Bandaje Falls Beautiful Trek – 5 Important Things You Need To Know
The trek is in the remote area of the western ghats. Lies in Dakshina Kannada of Karnataka, Bandaje falls is one of the least explored waterfall treks in this part of the state. A tributary of the Netravathi river forms the waterfall. The height of the waterfall is approximately 200 ft. which is HUGE!
The hike is known as Bandaje Arbi (waterfall in the location language) Falls.
Ballalarayana Durga fort is the first part of this trek; on your way to Bandaje Falls. This fort is not only known for its breathtaking view and
greenery charms, but it’s also an ideal spot for amazing sunsets. Earlier, people used only to cover the fort & return as not many were aware of the waterfall.
This trek cannot be done in a single day from Bangalore, as reaching the base village will take 7-8 hours. Hence, we advise doing the trek over the weekend.
The waterfall is close to the scenic Charmadi ghat and lies around 25 km from Ujire.
- Location: Near Durgadahalli, Chikmagalur district.
- Height: 200 ft.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Ideal Season: Monsoon & Winter
How To Reach Bandaje Falls?
Public Transport:
The closest town accessible via public transport is Sunkasale village. From Bengaluru, you can take a KSRTC bus to Mudigere. These are overnight buses and will drop you at Mudigere early morning. From there, you can take a local bus to Sunkasale & then you can hire a local vehicle to take you to the start point.
Private Transport:
If you are travelling in your car, you can reach the start point directly; there are a couple of good homestays where you can stay for the night and start your trek the following day. The distance from Bengaluru is around 290 kms and can take anywhere between 7-8 hours, including halts. Get Directions.
How Difficult Is The Bandaje Falls Trek? What Is The Trek Route?
The Bandaje falls trek is moderately challenging. The trek distance is 6-6.5 kms from the start point, and it takes around 7-8 hours to reach Bandaje falls & return to the start point.
It would be best if you tried to start the trek in the early hours to witness the sunrise from the Ballalarayana Durga fort. The views from this point are majestic, especially during the monsoon months. One can divide the trek into two sections.
Start Point to Ballalarayana Durga Fort:
The trek distance from the start point to the fort is around 3KM and will take around 1.5 hours to reach. This section of the trek is through the dense forest and is a bit tiring compared to the 2nd section, as you gradually climb up till you reach the fort.
Ballalarayana Durga fort to Bandaje Falls:
The 2nd section of the trek is around 3.5 KM and will take approximately 2.5 hours to reach the Bandaje falls. This section of the hike is relatively easy. After the fort, most of the part is walking on grasslands and rolling hills, and you have to descend at the end to reach the waterfall snout.
Important Information
- Avoid wearing shorts & half sleeves shirts during the monsoons, as you are prone to leech attacks.
- If you are new to trekking, you should hire a guide from the local village who can help you on the trail.
- An Ideal Itinerary: Start your day early from Bengaluru, reach Sunkasale around the evening and rest for the day at a local homestay or go for a stroll to the rani jhari viewpoint. Start your trek the following day by 6:00-6:30 AM, so you have enough time to enjoy the entire hike and get enough time at the waterfall. Come back to the homestay by 2:00-3:00 PM and leave for Bengaluru if you are comfortable driving on the same day.
- You can ask your homestay to arrange for your breakfast & lunch en route.
- Carry about 2-3 litres of water as there is no good water source on the route.
- The trail route link for Google Maps.
Essential Things to Carry for the Trek
Packaging wisely is essential to make the most of your Bandaje Falls trekking experience. Here are some must-have items for your backpack:
- Sturdy trekking shoes for a comfortable and safe trek
- Ample water and energy drinks to stay hydrated
- Snacks and energy bars to keep you fueled
- Sunscreen, cap, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
- First aid kit with essential medications and bandages
- A camera to capture the stunning vistas along the way
- A light backpack to carry your essentials without weighing you down
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Safety Precautions and Tips
While embarking on the Bandaje Falls trek, it is crucial to prioritize your safety. Here are some essential safety precautions and tips to keep in mind:
- Trek with a certified guide who is familiar with the route and terrain.
- Wear appropriate trekking gear and clothing to protect yourself from injuries and harsh weather conditions.
- Stay hydrated throughout the trek by drinking water at regular intervals.
- Pace yourself and take breaks whenever needed to avoid exhaustion.
- Do not litter; respect the natural environment by carrying back all your waste.
- Follow instructions from the guide and stay on the designated path.
- In case of any emergency or discomfort, inform the guide immediately.
Video of the Trek
In conclusion, Bandaje Falls is a beautiful trek that is well worth taking if you are looking for a stunning waterfall to visit in the state of Karnataka.
If you are not familiar with the hike, be sure to check out our detailed guide before hitting the trail.
5 important things you should know about Bandaje Falls include its height, distance from the base village, how to get there and what to look for on the way.
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