Bandaje Falls

The trekk to the top of the waterfalls was actually amazing. I would say it's a moderate trekk. We Started the trekk by 9 am, trekked to the fort and then to the waterfall (reached around 12.45pm).

Long, but easier route is from Rani jhari side (you will get it on your right side). You reach Ballalarayana Durga fort in almost midway (a slight detour) at around 4 Kms from the base. One can have stunning views of mountains from here. Then you climb down to Bandaje fall. The total distance (to and fro) from the base is around 15 kms.
Good trekking shoes, cap, water, food and sun-screen lotion is a MUST. From Feb onwards, it will become very hot! Best time to go is from September to January. Professional/seasoned trekkers can enjoy the other route from Charmadi ghat side, which is very steep, but through a dense forest and it has its own charm in monsoon season!

Bandajje. This waterfall plunges from the top of the mountain range of Sahyadri like an eye-popping sight. Its beauty falls from a height of about 200 feet while walking on the dense hills, the meadow looks like nature is wearing a green saree. Mist.a white cloud floating from far away.pearl-like raindrops pouring frequently.footpath like a map to reach the waterfall.a trekker who set out like a line of ants.a dog accompanied him by wagging his tail.walked and walked to the fallen body of the waterfall. The relief that comes when you hear the rushing sound. What else when you reach the edge of a waterfall?

It's a moderately difficult trek, I'll recommend to go there in monsoon and enjoy the amazing view of Western Ghats and trek among the clouds in the rain.
Pack your own lunch as there are no eateries.

Bandaje Falls Trek

It was a fantastic experience
We went on a rainy day.

From Bengaluru, we got down in Kottigehara (neerdose adda)
Home stay is available at any time. Book your stay near to #kottigehara town itself.
If the home stay is not nearer to kottigehara then there will be no network.

From kottigehara you go by bus (fare 30 per person) to #sunkasale. Drink a coffee at coffee shop there.
From sunkasale go by share auto (fare 500 per auto for 4-5persons)

• No one should buy tickets for trekking, it's free.
• It's an average of 5-6 hours trek-2 ways.
• Try to get Food and enough water before starting.
Take cotton or Headphones for covering the ears.

• Sunkasale is the first starting point- from here you can take a share auto at coffee shop.
If the home stay person can provide auto/Jeep it's affordable.
• At entry, visit Rani Jhari - Fabulous view at early morning.
• Leaches might suck blood multiple times, don't stand in same place more than 3secs.
• Early morning- can feel fog everywhere and can capture wonderful pics.
• After 90% of the trek towards falls- it is a bit difficult if rains or on wet surfaces.
• Spend time beside the Bandaje falls and vacate the place to other people.
• Don't step in slippery surfaces near falls for videos and photos.
• Repeat the trek towards the starting point.
• After a while reach Ballarayanadurga Fort- which is in different track for 10 mins.

We completed within 5 hours in a rainy day.

No need to pay a single rupee for entry.
Govt of Karnataka has not included this place for collecting payments.
Can check through official websites.

"Embarked on a trek to the bandage falls, crossing through a paradise of lush greenery and mist-covered mountains, and it was an unforgettable experience. Finally reaching the falls was a moment of pure bliss, witnessing the majestic rush of water amidst the serene backdrop. This trek is a true delight for nature enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Highly recommend this enchanting experience!
Things to remember:
12+ km trekking one way which is 24 kms both the ways.
This trekking is not for everyone as the difficulty level is high.
Do carry lots of water and food, glucose, as you will not get anything to eat or drink in between.
Do visit in monsoon for the amazing views remember that path would too sleepery.carry salt? To get rid of leeches.
You need to take permission from forest officials before entering.

"The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity, and by these I shall not regulate my propositions. And some see no nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself. "

Ballalarayana Durga - Bandaje falls trek is a combination of two treks - Ballalarayana Durga and Bandaje Arbi - because many do not know they can go all the way to Bandaje waterfalls when we say Ballalarayana Durga trek.

Arbi in local language means “waterfalls” and hence the words Bandaje Arbi, Bandaje Arbi falls, Bandaje falls are used interchangeably.

Ballalarayana Durga trek lies in Chikmagalur, nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, just 280 kilometres away from Bangalore. Chikmagalur is known for its coffee plantations and lush greenery.and the trek adds a unique flavour to its landscape.

