Banasura Sagar Dam – A Green Zone
This is a great place for a long nature photo ops session. The reservoir, the flowing hills of the Western Ghats in the background and the many islands on this dam account for a very serene and picturesque view.
Situated about 20 kms from Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad in Kerala, Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia.
While approaching this dam, one can admire its large sluice gates and the small green villages situated close to it.
But, it gets really better when you walk and then climb the short distance from the parking lot that takes you to the top of the walls of the dam.
The various shades of fresh green simply stuns you. And when I was here, the rain-bearing clouds formed a classic backdrop.
The green hills surround the dam nearly all the way and the fringe boundaries have coconut, betel nut and other plantations.
This year the monsoon has been good so far, but the dam doesn’t seem to have found its top mark. But, it didn’t matter to me and my friends who simply went click click click.
There is also a small flower garden and decorative setting that is being developed on the dam top as a small park. The flowers here look extremely pretty and danced in vibrant shades of various colours.
Close by, one can also find another small area where the tropical tree varieties have been grown, maintained and tagged with local and biological names.
For the holidaying family and their children, there is the option of taking a speed boat ride on the dam waters and encircling the various islands on its way.
Overall, this green zone is a great place to relax, have some family fun and offers a wonderful photo opportunity for nature lovers.
