Treknic : Wayanad - Kuruva Island, Banasura sagar Dam

Continued from here : Treknic : Wayanad - Chembra Peak Trek

Day 2 :

Next day morning we woke up at 7am. Finished all our duties within 8am.We had our breakfast in nearby Udupi upahar hotel. Inquired about possible visits around kalpetta and gathered some info.According to localites we can visit Kuruva Island,Banasura dam,Backwaters of Banasura,Banasura mala meenumutty falls and Lakkidi view point in a single day.But visit to Phookot lake is not possible as it closes by 5pm in the evening.So we are in a dilemma,whether we go for Kuruva or Phookot . .? 

Finally made our decision to visit kuruva not phookot lake.

Coming back to our plan, we approached few jeeps and no one is ready to take us to all places below 2000rs.Finally we got one jeep who agreed to take us for 1600 rs.It was getting late,so we dint bargain much.So,first we headed towards Kuruva island.

Kuruva Island :Kuruva dweep.

Kuruva dweep is around 35 km from kapletta. The journey was quite good,enjoying the sceneries of Kabini river.Island is formed by the river Kabini. Kuruva dweep is near to karnataka, hardly 5 kms from there.

The jeep driver took us to kuruva dweep by an unknown route,showing the hidden beauty of the river.The journey goes along the river.This route is not often used by the travelers as its full stretch muddy road. Most of them will not know about this route only.We were lucky enough to get driver like this.

Ride along the river













We reached Kuruva island at about 12pm. Paid the entry fee and marched towards island.Entry fee is 50/- per head. Camera charges 25/- extra per camera.There is a bamboo raft service which will be provided by the Kerala VSS (Vana Samrakshana Samithi).To and fro charges of the bamboo raft service is included in the entry fee.

Snaps of Bamboo Raft at Kuruva Island 









Kuruva Dweep is a wonderful place for leisure.There are many small Islands inside the Kuruva dweep.
You can enjoy in the water as the water level is not much high.Proper guidance is available from the VSS.
You need to walk inside kuruva dweep around 1km to reach the small islands.This journey was filled with some great floras and bamboo world.



Flora

From Kuruva Island Bansura sagar dam is around 30 odd kms, less than 1 hr drive from Kuruva.We left Kuruva around 2:30pm and reached Banasura within 4pm.We finished our lunch on the way 2 Banasura.If u want to enjoy the speed boat,then you must visit Banasura within 5pm. After 5pm speed boat riding is not allowed. But entry to the dam is allowed till 6pm.

So,our plan is to enjoy the speed boat ride and visit Banasura mala meenmutty falls which is 4km from the dam,then head back to back waters of Bansura to enjoy the sun set. 

Entry fee is 15 rs per head,25 rs per camera. 500 rs for the speed boat ride for 5 ppl.

Panoramic view



Banasura Mala peak : standing tall 



We quickly moved towards Speed boat counter after enjoying the beauty of Banasur.Deadline for speed boat ride is 5 pm. So, make sure that you reach banasur early.Speed boat costs 500 rs per ride(15 min). Max number of people allowed is 5.Totally it was a worth ride.Enjoyed a lot.

Speed boat ride











Close enough    



Darr Ke aage Jeeth Hain     













After finishing our speed boat ride we headed towards Banasura Mala Meanumutty falls which is only 3-4 kms from the dam.One can also try Banasura mala trekking. Trekking is allowed only from morning 8 to evening 5. No camping is allowed. Water falls is at the base of Banasura mala hills. You need to walk some 10 mins to reach the Banasura Mala Meanumutty falls.

Note: there is a chance of getting confused between Meenumutty falls and Banasura Mala Meanumutty falls. Both are different.Banasura Mala Meanumutty falls is the small one.But another Meenumutty falls is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres.It takes around 45 mins to reach the falls from the VSS office.And its 30 kms from kalpetta via Meppadi.Many of them in kerala doesn't know about this fact. please do not get confused.

We reached VSS office by 430pm.They charged 20rs per head and instructed us to come back within 6pm .During monsoon season rocky terrain will make the ascend little difficult.So, be careful.





Aerial view of banasur sagar dam from the view point at banasur Hills



Left banasura falls by 5:30pm and reached Banasur Sagar reservoir backwaters to witness the Sunset.

Sunset at Banasura Backwaters







We returned back to Kalpetta by 7 pm. Had Tea and snacks on the way to Kalpetta. Had our dinned at the same Udupi Upahar restaurant. We departed from Kalpetta in Kerala RTC bus at around 9:30 pm and reached Bangalore by early morning 4 am.