The Ballalarayana Durga trek holds an abandoned fort from the 17th century at its peak, and a gushing waterfall in the end. Watching the water falling from the snout to almost a 1,000 feet below is a sight that sets your hearts racing!

And just for this view, the Ballarayana Durga - Bandaje Arbi trek is a must do.

Ballalarayana Durga is a monsoon favourite trek and is preferred by beginners and experienced trekkers alike. Anyone can do the Ballalarayana Durga trek with a bit of preparation.

Amazing Trek Spot near Kalasa, which is almost 7-8 km of trek. And also view from that top of the falls is Much worth the trek.

One of the toughest treks in Karnataka. It is located in Chikamaglur district. To reach the Bandaje falls first you will get Ballalarayana Durga fort which is 3.5 km from the base point after returning from the fort you should take left to Bandaje falls from there to it is around 6km from the base it will be around 9km. To reach the Bandaje falls is not that much tough but returning to base will be most tough.

One of the best trek experiences I've ever had, Nature beauty and dreadness at its best, one of the most beautiful and terrifying place I have ever seen till now.

Best time to visit would be early morning starting at 7 for the trek so that you can return before dark, 7kms trekking one side.

The best time to visit would be around September and October. Would definitely recommend this trek to all the beginners.

Most imp Plz keep enough food with you.trekk type easy to moderate. There are leeches plz take odomous or dettol.

This was one of the best treks of my lifetime. It allowed admire the beauty of the MAJESTIC CHARMADI GHAT to the fullest.
We trekked to the falls in mid December. Keep mind to avoid afternoons as the the sun and heat will literally tear you apart.
Also, be cautious when you approach tha waterfalls as one small slip and you are dead.
Carry fruit and snacks and a min 1ltr waterbottle while trekking and you have to trek nearly 5.5kms one way and back. (You can refill the waterbottle in the falls as the water is fresh).
Avoid heavy backpacks for this trek and start the trek as early as possible and strictly avoid trekking after 12-1pm as it will get dark when you start your return.
If you are an amateur, carry ors or glucose as muscle cramps are expected.
NOTE: - THEY DONT COLLECT THE Rs250 fees right now and there is only a Rs10 vehicle fees.
Have A Great Trek

Wonderful experience We had begun our trek from the Rani Jhari viewpoint, and the terrain was modest at first. The most challenging path is near the falls; it is entirely made of rocks and sand, making it quite difficult to move along and perhaps painful for the legs. The water was quite cold and tasted like mineral water when we arrived at the Falls, which absolutely calmed us. Overall, it was worthwhile to make the entire trek.

Very beautiful location. 7-8kms of trekk moderate level. When I went in October 2022 there was no any kind of entry ticket. I paid only for parking.

Best place ever, cant write in words the feeling of trekking till bandaje falls
Started trekking from rani jhari view point till Bandaje, wonderful experience of my life, chill weather, little sunshine, rain, amidst the lush green forests … wow ಸ್ವರ್ಗ ️
Cannot simply explain that feeling at the end point…

Climbed from the tougher side I.e. Opposite to the fort. Involves traversing through the forest for atleast 3 quarters of the trek. Visited firing rain, so had serious trouble of leeches sticking on to us. Salt dipped cloth tied to a stick is highly recommended if visiting during rain. The falls itself is picturesque so is the view from the top.

Amazing trek, the falls is pretty amazing, you have to trek to reach the waterfall for about 6.3kms, takes around two and a half hours, going back is a bit difficult. I would say start the trek around 9, so that you'll reach the falls faster and there aren't a lot of people around, but pretty amazing experience overall!
When we went there was no ticket to the trek, but cross-check with nearby homestay owners if you need it. You can it online as well as at the trek gate.

Trekking route near Didupe road closed, go via Sunkasale-Durgadahalli
Beautiful trek and even more beautiful falls
Awesome view from up top ️️️

Its one of the famous treks in Karnataka. Its to and fro 12kms of moderate to tough trek to the top of Bandaje arbi falls. On the day 14/8/22, it has a ticket price of 305/person, at the base u must visit ranijhari view point, on the way u get a diversion to ballalarayanadurga fort and straight to falls, u can complete both if started early.

Amazing trek. But right now, due heavy rain, red alert is imposed by the forest officials in the entire kudremukh range.

