Bandaje Falls Trek via Ballarayana Durga Fort
Hosted by Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
All About It
- Difficulty - Moderate
- For 10+ years
- Best Season - Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan) Summer (May, June, July) Monsoon (Aug, Sept, Oct)
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!
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.
- 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 Ermayi 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!
Highlights
Day 0 – Friday
‣ Depart from Bengaluru
Day 1 – Saturday
‣ Start the day early with a hearty breakfast
‣ Drive to the starting point of the Bandaje falls trek
‣ Begin the scenic trek towards Bandaje falls
‣ Pause for a quick lunch en route
‣ Continue the trail up to Ballarayanadurga fort
‣ Make your way back down to the base
‣ Reach the homestay by 6:00pm
‣ Unwind with high tea and evening snacks
‣ Gather around the bonfire and enjoy a warm dinner
‣ Call it a night and rest up
Day 2 – Sunday
‣ Wake up at 7:00am, freshen up, and finish breakfast
‣ Head out to visit the stunning Ermayi falls
‣ Depart for Bengaluru and reach by 11:00pm
Note: Ermayi Falls might not be available in the event of heavy downpours so the itinerary will be adjusted to include another destination such as Kodige Falls. Final decision will be made by the trek leader based on safety and feasibility. Please be advised that in this case, no refunds will be provided.
*All timings are an estimate and subject to change
Day 0 - Leave from Bangalore
Private Vehicle (Tempo Traveller/Mini-bus with pushback seats)
Stay Not Applicable
Meals Not Included (Self-sponsored Dinner)
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.
Day 1 - Trek To Bandaje Falls
Meadows
Fort Ruins
Private Vehicle
Homestay
Breakfast (1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, High Tea and Snacks)
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.
Bandaje Homestay
Day 2 - Visit Ermayi Waterfalls
Private Vehicle (Non-AC ( Push Back Seats ))
Breakfast, Lunch
The day starts with a very healthy breakfast at 8:30am. Now that we are fueled up it is time to put on our shoes and head towards our last adventure Ermayi falls.
The 4 km hike to the falls is filled with the lush green nature, the chirping birds and the expectation of something mystic at the end of the hike. And sure enough, Ermayi does not fail but instead it is a grand five-tiered waterfall flowing down into a peaceful pool of water. Depending on the safety of the situation and whether the trek leader permits, you may also get an opportunity to take a dip.
We will then come back to the local homestay where we can enjoy a generous local lunch after having relaxed at the falls. It is one of those meals that you enjoy after a day outside in the wilderness.
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.
Meet your host
Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
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!
See Plan The Unplanned's other listings
Inclusions
- 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
- Round-trip jeep ride to the falls
- Trained outdoor leader from Plan The Unplanned & a local guide
- The overall experience that you gain during the trek
Exclusions
- Any meals beyond those listed
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of insurance (health, medical, life and accidental)
- Anything not expressly mentioned in the inclusions
Things to carry
✅ Soft copy of your Aadhaar or Voter ID (mandatory for permits)
✅ Lunch box and reusable cutlery to carry your packed lunch
✅ Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
✅ Extra cash for any meals not covered in your itinerary
✅ A comfortable pair of trekking shoes with good grip
✅ Compact raincoat or backpack cover to stay dry
✅ Power bank and charging cable for your phone
✅ Portable chargers for other electronics
✅ Flip-flops for lazing around the campsite
✅ Torch or headlamp for visibility at night
✅ Extra pairs of clothes to change into
✅ Poly bags to pack your wet clothes
✅ Warm layers and jackets
✅ 2x one litre water bottle
PICKUP LOCATIONS
New Udupi Grand, Teacher's Colony HSR
Yamaha Showroom Domlur
Cubbon Park Metro
KTM Mekhri Circle
Govardhan Theatre near Yeshwanthpur Metro
Without Travel
Policy and more
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 )
Terms and Conditions
Frequently Asked Questionss
Q: I have booked the trek when will I get further updates regarding the trek?
A: Well, most of our treks are usually confirmed by Thursday and you would receive a EVENTS HEADSUP mail that would contain details as regards Pickup Points ( Location and Timings ), Outdoor Leader ( Point of Contact ), Do’s, and Don’ts.
Q: Would I be added to a WhatsApp Group once the trek is confirmed?
A: Yes, the Events headsup mail would contain a link for WhatsApp Group through which one can join and interact with fellow travellers and outdoor leaders.
Q: Is the trek recommended for beginner?
A: Well, the trek level although being moderate is certainly recommended for beginners.
Q: Is it safe for Solo Women Traveller ?
A: Yes, it’s much safe and sound. We have been organizing these treks over the years now and we always have had an equal ratio or sometimes we have women in the majority. We also have female outdoor leaders who are on board and lead the other trekking enthusiast. We have made sure our homestay/tent accommodation is separate for men and women.
Q: I've never gone on a hike before, so can I do this one?
A: Yes. Ballalarayana Durga might be a good first hike for someone who has an active lifestyle.
We encourage some preparation before tackling a hike for persons who live a very sedentary lifestyle.
Q: Is it necessary for me to hire a guide to trek Ballalarayana Durga?
A: No. It isn’t as one can fairly see the path to Ballalarayana Durga from Rani Jhari Point.
Q: Do I have to carry luggage all the way during trekking?
A: Not at all. You could keep all the extra luggage back at the campsite/homestay and carry only the necessary stuff for the trek (Raincoats, Torchlight, Waterbottle, lunchbox, and your valuable)
Q: What is "Without Travel" option during my booking process?
A: Well, if you select this option, all the travel arrangements for your entire itinerary must be managed by yourself, and Plan the Unplanned crew will not be managing anything related to your travel. We recommend you come via car for a smooth travel experience to, from and within the destination.
For better clarification call us 9482070194, 8147086083
Q: Would I be able to postpone to a future in case I do not attend the trek on the day of departure?
A: We are extremely sorry, you cannot postpone to any future date in case you fail to attend the trek on the mentioned date for any reasons whatsoever ( family/health/work emergencies ). You can write to us at [email protected] as regards and our team will get in touch with you on the same
Q: What about the Ballalarayana Durga trek's cellphone network and connectivity?
A: Only at the base will you find a mobile network for practically all major providers like Airtel, Vodafone, Jio, and others. Throughout the journey, you will be outside of the network's service region.
Q: Can we leave the luggage at the homestay?
A: Yes, it is possible to leave your luggage at the homestay and carry the necessary things on your trek.
Q: I'm looking for a spot to park my vehicle. Is there parking available?
A: Vehicles can easily get to the start of the hike. By road, the base is well linked. Parking is available immediately at the base. As a result, you may park your car and begin your hike directly from the campground!
Q: Is the trail filled with leeches?
A: If you go trekking during the monsoon season, you will almost certainly encounter leeches along the way.
Q: Is it possible to camp anywhere along the trail?
A: No. Only the area behind the Kalabhyraveshwara temple is suitable for camping. Before beginning the hike, pack your tents and leave them in your cars. Tents are not permitted to be carried on the path. If you arrived by bus, leave your tents at a local's house and ask for them to be looked after at Durgadahalli or Sunkasale before beginning your trip.
Q: Is it possible to trek to Bandaje falls during the monsoon season?
A: Yes, it is possible. The trail during the monsoon season is lovely and it isn’t as challenging as the Kumara Parvatha trek
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