It stands at an altitude of 3,200 feet (980 m) above sea level on a 35 acres (14 ha) plot amidst the mountains of the Western Ghats declared as one of the traditionally preserved sites in the world by UNESCO.

The resort is so named because it is located at the foot of the Banasura Hill which is the second highest mountain in Wayanad that often attracts climbers to attempt to reach the summit.

The main building has an area of nearly 20,000 square foot spread over two floors, and is made entirely out of mud, with a roof of bamboo and coconut palm fronds.

[2] BBC News[3] considers it as a mud haven – India's only "earth" resort and possibly the largest of its kind in Asia.

The thick earthen walls provide thermal insulation, keeping the interiors cool during the day and warm and cozy during the night, obviating the need for air-conditioning.

Its environmental benefits include regulating water levels, absorbing huge amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, producing oxygen, preventing soil erosion and conserving bio diversity.

Also planted in thousands are seedlings of the highly aromatic Vetiver grass whose cluster roots run vertically like a mesh to a depth of almost 5m, effectively preventing soil erosion and arresting water run-off.