I did this trek as we weren't allowed to do valinkunja trek. Due heavy persistent mist not a single view was visible. Better wait few more weeks and then trek these parts of western ghat.

Parking is available, any type of car with average ground clearance can be taken and parked. Last 1 km, local jeeps will be available. We preferred walking, and we reached trek starting point in 5mins.

There's a shop at the trek starting point where one can get tea, coffee, Maggie, samosa etc. Climb is easy- moderate level. 5/6 km to the falls. It's a top view that you get by trekking here.

Very less leeches in this trek. Trekking shoes or sandal is mandatory. Path is very slippery during monsoon.

I would recommend this trek towards the end of monsoon season. To get some good views need to wait for the misty weather cleared

Bandaje falls was one of the good trekking spot around western ghats. It is a medium range trekk place where you have to walk around 10 kilometers and return. It involves in walking inside thick forest, flat land, hill top, rough rocky path and slippery mud path. It make you to witness mountains play hide and seek behind the clouds.

Suggest you to visit this place in the beginning or end of the rainy season. Be prepared for the leaches. Carry food, water and other snacks for the trekk. Wear hiking shoes and raincoat. Carry additional cloths. Enjoy the trip. Bring back all the plastics and other wastes and dispose them responsibly near the forest checkpoint. Please do not litter.

This is amazing place to visit in any season. I had visited during Mansoon. The trek is moderate level 14 km in bothway. The uphill journey passes through difficult terrain but the surrounding natural environment is a pleasure for the eyes. Bandaje arbi falls trek is surely one of the beautiful hikes I have done in the western ghats.
You can try as solo trekker or with a groups. Rs. 250 is charged for per person ticket from forest dept.to enter the trek.you can book online too. Must carry rain gears and food or snacks.

Amazing place to Trek, 15kms in total from base to base, i had a wonderful experience i had been here during the monsoon season and the weather is mind-blowing the fog, the rain and the sun, just amazing.

It's trucking place. We walk from rani Jhari end point and it takes 5.2kms to reach bandaje falls. Best experience)

Can I visit falls now? How is the Water?
And also how long is the trekking?

Is there anyway to place in the falls?

Book your tickets from myecotrip as this is mandatory now. Once booked contact details of the forest officer would be provided please get in touch with the officer for latest details. Falls has decent water now we were able to capture the splendid views. Well marked boards are placed on the route.

Not the actual route. To go to Bandaje falls, you need to reach the trekking point first. The route shown here in the map leads to nowhere.

Beautiful waterfall present at the top where the water gushes down to almost a 1,000 feet below. The descent from the fort to the waterfall and the ascent back up is too tiring and not for the faint hearted. No plastic zone and neatly cleaned as well. Ballalarayana Durga fort offers scenic views of western ghats and if you're lucky with no cloud cover you can even see parts of Mangaluru/Padubidri

Usually the trek is alway claim up and down but here it's oposite. But the view from the falls will make it worth. Carry food and water. Guide is not required, u can easily figure out the way to falls and fort.

Bandaje is nice 1day trekking place wonderful view point the fals is too slippery and requesting all plz save nature don't put waste in water or in the forest paths

Trek to Bandaje falls is a beautiful experience. Its of moderate in difficulty and you'll need some fitness to complete it. The trek takes you to the top of the falls and you'll experience some beautiful scenery all along the way.

Best place to trek. If you like trek don't miss this place. One disappointment is we can't see full water falls. Can reach only top of the water falls.

Wonderful place to visit best time is post monsoon. Should be careful around water flowing area as stones are slippery. Moderate trek. Please keep the area plastic free.

A moderately difficult hike in the heart of Charmady ghat. Best done in monsoons for the stunning meadow views and falls.

The fall per se is not great as we don't actually get to see the water falling but the trek is truly worthy of all the views we get along the way. On a scale of 10 in difficulty rating, would give it a 6 but the return is a little more difficult as beginning itself it's a long steep climb. Start early n go slow, carry food which you should have at the falls before returning. Take an hour's break there after food n then start back

Trekking was Medium Range. We started from Bengaluru on Friday night Stayed at Belur, Hotel Mayura Velapuri. Early morning we started from Belur to trekking spot after picking the lunch packs on the way to trekking spot. There was a road construction was going on, so they used to stop our cars a far away and they used to drop to trekking spot by share Auto. May be it was business tricks by the Auto Drivers. They dropped us to trekking spot. We started trekking found Leeches on the way many got bite also, it was bleeding too. We started to trek by at 9: 00, somewhere near by Ballarayanadurga we stopped for Breakfast by 10: 30.

