Bandaje Falls Trek

About this place

Embark on an exhilarating 2-day monsoon and winter trekking expedition to Bandaje Falls (also known as Bandaje Arbi) with Bharat Trotters. Tucked away in the pristine charm of the Charmadi Ghats in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, this moderate-to-challenging trek combines dense rainforests, rolling shola grasslands, historical ruins, and cascading water bodies. Perched at an elevation in the Western Ghats, the Bandaje Arbi waterfall plunges down a sheer cliff of nearly 700 meters into a lush green gorge below. Your journey with Bharat Trotters takes you from the bustling streets of Bangalore straight into the heart of nature. Along the trail, you’ll explore the historic Ballalarayana Durga Fort, a 12th-century stone citadel built by the Hoysala Empire, offering panoramic views of the Netravathi river valley. Whether you're an avid trekker seeking rugged Western Ghats terrain or a weekend traveler looking to disconnect, Bharat Trotters ensures a seamless, safe, and unforgettable outdoor experience with verified local homestays, expert trek leads, guided permits, and warm campfires.

Quick overview

Trip essentials

Tour TypeTwo Day Hike

LocationBelthangady, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka⁠

Difficultymoderate-to-difficult

Distance12 km

Highlights

What makes this trip special

700m Cascading Waterfall: Experience the sheer cliff-drop views of Bandaje Arbi plunging into the valley below.
Historical Exploration: Trek through the ancient 12th-century Hoysala stone ruins of Ballalarayana Durga Fort.
Lush Rainforests & Shola Grasslands: Journey through dense forest canopy trails, natural tree tunnels, and ridge walks.
Side Visits Included: Visit the picturesque Samse Tea Estate, Kodage Waterfall, and the historic Belur Temple.
Comfortable Homestay Stay: Relax at an authentic Malnad homestay with traditional meals and evening campfire sessions.
Hassle-Free Logistics: Round-trip transport from Bangalore, forest permits, professional trek leaders, and guided security included.

Please note

Important notes

Forest Department Permits: Bandaje Falls is an eco-sensitive zone regulated by the Karnataka Forest Department. Trek permissions are managed by Bharat Trotters, but entry is subject to daily forest rules.
Leech Protection: During monsoon and post-monsoon months, leeches are common along the trail. Carry leech socks, salt, or neem oil for protection.
Network Connectivity: Mobile network coverage (Airtel/Jio) will be minimal to non-existent once you enter the forest trail and homestay region.
Atmospheric Conditions: The weather in the Western Ghats can change rapidly from bright sunshine to dense fog or sudden downpours. Always keep your rain gear handy.

Plan

Itinerary

8 steps

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Day 0: Late Night Pick-up from Bangalore

Board our comfortable vehicle from your designated pick-up location in Bangalore. Meet your fellow Bharat Trotters adventurers and trek coordinators as we head towards the mist-covered Charmadi Ghats region.

06:30 AM - 08:30 AM

Day 1: Arrival & Base Homestay Check-in

Reach the scenic homestay base. Freshen up, enjoy a hot authentic breakfast, complete gear check, and receive a safety briefing from your Bharat Trotters trek leads.

09:30 AM - 01:30 PM

Day 1: Begin Bandaje Falls & Fort Trek

Start ascending through lush rainforests, dense tree canopy tunnels, and shola grasslands toward Ballalarayana Durga Fort and Bandaje Falls.

01:30 PM - 02:30 PM

Day 1: Reach Peak, Waterfalls & Packed Lunch Stop

Reach the waterfall summit and ancient fort ruins. Relax, unwind, and enjoy your packed lunch while taking in panoramic views of the 700m drop cascading into the valley. Capture stunning photos from the top.

02:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Day 1: Descent to Base & Evening Campfire

Begin descending back to the base camp. Reach the homestay by late afternoon for hot evening tea and snacks. Gather around the cozy campfire for dinner, games, and sharing stories under the night sky.

07:30 AM - 09:30 AM

Day 2: Morning Morning Wake-Up & Checkout

Wake up to the fresh mountain air, enjoy a hearty local breakfast, pack your bags, and check out from the homestay.

10:30 AM - 01:30 PM

Day 2: Tea Estates, Waterfalls & Heritage Sightseeing

Explore the scenic Samse Tea Estate, visit the refreshing Kodage Waterfall, and explore the ancient architectural marvels of Belur Temple.

