Wayanad, which in folk etymology means 'The Land of Paddy Fields', is embraced in the glorious verdure of the Nilgiri biosphere. The region is legend for its stunning natural beauty, rich tribal culture and coffee and tea plantations life. It evergreen forests have been the ancient stamping grounds for the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic elephant; other inhabitants include the elusive leopard, and shy sloth bear, Indian bison, and Indian pangolin; It’s wealth of South Indian avifaunal species isa huge attraction for birding buffs, its exotic botanical diversity a botany student’s paradise on earth.
The Banasura Hills one of the highest mountain ranges in the Western Ghats are a big draw for the trekking community. Born to the demon king Mahabali, Banasura was fabled for his great strength and deep devotion to Lord Shiva. The thousand arms which he used with dexterity in battle were a gift from Shiva for his devotion. Eventually his arrogance (that he could defeat even the gods, Lord Krishna in particular) led to Bansura’s downfall. It was kidnapping of Rukmini invited that epic battle between him and Krishna. Instead of killing him outright, and remembering his devotion to Shiva, Krishna let fly the Sudarshana Chakra to sever Bansura’s arms. Conceding to Shiva’s intervention Krishna allowed Banasura to live. The chastened asura, thereafter devoted his entire life to Shiva and is said to be the protector of the deity’s holy sites.
This
moderate 7-hr hike in the Banasura range in Wayanad, takes
you up a steep incline from the first ridge, from where you will eventually
make your descent. But the first leg of your journey begins with a lovely drive
skirting a pretty lake to advance to the trailhead. From this jump-off point
for the trek, pace yourself to enjoy the entire experience. The climb up the
steep incline of the mountain trail gives you plenty of time to enjoy the
staggering views of the mountainscape and the waterbodies sunk in the
grasslands below. The treelined trail slips into the lovely shola grasslands from
where it then scampers over a broad shoulder on the mountain to reach a minor
summit embedded in the spine of the majestic mountain – named after a fabled
demon king Bansura.
After a
short break at viewpoint to enjoy the matchless vistas, the climb continues
gently uphill, before a thrilling descent into a valley towards a gushing
stream at the bottom. It’s the perfect place to cool off and zip up your energy
for the next leg of the trek. The trail now traverses as slope before slanting
down into another valley. Follow the course of the mountain stream which by now
has gathered both speed and volume. Navigate your way around and over boulders
of all sizes and shapes. Descend below a waterfall to a series of clear pools
downstream. Plunge in to wash away your tiredness. Then head back to your
vehicle parked close by. Drive along the shoreline of the lake looking for a
boat to take you to some of the islands. Tired but happy you return to your
hotel to crash for the day.