Carry salt or dettol or surgical spirit to kill the leeches.
Also please carry as much as water, drink to keep you hydrated. Because still more than half a way you have trek to reach Bandaje Falls. We reached the falls by 1: 30 which is the end point of Trekking. We played in water for hours and finished our lunch, took picture near the falls and filled our bottles to trek back.

It was really a great experience to trek the western ghats.

First I never wanted to trek in monsoon as its quite slippery and risky but coz of my frnd I joined this trek and I can assure you it was a wonderful experience. It's a lesser known trek but beautiful trail to hike. Personally, now I feel that the monsoon season is the best to do this hike since the waterfalls are at their peak and the weather is pleasant which adds to the overall experience of the hike. It takes a total of 4-5 hours to hike. For few LEECHES could be a concerned but if you were to take my advice don't even think think about leeches, it's a therapy afterall. Focus on the beauties and the views.

Bandaje Arbi trek is an amazing place to visit during monsoon. The trekking experience is simply great. Unlike other treks, the trial here is like a roller coaster going up and down and reaches the waterfall as the end. The Waterfall starts at Chikmagalur and falls into Dakshina Kannada district. Definitely a place to visit in all seasons. Beware of leeches.

An easy trek that can be tricky during monsoons. Amazing waterfall that has a drop of 200ft. Fog and rains during monsoons though will not let you go into the falls to play.

A lesser known but beautiful trail to hike in Chikmagalur. Personally, I feel that the monsoon season is the best to do this hike since the waterfalls are at their peak and the weather is pleasant which adds to the overall experience of the hike.
It takes a total of 4-5 hours to complete this trek from Chikmagalur side (Sunkasale side)

The trail to Bandaje falls from kottigehara-Kalasa side is very scenic and one of the best trails to trek. It has got some amazing panaromic view of western ghats along the way.

Overall it is an amazing decent 16-17 km trek (to and fro).

One of the best beautiful trek in Karnataka.
U get views every minute.

Crazy view - had been there on 25 October, 2020

The most underrated trek in Karnataka. Views here are no less then Mighty Kumara Parwatha trek. Trek distance is 14kms which has two destinations Bandaje Waterfalls and Ballarayanadurga Fort. Can go with friends and family.

Not recommended for old age people and kids

How to reach top: Need to take forest entry ticket of Rs. 250 at Rani Jhari Coffee Shop. A guide will be provided for the same. One reaches Rani Jhari View Point in the beginning and then crosses Ballarayanadurga distant view and reaches Bandage Arbi waterfalls.

Waterfalls view can be seen from the top. If you are carrying a drone then u can witness the complete waterfalls view.

Carry you packed lunch East it at the edge of the waterfall on top of a mountain.breathtaking views, cool breeze and home made lunch.request not to leave anything behind.don't trash this place.it's clean and neat

Heven and hell can be seen just in a step away.most wonder ful place.best place to have a peaceful time

We did the trekking through the forest root to Bandaje falls. The water was really chilling even when the sun was above us. The scene at the top of Bandaje hills was really great. The sunset was really amazing.

It's one of the Awesome and peace location. Superb Nature and forest Awesome experience most beautiful location near Darmastala?

Bandaje falls has one of the best breath taking views. Tha only way to reach here is by trekking. Request to travellers please don't spoil the nature by littering. Best time to visit September to December

If you want to enjoy really a fall, then you must visit this place. Here you can go directly to the falling point of the water and enjoy the bathing in it. It is as so much secluded place that most of the visitors of chikmagalur acoids this. But who goes for ballarayanadurga trek, they must visit this place. An awesome experience. I will recommend it 100%

Trekkers paradise! Be sure if forest permit, very good shoes, Dettol and salt (to ward off leeches). Pretty slippery during monsoon. Be very careful while stepping on the stones. Words and cameras can't justify the beauty. So, njoy!

Awesome trekking place, if you hate leaches recommended not to go in monsoon season. Night camping at hill top near water streams while gazing at stars makes you forget all muscle pain of trekking.

