When water from the top of Bandaje Arbi will tip-toe to your feet and when your feet will find a way into the offbeat trails of Kudremukh mountain range to Ballalarayana Durga Fort, understand that you are doing something for your soul. From time immemorial, people have been going on treks in the Chikmagalur district. However, in truth, this is the one where the crowd has still not hit: Ballalarayana Durga Fort and Bandaje Arbi is the trek known for its untouched beauty and paradisiacal landscapes and for sure, it’s calling you.
Located in the Charmadi ghat section of the Western Ghats in the Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, the trek has the most serene and pristine landmarks like Rani Jhari Falls, Ballarayanadurga Fort and Bandaje Arbi.
On a two-day adventure, you will push your limits, trek on a stunning trail, go to fun-filled Kodige falls and visit Chennakeshava temple in the Belur in Hassan district. With all love, we invite you on a journey where you will feel alive and admire each bit of the trip. Check out the itinerary and join us on our next adventure.
Day 0
Day 1
Day 2
Following are the pick-up points:
We will start our journey to Sunkasale from Bangalore. Trek Leaders will give a brief of the whole trip. Sunkasale lies at the height of 900 m from sea level. It’s almost a 6 hours journey. We will reach there by early morning. After refreshing and having breakfast, we will start for the base of the trek.
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 next day will begin with a healthy and tasty breakfast, after which we will start our journey to Kodige Falls in Durgadahalli. The fall is a small one, and you will be trekking through a well-marked trail for 1 km. The stairs that go down to the fall will open up to a gorgeous stream where you can sit and relax. If the current permits, we will take a dip in the cold water or stay here for a silent morning delight. Later, we will trek back to the vehicle and continue our journey.
On the way, for lunch, we will fill our tummies with Neer Dosa, which PTU sponsors. The Neer Dosa shop is 20 km from the falls, and it would take about 45 minutes to reach there.
Later, we will go to Chennakesava Temple, located in Belur, in Hassan District. The temple was constructed in the 12th century and took almost 103 years to complete. Over the years, it has undergone destruction, reconstruction, damage and correction. But then too tourists find elements of surprises in its architecture, sculptures, reliefs, friezes, and iconography.
After a short while, we will start our journey back. On the way, you will still be reminiscing the moments. You can sit and watch the passing scenery or join in to play games.
Later in the evening, we will take a halt for dinner. After an hour or so, we will reach our destination. It’s difficult to cut the conversations just at the time we have started to open up. But that’s why we have other appealing treks lined up. With heavy hearts, we bid each other goodbyes, only to meet again. Until next time, care to check our itineraries and ring us soon.
Read the full guide about the trek here.
This was first time with Planned the unplanned and in short I can say that I ll definitely trek with them again and recommend the same to people. Our trek to Bandaje falls was unforgettable….thanks to our trek guides Ramya and Akshay who organized it so well. From the bus journey to difficult climbs during the trek I enjoyed and lived every moment to bits! Highly recommend going with them for first timers and solo trekkers.
I had been to Bandaje falls with PlanTheUnplanned last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had been to treks with many other groups as well, but I must admit PTU gave the best experience.
The best part is, they listen for feedback. When we were tired on second day (after 20kms of trekking in rains on first day), the trek leads @Medha Bhat and @Gautam Injamuri, did a poll and changed the itinerary to make it less tiring and more of a picnic on second day. ?
Thanks to PTU, fellow trekkers and trek leads for creating a memorable weekend ?
the bandaje falls trek-
a fun and relaxing hike to the falls, a group of friends, an amazing experience, and a thousands of great memories to carry back home. PTU did it all. the safety of everyone was their upmost priority. the bus ride was covered with amazing games and great and funny stories to keep us entertained, and did throughout the trip. PTU provided us with a clean and sanitized homestay as well as hot and tasty meals. they made treking so fun and motivated all of us throughout the trek-
personaly,PTU is extremely friendly, well organised, and professional.
these treks are an amazing memory to carry back home. my entire trek with PTU was extremely fun, relaxing and an experience I would never forget. the Instructors are phenomenally friendly and motivating throughout the trek. overall, I would give my experience a six star if possible, it was the best and I would definitely recommend PTU.
We went to Bandaje Falls Trek with ‘Plan the Unplanned’ team. Our trek leads Akshay and Ramya kept us engaged during the entire journey. The itinerary was planned perfectly that we were able to cover all places on time. The travel, Home stay, food, first aid, trek guidelines and games 😉 all were organized perfectly. Our safety was of upmost importance to them. They made sure that the entire set is connected so that we went as strangers and returned back as one big family.
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.