Banasura Hill and Kuruvadweep Wayanad

Wayanad is situated on the fringe of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The whole area is totally green with sloping reaches and natural life. Situated on the tributaries of river Kabani is the Kuruva Island surrounded by a picturesque view of enchanting evergreen forests. The site is popular among those seeking a quiet get-away from the hustle bustle of the cities and one of the tallest mountains in the region, Banasura Hill is a part of the Western Ghats of India having an altitude of over 2000 metres. The hill has a wide variety of flora and fauna and offers a beautiful atmosphere for nature walks and trekking. The Kurichiya tribe, a tribe expert in bow and arrow, have their settlements at the foothills.

 

Introduction to Banasura Hill

Banasura Hill is one of the tallest mountains in the Western Ghats of the Wayanad district, Kerala, India. The hill is named after Banasura, a mythical character of Indian legends. It is one of the highest peaks exceeding 2,000m between Nilgiris and Himalayas after Chembra Peak. The narrow trail that leads up to the top of the hill winds through thick tropical vegetation. The flora includes some rare medicinal plants. The fauna found en route consist of monkeys, wild boars, deer and wild elephants, etc. Head out for an enthralling trekking session in Banasura hill which is famous for being the highest mountain range in the Western ghats. The elevation of Banasura peak being 6800 ft above sea level makes the Banasura hill trekking truly astonishing and worthy to be availed when you look forward to some great adventures. 

The Banasura hill trekking lets you witness a wide set of unique animals when you pass through the charming trails like wild boars, elephants and deers. The trail of Wayanad's second-highest peak contains some spectacular aspects such as lush green hills, thick forests, steepy rocky terrain and plain grasslands. Trek for about 9 km and reach the peak to enjoy the breathtaking views of such a brilliant landscape of green hills and floating clouds. 

The Banasura hill trekking lets you grab a scrumptious packed lunch and you can enjoy great comfort with the support of a local guide. Besides, the activity is inclusive of all charges and permits that are required to go for the activity.

 

Introduction to Kuruvadweep

Kuruvadweep or Kuruva Island comprises a cluster of islets over the middle of Kabini River in Wayanad that is popular for the boat rides it offers on specially crafted bamboo rafts. Spread over 950 acres of land, Kuruva Island is popular for its diverse flora and fauna. These islands contain two small fresh water lakes. They are also a known safe haven for migratory birds along with hornbills, parrots and many butterfly species. Nature lovers throng to this remote destination in large numbers. Trekking enthusiasts will find some of the most beautiful and natural trails here. Massive trees situated next to the river are perfect picnic spots. The island is surrounded by streams and you can have a boat ride or rafting through this stream enjoying the enchanting beauty of the island. The boats and rafts are provided by the Kerala Tourism Department and it will take a few hours to cover each and every island. Tourists from different parts of the world enjoy the rafting here. The rafts are made up of bamboo providing you a thrilling and exciting journey through the streams. The other thing you can do in this fabulous island is to have a calm and lazy nature walk. Partying and picnics are restricted here as the authorities are maintaining eco-tourism in Kuruva Island. Just enjoy the beauty without spoiling the pristine nature. You can also plan for a trekking in Kuruva Island. Kuruva Island is densely populated with rich flora and fauna. The geographical peculiarity of this island makes this place evergreen with a serene ambience. Dwelling deep into this island, you can see many attractive things like bridges made up of bamboo trees and other rare species of trees. The uninhabited island is home to rare species of birds, orchids, herbal plants etc. Coming so much closer to nature, you might be feeling Kuruva Island as a nature's gift to Wayanad. Entry to this island is restricted during rainy seasons (from June to September). The island is open during the months from October to May and there is a nominal entry fee to the island. The time schedule is from morning 9 to evening 5. The island is situated 15 km away from Mananthavady, 58 kilometres from Sultanbathery and 40 kms from Kalpetta. There are frequent buses from Mananthavady to Kuruva Island.

The destination is beautiful in every aspect of the word. From scintillating setting to soulful scenery the place has something in store for every traveller that comes its way. Visit Kuruvadweep with your family and friends and make some memories along the way. If you have kids then visiting this place is a good idea as there are a lot of fun-filled activities they can enjoy.

 

How To Reach Banasura Hill

Wayanad is a district situated in the Northeast of Kerala, with lush green forested lands enriched with murky valleys. You can reach Wayanad by road, train, and air.

By Road: Easily accessible from the different parts of Kerala & Karnataka. You can board KSRTC buses from cities like Mysore, Kochi, Bangalore and many others to your destination.

By Train: There is no direct train from Wayanad. You will have to take a train till Kozhikode and it is the nearest railway station to Wayanad. After getting down from the train, you can take a taxi or a bus to travel to Banasura Hill.

By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, located 65 km away. After landing, you can easily find a taxi or a car that will directly take you to Banasura Hill.