-70mm or phone wide + portrait would be ideal. The light of the morning is tenderly reflected; the light of the evening warmly delineated on the Banasura Hill.
FAQs
Which time of the day should one boat?
- Morning 9:00-11:30 AM. The evenings are beautiful, but may be windy; business may be suspended at the times of gusts or precipitation.
Do they have children on speed boats?
- Yes, with life jackets. Keep the seat assignments and sit. In case the child is nervous, then a pedal/row boat is the best option.
What is the duration of the speed-boat ride?
- Usually between 10-20 minutes depending on the route and the people. Cheque the board at counter.
Will we be able to boat during the monsoon?
- It depends on wind and rain. Short stops are frequent; the work is stopped on lightning warnings.
Would Banasura Sagar be recommended when I am in a hurry?
- Yes. You can take a short and easy stroll in a garden, pictures and a boat loop, all in 90 minutes.
Can I book boating online?
- In most cases tickets are sold on-site. There are some that are transferred by some private operators; never leave out inclusions and safety.
