Famed as largest "Earth Dam" in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia, Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad is very picturesque and peaceful with plenty of photo ops.
We were dead tired after the strenuous trekking to Edakkal caves. One can imagine sunny summer of Kerala. Wayanad being a hill station wasn't helping either. Sweltering weather tried maximum to dampen our spirits. We prayed for heavy showers to pour down and wash off our tiredness. And our prayer was answered a little late in the evening. What a down pour it was! That is why always be careful about what you wish for.
One have to walk a mile or so and ascend a few steps to reach the dam. Otherwise opt for a jeep service that is available from ticket counter to boat jetty. It is 100 rupees for up and down services for 8 people. Many children climbing up and down the steps inspired us to walk.
A reservoir was built on a tributary of Kabini river in the year 1979. The region has seasonal dry periods, so Hydro electric power project was initiated to supply water to domestic and irrigational purposes. Famed as the largest "Earth Dam" in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia, the dam was named after "Banasura" son of Bali Chakravarthi. His daughter, Usha was married to Lord Krishna's grandson Aniruddha. A massive pile of rocks are used to build the dam.
The surrounding areas are submerged as it usually happens when a dam is built. There is nothing like standing in front of these drowned islands, pristine water, and enchanting mountain ranges. A steam of balmy breeze swept over and over. oh! The divine feeling. Speed boating looked interesting, but not good enough to break the enchanting spell casted over us.
Info:
Visiting Hours: 08:30 a.m. to 05:45 p.m.
Boating Hours: 08:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. (Boating tickets are available at boating location)
Entry Fee:
Adult-Rs 15
Child-Rs 10
"In between rocks the stone age carvings are well enough to confirm the existence of the Neolithic man and prehistoric civilization"
The two places we had missed in our last visit to Wayanad were Edakkal Caves and Banasura Dam. We had experienced the true essence of Wayanad, spice plantation, enchanting waterfalls, evergreen forests, beautiful landscapes, and much more.
We wanted to be at the base of the Edakkal caves as early as possible, but back then we were not as disciplined as we are now. Yes, this was four years ago. We had to drag ourselves out of bed, literally. By the time we arrived at the site sun was blazing heavily down on us and a huge crowd beat us down in that part too.
After parking the vehicle our ascending started. Ticket cost was 20 Rs per person and 30 Rs for camera. The plastic bottle we were carrying got a sticker after depositing 20 rupees. The money will be returned to us once we return the sticker. It is a very good measure to avoid people from littering the place.
Edakkal means "in between rocks". There are two caves one atop the other. The upper cave is supported by lower cave. One had to climb around 300 odd steps to reach the upper cave. The ascending literally became an uphill task for us. We climbed, stopped many times to catch our breath. In the process we had to make way for fellow climbers. The steep steps and humid weather tired us in no time. Completely soaked in sweat we were inch away from getting dehydrated. It was the time to retrospect about our physical fitness.
Our fatigue disappeared the moment a wisp of cool breeze hit us. And we know we are in the upper cave where most engravings are done. Accommodating capacity of the caves is limited, so allowing number of visitors at a time is restricted too.
F. Fawcett, the Superintendent of Police of the Malabar district had written an article about "Edakkal" in the journal Indian Antiquary in 1901. It is safe to say it was unearthed first by this British officer during his hunting expedition. The signs are believed to be dated back to as early as 6000 BC. This confirms the existence of the Neolithic man, prehistoric civilization or settlement. The Stone Age carvings of Edakkal are rare and are the only known examples from south India.
It is said some of the newly found figures are comparable with sign and symbols reported from various Chalcolithic and Bronze Age sites of the subcontinent. Human figures depicted in different styles are the most important items among the drawings. The engravings signifies various objects used in the ancient time. It also tries to tell us the cultural signs of the bygone era. The best part is the human figures carved in different styles. It looked like most of them were wearing some type of headgear. Along with these comes the rock paintings of animals, letters, numeric signs, wheels, carts, trees, symbols.
Legend: And how can a place of this stature not have a legend? It is said the caves are created by the arrows fired by Lava and Kusha, twins of Lord Shree Rama.
The signs discovered had shown its connection between Indus Valley civilization. Tamil and Brahmi script can be seen along with the pictorial carvings. Unique in existence these rock arts are invaluable treasures to the world heritage. Hence it draws attention of historians as well as archaeologists from across the globe.
Ascending took almost an hour while descending completed in 15 minutes. Despite out initial fatigue and weariness, we wouldn't have it any other way.
Entry Fee: Rs 20
Camera Fee:30
Parking Fee: 30
