Bandaje Falls Trek via Valambra Ujire
Hosted by Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
All About It
- Difficulty - Moderate
- For 10+ years
- Best Season - May September October November December
There are days when you look forward to going to college or to work, because you feel full of life and energy. And then there are days, when you are literally running on fumes and desperately need an out!
When the second scenario happens, fret not. Come to Plan The Unplanned, where we will take you on an exhilarating trekking experience into a hidden gem of the Western Ghats. Here, you will walk through dense forests, listen to the gurgle of gushing streams and take in sights that look like picture postcards.
But the highlight – the one point of the trek that will take your breath away has to be the Bandaje Falls. This 200-foot waterfall plunges into a gorge creating a mist that is magical and marvelous. The trek becomes trickier, but so much better after the monsoons, but should you go on a clear skies kind of day, you just might spot the mighty Arabian Sea.
The charm of the Bandaje Falls trek lies in its combination of nature and adventure. There is the sheer beauty of nature to admire and then there is the adventure that awaits you.
The tribe and the thrill of the trek are awaiting you!
Trek highlights
The hills are calling you – literally, because the Bandaje Falls trek itinerary includes not only the namesake waterfall, but also a trek that will challenge you. As you make your way through the greenery, you will spot clear blue skies and some crystal clear water bodies as well. Here is all that you will get to experience on this trek:
- Explore parts of the Western Ghats of Karnataka that you might never have ventured into
- A moderately challenging trek that can be trickier during the monsoons
- Experience the stunning Bandaje Falls and savour the mist that the cascade creates
- On clear days, spot the shimmering waters of the Arabian Sea
- Round up the day at a local homestay, with delicious meals and mingling with fellow trekkers
- Start day 2 with a hearty breakfast and then a visit to the scenic but lesser-known Ermayi Falls
- Head to Dharmasthala to gaze in wonder at the iconic Bahubali Monolithic Statue at Ratnagiri Hill
As you head back to Bangalore, your heart will be filled with memories that you will have made with the trek leader and other trekkers. And we have a feeling your head will be telling you to trek with us again!
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
‣ 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 7:00 AM, freshen up, and finish breakfast
‣ Head out to visit the stunning Ermayi Falls
‣ Visit the beautiful Bahubali hills to enjoy the panoramic views
‣ Depart for Bengaluru and reach by 11:00pm
Note: Ermayi Falls might not be available in event of heavy downpours so the itinerary will be adjusted to include another destination such as Kodige Falls. Final decision will be made by trek leader in terms of security and viability. Please be advised that in this case, no refunds shall 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 - Into the Wild -Trek To Bandaje Falls
Meadows
Fort Ruins
Private Vehicle
Homestay
Breakfast (1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, High Tea and Snacks)
The first stage of your adventure is a spiritual breakfast in the morning, which establishes the motivating mood of the upcoming fun-filled day. In a short time, you will get on a beautiful ride to the starting point of the Bandaje falls trek. The car cuts through cloudy-road and greenery fields and gives more suspense that we are moving near to the wonders of nature.
As you set out on the trek the ground slowly turns into the forest as you make gradual climb into green wilderness. Overhead, tall trees take on a canopy and sift down sunbeams as a gold shaft where the song of the chirping birds and the sound of the rustling leaves substitute the world which has been forgotten.
The thick forest finally ends after walking 2-3 hours to expose a large plain field. The scenery here dramatically spreads open to provide panoramic views of the magnificent Western Ghats spreading along the horizon. It is an ideal spot to rest, take your breath, drink some water and just enjoy the majesty of the hills that are rolling in all directions.
The last part of the trail is an endurance test. Even more in a spirit of determination you climb steep steps, which are a strain to our stamina, and are repaid by one of the greatest spectacles nature can offer. And at the summit there comes into sight the thundering Bandaje Falls, plunging more than 200 feet into a rugged and hidden depth beside. As long as skies are clear, you can faintly see the Arabian sea in the distance, literally creating a surrealistic touch to what is already an unforgettable view.
