Are you looking for an offbeat yet gorgeous trail in the Western Ghats? Well, then your wait is over as Plan The Unplanned is all set to take you on the Bandaje Falls Trek in the Kudremukh Mountains range. Located in the Charmadi ghat section of the Western Ghats in the Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, this hidden beauty will soon become a favorite spot for adventure seekers! So before the crowd hits the spot, join us to experience the serenity!
Day 0
Day 1
Day 2
Following are the pick-up points & timings:
Situated atop a hill of 1509 meters high, this fort stands glorious overlooking the town of Sunkasale which is conquered by trekking through the dense forests of the Western Ghats. This famous trek route starts at Mundaje leading to the ruins of the historic fort. This fort is not only known for its breath-taking view and the greenery charms, but it’s also an ideal spot for amazing sunsets. During the evenings one can sit here and cherish the peaceful aura and relax under the hues of colors. After we reach the peak, you can rest yourself and enjoy the breathtaking view, devoid of any noises and accompanied by the ever-blowing gentle breeze.
We then trek down to visit the Bandaje falls and make our way back to the base. The Bandaje Falls is locally known as Bandaje Arbi. Arbi is the term used to describe a waterfall in the local Kannada language. It is located in the Charmadi ghat section of the Western Ghats, situated at a height of 700 meters above the sea level. It plunges 200 feet from the hilltop and is a surreal sight to behold. The waterfall continues its journey downhill as a single stream to join the river Netravathi as a tributary. The best part about the waterfalls is that the spot is neat and clean and nature wears a gorgeous look in this authentic place.
After refreshing in the falls, we trek back to the base and reach the homestay. With sumptuous dinner, we shall dance, and sing our way amidst the forests of the Ghats, in our “wanderlusty” style!
The picturesque Yelaneeru village is situated in a valley enclosed by misty mountains and two beautiful and gushing waterfalls, the Mavinasasi Falls and Elniru Falls. Elniru Falls brings in more and more water undisturbed in the midst of the forest and Shola grasslands. The word ‘Elniru’ means Sweet coconut, it is said that water is as sweet or tastes similar to coconut water. The ride to Elniru is through muddy roads and one can drive till the motorable area and then descend down a little to reach the waterfall. On the way, there is another picturesque waterfall, which literally could be a wallpaper. Try not to be too overwhelmed by this waterfall as it isn’t our destination, but just a small treat to the eyes on the way!
After a further descend followed by a small hike, one can hear the sound of the falls and birds chirping. Going a little ahead, the magnificent Elniru falls comes into the picture. It is a breathtaking sight, as we can see the waterfalls pouring down carrying with it tremendous energy! The feel of the water spray on your face is bliss. The water here is extremely refreshing, falling from a great height and cascading at various levels to form a good-sized pond
Don’t forget to taste the water, it actually tastes sweet and our trekkers describe the water here as “white as milk” and that they descend like “white diamonds.”
All this sounds exciting? Well, what are you waiting for? Book your seats now for one of the best adventures of your life!
I went to Bandaje trek alone and it was such an amazing experience. Trek leads Rujata, Akshay were very sweet and supportive the whole trek. The homestay was very clean and food in homestay was very good.
On the whole, the trek was adventurous and worthy.
I went to Kudremukh, Bellalarayana Durga(Bandaje falls) trek with plan the unplanned on 31st of December,2019. This was my first time with them and for sure not the last. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Here is the brief about my entire experience.
I and two of my cousins went on this trip, though I have been on multiple trekking before this but this was the first time I was going along with bunch of strangers. So I was initially reluctant provided that we were taking a chance with our new year celebrations as well, but at the end of the trip we were all best of friends( and I freaking mean it).
Journey began with a round of intro (it was an interesting way of introducing yourself, I will keep it as a surprise). Reached early morning to Bella home stay, soon after our breakfast we began our trekking, reached our destination, Bandaje falls. After spending 2-3 hours at the falls we came back to the home stay after 18 Kms of trek. Generally it takes out lot of energy out of people and people around, but no the group had so much of energy that we played anthakshari, a game called dishoom and danced like crazy until 2 o clock in the night. Couldn’t have asked for more joyful new year celebrations.
Next day kicked off with trek to elniru falls with some massage underneath heavy current of water. Left from the place in the noon and reached back to Bangalore (though none of us wanted to)
Don’t want to miss the singing in the bus, Mafia game , dumb charades, pulling each other legs. And all of this with people who were strangers and now the best of friends.
All of this wouldn’t have been possible without our trek leaders Akshay and Jolly. They are best of the bests and never on the way we felt any hussle. I would give them 15 stars out of 10. They joined along with the group just like a co travellers and took care of minutest of the issues very well. Hats off you guys.
I wish the journey had stretched a little longer so that I could have spent some more time with all the folks.