Bandaje Falls Trek via Ballarayandurga Fort
karnataka
2D/1N
About this experience
Trekking in the Chikmagalur district is a great feeling. But the Bandaje Falls trek? It is a whole other universe!
Rather than walking on concrete roads, you get to traverse rugged paths, dip your feet in refreshing waters, and then walk barefoot in grass. Just like nature (and your wellness coach) intended.
Instead of looking at the wallpaper of your laptop, gaze at the sunset colours that nature paints for you and only you!
From the heart of Bangalore city, Plan The Unplanned will transport you to a wonderland that will get your vibe back. Whether you are on a solo trip of self-discovery or want to reconnect with your band of friends, this trek is a bold first step.
You will get to see everything from carpets of green to twinkling starry skies; from cascading waterfalls to forts that tell tales of a time gone by. This trek will allow you to explore a relatively less-explored part of Karnataka. As you spend two days taking in the sights and sounds, we hope to offer you a chance to rejuvenate your mind and refresh your body. We guarantee that you will return to your old life, a whole new person!
As per the latest Forest Department regulations, the Bandaje Falls Trek permit grants access only to Bandaje Falls. Access to Ballalarayana Durga Fort is no longer included. Trekkers who wish to visit the fort must obtain additional permission with an extra fee of ₹100 per person. These guidelines are mandatory as per the Forest Department's directive.
Trek highlights
Life in Bangalore can become quite hectic, quite easily. But believe us when we say, getting a chance to unwind is easier than you think. For instance, the Bandaje Arbi trek is a great way to spend a weekend, away from the chaos of the city, while reconnecting with nature and yourself.
Important Note: As per the latest Forest Department regulations, the Bandaje Falls Trek permit grants access only to Bandaje Falls. Access to Ballalarayana Durga Fort is no longer included. Trekkers who wish to visit the fort must obtain additional permission with an extra fee of ₹100 per person payable to local guide.
• Start by trekking up to the Bandaje Falls, where you can dip your toes and savour your lunch
• Walk up to the once-glorious Ballarayanadurga Fort and rediscover a forgotten past
• Take in the sights, the deafening silence, and let the calm wash over you
• Kick back at a cosy homestay with delicious food, bonfire and endless conversations
• Begin day 2 with a scrumptious breakfast and a trek to Kodige Falls to relax and rejuvenate
• A hearty lunch awaits you at the local homestay, before you head back
Treks like the ones at Plan The Unplanned are curated to not only give you a chance to escape the monotony of daily life, but also reconnect with yourself. So, take a breather, give yourself that break!
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Leave from Bangalore
Your journey to Sunkasale begins at Bengaluru when you are lost in the star-studded sky, with the city lights fading in the background. With excitement in the air, we begin with a few ice-breaking sessions - the best way to get to know your fellow trekkers and unwind from the long weekday stress. As the night lingers on, it’s best to settle down and fall into a short slumber - allowing your bodies and minds to get that much needed rest. Enjoy the calm and relax as we arrive at our start point for an exhilarating adventure ahead.
Private VehicleStay Not ApplicableMeals Not Included
2
Trek To Bandaje Falls
The magnificent Ballarayanadurga Fort is situated at the altitude of 1509 meters and snuggled in the verdant folds of Western Ghats. When you hike up, it is not that you are walking down a trail but you are literally running after a little history that overlooks the little snoozing town of Sunkasale. And when you eventually get to the top, the feeling is like the panoramic view is a well deserved prize. It is calm, windy and drenched in golden sunlight, the sunsets are almost movie-like.
After we have had our fill of the silence and the landscape we descend to the mystical Bandaje Falls or Bandaje Arbi, as it is called locally. This 200 feet plunge is a surprising one hidden in the middle of Charmadi Ghat. The waterfall flows down the slopes and winds along the untouched nature till it is met by the Netravati river. Clean, raw and incredibly serene is one of those places in which nature likes to display itself.
We go back to the base after some cool bath and moments at the falls. As the sun sets behind the hills, we arrive at our homestay and wait to feel good and have a good dinner. Music, laughter, and a cracking bonfire will follow throughout the night and complete a day full of stories, trails and magic of nature.
Private VehicleHomestayBreakfast
3
Visit Kodige Waterfalls
After breakfast, head out for a scenic walk through the vibrant coffee estates of Durgadahalli. A short 10-minute trek leads you to Kodige Falls, a stunning 30-foot waterfall hidden from the usual tourist crowds. Spend your morning soaking in the serene forest vibes, taking photos, and wading into the cool, shallow waters of the Netravathi River.
It is not easy to say goodbye, and the best thing is? That is not all. It is only the start of plenty of more routes we will discover together. Watch out for our future treks, we would love to see you again.
Private VehicleBreakfast, Lunch
What's included
Round-trip via non-AC tempo traveller or minibus (based on group size) with push-back seats
Cozy shared accommodation (homestay)
Separate zones for men and women
2× Breakfast • 1× Lunch • High Tea • 1× Dinner
Karnataka Forest Department entry fees
Waterfall entry permit and fees
Trained outdoor leader from Plan The Unplanned & a local guide
The overall experience that you gain during the trek
What's not included
Any meals beyond those listed
Any kind of personal expenses
Round Trip Jeep Ride to Falls
Any kind of insurance (health, medical, life and accidental)
Anything not expressly mentioned in the inclusions
Additional information
Duration:2D/1N
Meet your host
Plan The Unplanned
Experience Provider
What’s life without adventure? Isn’t the real purpose of life to travel, to experience new places, and witness the sunrise from new mountaintops?
This thought is what united Jatin and Tarun over a cup of chai, in spite of being from two unrelated backgrounds (CA and IT). They knew each other since the time Jatin was helping Tarun learn the ways of the wilderness through weekend treks and outings with another traveling group. Their love for traveling and trekking together motivated them to start something of their own. Thus was born “Plan The Unplanned”, where travel goals come true. Under the Companies Act, Plan The Unplanned is incorporated as Unplanned Journeys Private Limited
They started their journey on unsteady ground, much like any other company, but they shared an infatuation for travel and adventure with their customers, which amplified their determination, and thus, Plan the Unplanned family keeps getting bigger every day!
Just about any travel idea can come alive with Plan The Unplanned…treks, adventure activities like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, backpacking trips across the country, cultural outings, photo walks; everything that fellow travelers need, to explore the great outdoors together.
Well now that the wanderlust has kicked in and you can already see a vacation in your nearest future, here’s what we have to offer!
₹4,399per person
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