Banasura Hill, Mountain peak in Wayanad, India
Banasura Hill is a mountain peak in the Western Ghats, located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. The slopes are steep and covered with dense forest, and the summit offers open views over the surrounding hills and valleys.
The Kurichiya people who lived on the slopes of this hill took part in resistance against British expansion in the late 18th century. The hill has long been part of the territory of this community, who have inhabited the Wayanad forests for generations.
The name Banasura comes from Hindu mythology, referring to a demon said to have lived in these hills. At the base of the hill, the Kurichiya people carry on traditions tied closely to the forest around them.
The trek starts from Vellamunda village at the base and takes around three hours, so an early morning start works best. A permit from the local forest office is required before you begin, so arrange this ahead of your visit.
Banasura Hill is one of the highest peaks in Wayanad, yet it sees far fewer visitors than other trekking spots in Kerala. Just below the hill sits Banasura Sagar Dam, said to be the largest earthen dam in India, which gives the lower landscape a very different look from the forested slopes above.
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