Banakal (Kannada: ಬಣಕಲ್) is a Malnad village in Mudigere Taluk, Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, India. This village is situated atop the Charmadi hills in the Western Ghats section. The Western Ghats is one amongst twenty-five identified hot spots for biodiversity conservation in the world. Banakal is surrounded by coffee estates and paddy fields and known for its pleasant weather throughout the year. Banakal town is the headquarters of Banakal Hobli.
Banakal lies on the banks of the Hemavati River. The Hemavati, which flows through Banakal, originates in Western Ghats. This 245 km (152 mi) long river covers about 5,410 square kilometres (2,089 sq mi) of drainage area and considered as a prime source of irrigation along with natural rainfall. The geographical location of Banakal is 13°0'59" North and 75°53'9" East.
One of the immensely beautiful natural waterfalls of Karnataka known as Alekan waterfalls is just six kilometers away from Banakal towards Charmadi.
Read more about Banakal: Culture, Economy, Flora and Fauna, People, Schools and Educational Institute, Banks and Financial Institutes, Getting There, Nearby Places