New Year Bandaje
About The Trip
On the aisle of the new year, 2024 is ringing an adventure that will bring packets of peace and harmony.
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 Ermayi falls. Ermai is known for the beautiful surroundings it is set in, with gushing waters surrounded by full of flowers, posing for a picturesque photo. The trail to Ermai waterfall is no less either – full of lush greenery. The five-tiered falls create a pool that gives swimmers a real treat.
We are introducing you to the Bandaje New Year 2024 Trek! We start by trekking the Western Ghats and end with Ermayi Waterfalls, Devaramane Viewpoint and Mud Games. Sign up for this adventure if you love exploring remote areas and spending nights away from the city lights. Plan the Unplanned pioneers in making friendly getaways a reality. Add this with the new year, and offbeat, we get goosebumps. We have planned everything to welcome New Year 2024. Book as soon as possible since we have limited slots. 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.
Trip Highlights:
- Trek to the offbeat Ballalarayana Durga Fort and Bandaje Arbi.
- Visit the five-tiered Ermayi Waterfall. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region.
- Visit Devaramane View Point
- Indulge in mud games in homestay
- Campfire and New Year 2024 celebration
Price
Brief Itinerary
Day 0
- Leave from Bangalore
Day 1
- Start the day early. Have breakfast
- Drive down to the start point of the Bandaje Falls trek
- Trek to Bandaje Falls
- Lunch en-route
- Trek to Ballarayanadurga Fort
- Trek back to the base
- Reach homestay by 6:00 PM
- Rest for a while (High tea and snacks)
- Bonfire and Dinner
- Retire for the night
Day 2
- Wake up at around 7:00 AM (approx), freshen up, breakfast
- Visit Ermayi Falls (Approximately 3 km of walking)
- Lunch at homestay
- Visit Devaramane viewpoint
- Return to homestay
- Snacks
- Campfire and Dinner, New Year celebration
Day 3
- Wake up at 8 am
- Have breakfast
- Get ready for mud games in homestay
- Freshen up and lunch
- Return back to Bangalore
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Exclusions
Pickup Points
Detail Itinerary
Meals Not Included | (Self-sponsored Dinner)
Private Vehicle | (Tempo Traveller/Mini-bus with pushback seats)
Stay Not Applicable
Details
We will start our journey from Bangalore. Trek Leaders will give a brief of the whole trip. 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.
Breakfast | (1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, High Tea and Snacks)
Private Vehicle
Homestay | (Multiple sharing basis separate for men and women Doms / Rooms / Tents)
Details
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 breathtaking view and 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 colours. After we reach the peak, you can rest 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 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!
Bandaje Homestay
Breakfast, Lunch
Details
The next day will begin with a healthy and tasty breakfast, after which we will start our journey to Ermayi Falls.
After you are ready, come to the dining area at 8:30 a.m., where a power-packed breakfast will be served. After having the day's first meal, we will go out for our first waterfalls: Ermaayi Waterfalls. Trek for 4 km to reach the waterfalls. It is a giant five-tiered waterfall, forming a pool at the base where you can take a dip. This decision is at the discretion of the trek leader. They will decide what is safe for the group.
We will take some time to relax and rejuvenate at the waterfall, then we'll take you to the picturesque Devaramane viewpoint, offering a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape. Witness the beauty of the Western Ghats unfold before your eyes as the sun rises, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills and emerald valleys.
Later, as we return to homestay, we will stop for late lunch (self-sponsored). We will reach the homestay by 6 pm. Snacks will be served. Get ready for fun and frolic now to welcome the New Year 2024.
Details
We will wake up, freshen up and get ready for breakfast. Don't wake up too late, because as the saying goes, whatever you do on the first day of the year continues throughout. A piping hot breakfast will be served.
Later, enjoy mud games in the homestay. It is dirty but many laughs and friendships are forged while playing this. So don't underestimate it.
Later, freshen up; we will have lunch before leaving for Bangalore.
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 play games. It’s difficult to cut the conversations just when we start to open up. But that’s why we have other appealing treks lined up. We bid each other goodbyes with heavy hearts, only to meet again. Until next time, please check our itineraries and ring us soon.
Read the complete guide about the trek here.
Things To Carry
- Soft Copy of your Aadhar/Voter ID (Mandatorily required for permits)
- Face Masks & Hand Sanitisers ( Mandatory )
- Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
- Warm Layer
- Water bottles – 2 (1 liter each)
- Lunch Box & Spoon to carry your packed lunch
- Raincoat/Bag covers in case of rains
- A comfortable pair of shoes with good grip for trekking
- Flip-flops for lazing around the campsite
- Torch/Headlamp to be used at night
- Power Bank
- Portable chargers for your electronics
- Extra pair of clothes to change into once wet
- Polybags to pack your wet clothes
- Extra cash for meals not included in the itinerary
Policy and Terms
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
| Intimation Period | Cancellation Fee |
| 7 Days or more | 10% of the total invoice value |
| 3-6 days before the trek date | 50% of the total invoice value |
| 0-2 days before the trek date | 100% of the total invoice value |
- *Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
- **Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering the refund.
- Refund/Cancellation requests are accepted only by email at [email protected] and not via call or Whatsapp.
NOTE:
- There will be no consideration given to cancellations on the day of departure or the day before due to work/family emergencies, health issues, etc., and no refund or transfer to alternative dates will be permitted for the same.
- You would be required to pay an additional fee of RS 1500 if you wanted to postpone your trek and cancel on the day of departure. This is only available for 3 months after the departure date of the actual trip.
- If you cancel the trek at any time (in addition to the scenario stated above), additional fees will be collected (depending on where you made your booking) as payment gateway/event listing fees.
The following is our cancellation policy in the unlikely event that we have to postpone your trek:
During and After the Trek: In the event of severe weather, taking the trekkers' safety into consideration, a day may be shortened or the trek may be abandoned entirely. There will never be a refund of any kind.
Prior to the trek: Make a plan in the event that a trek is canceled due to a natural disaster (such as a rainstorm, flood, landslide, earthquake, or unanticipated political disturbance, curfews, local riots, government orders, or directives from the forest department). A VOUCHER for the full value of your ticket will be issued by The Unplanned.
The payment gateway fees will be deducted from any refunds that are granted.
If we have to cancel your trek because there aren't enough reservations for that particular batch or we don't have enough participants, PLAN THE UNPLANNED will refund you 96% of the trek money ( Payment Gateway charges shall be deducted )
Additional Information
- Consumption of alcohol, intoxicants and smoking would not be tolerated during the entire course of the journey and the trek. Kindly co-operate with us to make the experience more fun.
Depending on the group size, the group would travel in a tempo traveller/mini bus.
If the group size is 12 or less, it will be a tempo traveller; if the group size is 13 or more, it will be a mini bus.
Push back seats would be available on the Tempo Traveller/Mini Bus.
If you are not at ease, please select Without Travel and travel to your destination by private car.
We ask for your cooperation and understanding regarding the travel arrangements. - Do not expect any luxuries on the trip. The locations that we host are at remote places and we do our best to arrange the basic facilities. The goal is to be outdoors.
- The Food that shall be provided will be Basic Veg Food. We do not serve Non-Veg Food.
- Put Litter in its place, do not trash your travel.
- Plan The Unplanned shall not be responsible for any of your belongings, valuables, jewellery etc. Kindly do take care.
- In the case of traffic delays or breakdowns, expect a little delay in reaching the destination.
From : INR 8000/-
INR 6999/-
per person
Download PDF
Reviews
New Year Bandaje
Get our stories delivered
From us to your inbox weekly.