Had a great 2days trekking experience. Started from Ujjire and ended near horanadu. The grassland and clouds

One hell of a trek it was!
Difficulty level is high and I suggest first timers to not try this.
Overall an amazing experience.

One of the awesome water falls. It is the top of the waterfalls and one can see it falling down from right angle.

Awesome falls! Loved it. Total peace️ challenging part is trekking of peak which is assumed to be more than 11km. Nice place for camping and night stay

The marvellous Cliff!

Most excited to see and be over the cliff where the water is dropping almost 1000ft (not exact) down.

The freezing fresh water streaming from top hills forming small ponds here and there, makes anyone to play there

But the request is not to litter or throw plastics, papers or the garbages which makes the place untidy, unhygienic and unpleasant.

Since there will be high current of water in rainy season, making an attempt of reaching over the edge of Cliff or walking on the slippery rocks will not be encouraged.

Carrying fruits and non oily eatables are recommended since no foods are available above.

Bandaje waterfalls offers a memorable trek. The difficulty level is moderate. The view from the peak is extremely beautiful. It is a great place for photography.

An open area, suitable for camping is available near the waterfalls. The area have a high risk of forest fire, so do take care while cooking and camping during summer.

Bandaje located in charmadi ghat range of western ghats, of 13-20 kms hard uptrek through different trails, Ujjire is nearest town
Trek can start either be 2 ways
(1) from gowda home (kishore gowda), landlord in valambra (tough trek)
(2) from durgadahalli, few km from sunkasale (kalsasa) (easy to reach falls)
Day 1: I recommend route 1 only for hard trekkers, there u need to pay forest fees of inr200/head and get permission for camping over top, near to falls. Guide is very necessary which can be arranged by kishore gowda with cost of 1000/2000.
Trek starts from landlord home with a guide through 80% forest area &2 kms grassland (horrible, if u reach at noon) of around 10miles to reach amazing falls.
One can enjoy the beauty of nature & purity of water by camping over there (permission required)
After day one, we departed towards sunkasale side through 80% fresh sceneric grassland @7am and we can reach duragadalli @11.
I recommend to start trek from valambara in pre winter season at 6or 7 am there by u can reach falls by noon & carry sufficient water, glucose, enerzol, energy bolts, very less luggage, ready to eat food items, fruits like orange will save u at the top from killing thirsty
Cooking can be done over there (will be arranged by guide)

Wonderful place to trek. Challenges your mental and physical abilities. Amazing view from the top. Cautiou: they have banned night trek to this place.

# awesome trekking place. Start from gowdre mane side and exit from
Other side. 5 to 6 hours required for climbing. Start @ early morning.

60 to 70degree inclined climbing for 8 kilometers. Not easy for first timers. Very good trekking in western ghat.

Trek: Reach ujire, get a jeep to bandaje (400 per ride). Keep luggage in gowdara mane7km from ujire). Forest dept people available there, one can get permission.

Trek for 8km, reach falls. Tent stay not allowed (2017 update). 3 more kilometres to ballarayana Durga.

If u plan to come back to gowdara mane (house), you can put tent in front of house. He will provide dinner (100rs per head).

No buses from bandaje to ujire after 6pm. Difficult to find commuters.

Hit thumps up if you like this review.

(Photos clicked on Jan 2017)

Superb location. You can only go here by trek and its difficult to trek but everything is worth it when u reach there. Please dont litter this place

Flowing down from the height of 200 feet, Bandaje Fall is produced by Netravati river. It is located in the Western Ghats and is surrounded by evergreen dense forests and thick flourished plains. If you are looking forward to sitting by the side of the waterfall or taking a bath in its rejuvenating water, then you need to trek a little bit through the surrounding forests.

It is advisable to take help from the locals unless you are willing to get lost in the dense and mysterious forests of the Western Ghats. How about taking up some adventure and challenging your wanderlust? Do not forget to add this hidden waterfall of Karnataka to your bucket list.

Starting from gowdru mane (near ujire), it's one of the most adventurous treks I've been on. The water and the view that welcomes you after 15kms of trek is worth all the leech bites. We finished the Trek on the other side (7-8kms more on day 2) near the remains of ballarayandurga fort.

One of the best trekking place in Western ghats. Camping near by water falls is very fantastic experience