We are going to sit somewhere on the trail enjoying our packed lunch amidst the wild untamed nature and the quiet noise of the flowing water. You have plenty of time to be sprayed by the cool mist of the falls, take some memorable photographs, or just sit and be in silence so as to savor the majesty of the moment.
With the afternoon light starting to fade away we will begin our descent into the base. With sore bodies but full hearts, we will travel away, to our homestay a cosy place in the midst of a green environment, and reach the place by 6:00pm or so. Once there is a long awaited rest, and a nice high tea, the evening gradually progresses with jokes around the bonfire (if it is not raining!) and a homely made dinner.
And as you go into your rooms with the night sky all glittering over our heads and with the cool mountain breezes coming in you will relive the day again in our minds, and what a way to finish a whole wild and wonderful thing.
Day 2 - Visit Ermayi Falls & Bahubali Monolithic Statue
Private Vehicle (Non-AC ( Push Back Seats ))
Breakfast, Lunch
Your second day starts early - enjoy your breakfast because this day is going to be full of culture and nurture. Ermayi falls being our first stop is a pristine location hidden deep into the lush green forest. The drive here is short, through a scenic path - so keep your cameras ready to capture some beautiful moments, or have a refreshing swim (if nature wants you to).
We then head onto Dharmasthala being in awe of the Bahubali hills. This monolith standing tall at 39 feet is a sculpture of Lord Bahubali with themes of peace, meditation, and spiritual renunciation. Take your time to enjoy the magnificence of one of the major heritages of Karnataka.
We would arrive at our destination by about 11pm. Saying goodbye is never easy, particularly when you had days to be together and became closer than expected. However, our bodies are tired and the chance to reunite is promised so we bid farewells... till the next big adventure calls.
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 Bandaje 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 bottles
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 Questions
I’ve booked my trip. When will I hear from you next?
You’ll get an event heads-up email by Thursday of the trip week. It includes:
- Exact pickup points with timings
- Your Outdoor Leader’s name and phone number
- A quick list of do’s & don’ts
Will I be added to a WhatsApp Group once the trip is confirmed?
Yes. In the heads-up email, we will share a link to a dedicated WhatsApp group so you can chat with fellow travellers and your Outdoor Leader before departure.
What is the “Without Travel” option?
Choosing “Without Travel” all the travel arrangements for your entire itinerary must be self-managed From getting to the start point, local transfers, and the return journey. Please note that Plan the Unplanned crew will not be responsible for your travel, means of transport, and any transfers involved . We recommend driving your own car for the full duration of the trip for maximum flexibility.
I’m travelling solo. Can I still join?
Absolutely. Our trips are designed keeping solo travellers in mind. You’ll join an easy-going group and usually leave with new friends.
Are your trips safe for women?
On all of our trips, safety is non-negotiable and our priority. Female outdoor leaders accompany every group. We assure you that the homestays/tent accommodations are secure. In addition to this, we guarantee separate sleeping arrangements for men and women.
If I miss the departure, can I postpone my booking?
Yes. You can reschedule to any future date of the same trip for a ₹1,500 per-person change fee. Email [email protected] and our team will get in touch with you.
How do I get a discount on trips?
For more information on discounts, we request you to check out our Gypsy Membership here: plantheunplanned.com/membership
Can I leave my extra luggage at the accommodation?
Yes, you can store your main bags at the accommodation and carry only your essentials on the trip.
What kind of fitness is required for your treks?
Most of our treks are beginner-friendly and designed for people with moderate fitness levels. However, some treks may involve challenging terrains or long durations. Please check the difficulty level mentioned on each trip page and ensure you’re prepared accordingly.
What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
Please note:
✅ We accept and confirm cancellations only over email — not via phone or WhatsApp.
✅ Refer to the Cancellation Policy under the relevant trip page for trip-specific details before making any changes.
✅ You can also reschedule your booking for a future date by paying a small change fee.
For assistance, write to us at [email protected] — we’re happy to help!
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