Wayanad Banasura Hills Trip

This was a nice little two nights and three days trip to Wayanad staying at Banasura Hill Resort which is an eco-resort.. that is fully constructed using the mud excavated from the very site that it stands on, giving its unique rustic look.

Starting from Bangalore by 2:45 pm on 5th April 2024 (Fri), we reached Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel in Mysore by 4:45 pm, for the night's stay. Covering the 150 km distance in 2 hours non-stop was a first for us to Mysore, as the route via NICE road and the new Bangalore-Mysore Expressway on a Friday afternoon allowed a good drive.

Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel (wiki) is now under the Jungle Lodges & Resorts management since 2018. We had stayed here once earlier in October 2017, while doing a trip to Galibore Nature Camp that is also run by the Jungle Lodges & Resorts. You can see our travelogue of that trip here.

We drove about 10 km to The Green Hotel Mysore for dinner. We had stayed here as well once in December 2019 doing a trip to the Dubare Elephant Camp. You can see our travelogue of that trip here.

We started at 10:15 am on 6th April (Sat), and took the Nanjangud - Gundlupete - Sulthan Batheri - Panamaram - Vellamunda route here from Lalitha Mahal Hotel and reached Banasura by 3:45 pm, driving that 165 km in 3 hr. 30 min. 

This route we took is actually longer by some 30 odd kilometers.. but then the Resort folks recommended to come only by this route, and told us that road work was happening on the other shorter, more direct route, that is via Kabini and Mananthavady, saying that would take more time. 

However, in fact, we actually took that shorter route via Mananthavady and Kabini (I think that route is open only during day time, and will be closed during nights), for our return direction, and found that was actually faster and a calmer drive. The traffic while going via Sulthan Batheri route was more, and as we have to drive through that town also, and ended up slowed down by some roadwork diversions that was chaotic; so it took more time. 

In any case, it was still good as the route we took crosses through Maddur Wildlife Range that is under the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, and then the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary as well, and we stopped for clicking pictures of elephants and a variety of birds as well.

We also stopped at Le Sapphire here at Kottakunnu just before entering Sulthan Batheri at about 1:15 pm and had a very good Kerala Meal.

After staying Saturday and Sunday nights at Banasura Hill Resort, for the return route, we started by 10:30 am on 8th (Mon) and took the, shorter, Mananthavady - Kabini Safari Ticket Counter route here. We could also click a few pictures of birds and scenic views along the way.

We stopped at Indian Restaurant at Jakkahally (Thumbasoge) / HD Kote here at 1:15 pm for a nice Meal, and reached back Bangalore by 5:15 pm; covering the end to end distance of 285 km in about 6 hr. 45 min. including the stoppages. That was just in time for the Ugadi holiday on the following day, Tuesday, the 9th April!

Our stay included: 

Walking around cottages, swimming pool area, main building, library, pottery workshop, in the Resort.

Guided mild trek to a view point outside the Resort, and then to Tea Garden, Cave and Stream.

Our own trek to the view point within the Resort around sunset time, and back via elephant rock.

Food in the Resort was very good. Breakfast was part of the package, but they serve on the table.

For other Meals we pay; they take order in advance and you go to the Restaurant once ready.

The Kerala Towel, Thorthu, with a thin golden jari line weave, gave a fantastic local touch. See pictures later.

Scroll to see more pictures below; and also our Verdict about the whole trip.. at the end of this below.

Please also see my Caught Special - 148 posting with some special pictures from this trip, here.

Verdict

Our ratings on a scale of 5 (1 is low, 5 is high).

• The drive from Bangalore to Mysore Lalitha Mahal Hotel on Friday afternoon: 4/5 
• Dining Experience at The Green Hotel Mysore: 4/5
  
• The drive from Mysore to Wayanad Banasura Hills : 3/5
  
• The large Cottage in the Resort, located at the far end, had a drawing room and rain shower area: 4/5
  
• The Resort area, visiting areas and surroundings within, laterite soil brick buildings: 5/5
• Guided trek just outside the Resort to the viewpoint: 3.5/5
• Guided walking tour to the Tea Garden, Cave, and Stream: 4.5/5
  
• Self guided trail to the sunset view point within the Resort: 5/5
  
• Food at the Resort: 4/5
• Food at Indian Restaurant on the way back: 3.5/5
  

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