Banasura Hill Trek
Are you looking for an offbeat, thrill-packed weekend getaway from Bangalore? The Banasura Hill Trek in Wayanad, Kerala, is one of the most rewarding high-altitude adventures in the Western Ghats. Standing tall at an elevation of 2,073 meters (6,735 ft), Banasura Hill is the second highest peak in the Wayanad region and is renowned for its distinctive conical shape, dense Shola forests, rolling mountain grasslands, and cloud-enshrouded valleys. Curated by Bharat Trotters, this 2-Day/2-Night weekend trek takes you deep into the heart of Kerala’s pristine wilderness. Ascend through lush shola thickets, traverse ridge-lines overlooking the vast expanse of the Banasura Sagar Dam reservoir, and discover hidden waterfalls like Meenmutty Falls along the way. Whether you are an experienced hiker seeking a solid gradient or an adventure enthusiast looking to escape the city concrete, Bharat Trotters ensures a seamless experience complete with comfortable travel, local Kerala cuisine, forest permissions, and expert trek leads.
Trip essentials
What makes this trip special
- Conquer Banasura Peak (6,735 ft): Trek to the 2nd highest peak in Wayanad featuring 360-degree views of misty valleys and mountain reservoirs.
- Thick Shola Forests & Ridge Walk: Navigate diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests and bamboo thickets to high-altitude rolling grasslands.
- Banasura Sagar Dam Reservoir Views: Witness breathtaking vistas of India's largest earth dam from elevated vantage points.
- Meenmutty Waterfall / Local Sightseeing: Refresh yourself near roaring cascades and picturesque Wayanad landscapes.
- Authentic Kerala Homestay & Meals: Enjoy traditional local meals (breakfast, packed trek lunch, and hot dinner) in a cozy homestay setup.
- Expert Local Guides & Bharat Trotters Lead: Safe, certified instruction throughout the trail with proper forest permits included.
Important notes
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult. Total trek distance is approximately 15–18 km (round trip) with continuous steep ascents and uneven terrain.
- Leech Protection: During monsoons and post-monsoon months, leeches are common along the Shola forest floor. Carry leech socks, salt, or anti-leech spray.
- Forest Department Permits: Trekking inside the reserve area strictly requires forest department clearance, which is managed by the Bharat Trotters team on arrival.
- ATM & Connectivity: Mobile network coverage (Jio/Airtel) can be erratic once on the trail. Keep sufficient cash for personal expenses.
Itinerary
Day 1: Reach Homestay & Freshen Up
Day 1: Base Arrival & Trek Formalities
Day 1: Ascend Banasura Hill Peak
Day 1: Summit Vistas & Packed Lunch 01:30 PM – 02:30 PM
Day 1: Descent to Base & Homestay Evening
Day 2: Morning Refreshment & Sightseeing
Day 2: En-route Lunch & Departure for Bangalore
Day 2: Return Arrival in Bangalore
Ticket options
Full Tour Package (With Transport)
Per person
- Includes round-trip Bangalore transport
- Stay
- Forest permits
- Meals
- Guides
- Sightseeing
Inclusions & exclusions
What you get
- Transportation: Non-AC Tempo Traveller / Bus (Round trip from Bangalore to Bangalore).
- Accommodation: Standard sharing accommodation in a comfortable Kerala homestay / dorm (Separate for males and females).
- Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Packed Trek Lunch, and 1 Dinner (Vegetarian / Non-Vegetarian options).
- Forest Permits & Entry Charges: All mandatory forest permissions, local guide fees, and entry fees.
- Trek Captain: Experienced Bharat Trotters Trek Lead providing 24/7 assistance & basic
Not included
- Sunday Lunch (En-route during return journey).
- Personal expenses, bottled water, snacks, camera charges, or activities at optional locations (e.g., zip-lining, boating).
- Travel Insurance.
- Anything not explicitly mentioned under inclusions.
Pickup & trip preparation
Pickup locations
- 1Marathahalli: Opposite Kalamandir (09:00 PM)
- 2Silk Board: Bus Stop near HP Petrol Pump (09:40 PM)
- 3BTM Layout: Udupi Grand Hotel / BTM Bus Stop (10:00 PM)
- 4Banashankari: Bus Stop / Metro Station (10:30 PM)
- 5RR Nagar / Gopalan Arcade: Mysore Road (11:00 PM)
Things to carry
- Backpack: 20-30L small daypack with rain cover.
- Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with strong rubber grip (mandatory). Extra pair of socks.
- Clothing: Quick-dry trek pants, breathable t-shirts, jacket/fleece for cold evenings, lightweight raincoat/poncho.
- Hydration & Snacks: Minimum 2 litres of reusable water bottles, energy bars, dry fruits, glucose powder.
- Personal Essentials: Torch / Headlamp with extra batteries, personal toiletries, sunblock, sunglasses, cap.
- First Aid: Personal me
Booking and cancellation
↬ Health & Fitness: Participants should possess a basic to moderate level of physical fitness. Any pre-existing medical conditions (asthma, heart ailments, joint injuries) must be declared prior to booking.
↬ Eco-Friendly Discipline: Bharat Trotters maintains a strict Zero-Littering Policy. Plastic packaging, micro-beads, or non-biodegradable waste left on trails is strictly forbidden.
↬ Alcohol & Substance Prohibition: Consumption of alcohol, drugs, or smoking during transportation, trekking, and at the campsite/homestay is strictly prohibited. Violators will be off-boarded immediately without refund.
↬ Itinerary Adjustments: Routes, timings, and sightseeing stops are subject to change due to weather conditions, forest department regulations, traffic, or safety directives.
↬ Luggage Safety: While our team takes utmost care, participants are responsible for their personal belongings, valuables, and gear throughout the trip.
↬ 15 to 29 Days Before Departure: 50% refund of the total booking amount.
↬ 7 to 14 Days Before Departure: 25% refund of the total booking amount.
↬ Less than 7 Days / No-Show: 0% refund. No transfer of booking allowed within 7 days of departure.
↬ Force Majeure / Forest Closures: If the trek is canceled due to severe weather, natural disasters, or sudden government restrictions, a credit voucher valid for 6 months will be issued (minus operational expenses already incurred).
Frequently asked questions
Banasura Hill sits at an altitude of 2,073 meters (6,735 ft) above sea level. The total trekking distance is approximately 15 to 18 km both ways, with steep ascents and rocky ridge trails.
The trek is rated Moderate to Difficult. While beginners with reasonable physical stamina can complete it, it involves 4 to 5 hours of uphill climbing and steep downhill segments. Prior walking or trekking experience is recommended.
The best months to undertake the trek are from September to March. Post-monsoon months offer lush greenery and clear skies, while winter brings pleasant trekking temperatures. Monsoon months (June to August) make the trail slippery and infested with leeches.
Yes, absolutely! Bharat Trotters maintains a safe, inclusive environment. We ensure separate room/dorm sharing for male and female solo travelers, accompanied by professional trek leads at all times.
Yes, Banasura Hill falls under a protected forest region managed by the Kerala Forest Department. All permissions, entry fees, and mandatory local forest guides are pre-arranged and included in your Bharat Trotters package.