01:30 PM - 09:30 PM

Day 2: Lunch Stop & Return to Bangalore

Stop at a highway restaurant for lunch (self-sponsored) and begin the journey back. Reach Bangalore by late evening with unforgettable memories.

Tickets

Ticket options

Full Tour Package (With Transport)

4499

Per person

Includes round-trip Bangalore transport
Stay
Forest permits
Meals
Guides
Sightseeing

Trip details

Inclusions & exclusions

Included in your trip

What you get

Transportation: AC / Non-AC Tempo Traveller or Mini Bus (Bangalore to Bangalore).
Accommodation: Homestay / Dormitory accommodation on a sharing basis (separate arrangements for men and women).
Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Packed Lunch (for the trek), 1 Dinner, and evening Tea & Snacks.
Permits & Fees: Forest department entry fees, trekking permits, and guide charges.
Sightseeing: Visits to Samse Tea Estate, Kodage Waterfall, and Belur Temple.
Safety & Support: Professional Bharat Trotters T

Plan separately

Not included

Day 2 lunch during the return journey (self-sponsored at a highway restaurant).
Personal expenses, bottled mineral water, extra beverages, or soft drinks.
Anything not explicitly mentioned under the "Inclusions" section.

Before you go

Pickup & trip preparation

Meeting points

Pickup locations

1Majestic: Shantala Silks & Sarees (Opp. Majestic Bus Stand) – 07:00 PM
2Rajajinagar: Navrang Theatre Bus Stop (Opp. Sagar Hotel) – 07:30 PM
3Yeshwanthpur: Yeshwanthpur Metro Station (Towards Tumkur Road) – 08:00 PM
4Gorguntepalya: People Tree Hospitals Bus Stop – 08:15 PM
5(Note: Dropping points in Bangalore will be the same as the pickup locations on return).

Packing checklist

Things to carry

Backpack: Waterproof 20–30L daypack with a rain cover.
Footwear: Trekking shoes with deep lug grip and water-draining fabric.
Clothing: 2 pairs of quick-dry synthetic clothing, warm jacket/fleece for cold nights, rain poncho/raincoat.
Hydration & Snacks: Minimum 2 liters of reusable water bottles, energy bars, dry fruits, ORS/Glucon-D.
Personal Essentials: Torch/Headlamp with extra batteries, personal medication, sanitizers, mosquito repellent.
Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrus

Policy

Booking and cancellation

Terms & Conditions↬ Age Limit & Fitness: Minimum age requirement is 12 years. Participants must possess basic physical fitness to endure a 12 km moderate-to-difficult trek.

↬ ID Proof: Government-issued photo identification (Aadhaar Card, Driving License, or Passport) is mandatory for verification at forest checkpoints.

↬ Luggage & Belongings: Participants are solely responsible for their personal gear, cash, and valuables. Bharat Trotters is not liable for loss or damage to personal items during the trip.

↬ Environmental Responsibility: We strictly follow a Zero Littering Policy. Plastic waste, wrappers, or bottles must be packed back with you.

↬ Substance Policy: Consumption of alcohol, narcotics, or smoking during the trek is strictly prohibited to ensure participant safety and respect for local forest regulations.

↬ Itinerary Adjustments: Bharat Trotters reserves the right to alter the route or timing due to extreme weather conditions, landslides, heavy rainfall, or forest department restrictions.

Cancellation Policy↬ Standard Policy: Once booked, tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-reschedulable.

↬ Event Day & On-Site Cancellations: No refunds, rescheduling, or partial returns will be granted if a participant cancels on the day of departure or fails to show up at the designated pickup point.

↬ Force Majeure: If the trek is canceled by Bharat Trotters due to natural calamities, severe weather alerts, or official forest department bans, a credit voucher for future treks will be issued.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Is the Bandaje Falls Trek suitable for beginners?

A: Yes! While the trek covers around 12 km round-trip and is rated moderate-to-difficult, beginners with good basic stamina can easily complete it with the help of Bharat Trotters trek captains and local guides.

Q2: What is the best time of year to visit Bandaje Falls?

A: The best months are from June to February. The monsoon months (June–September) feature roaring waterfalls and lush greenery, while post-monsoon and winter months (October–February) bring mist-capped mountains and pleasant trekking weather.

Q3: Are forest entry permits required for Bandaje Falls?

A: Yes, Bandaje Arbi falls under protected forest reserve areas. When you book with Bharat Trotters, all necessary forest permissions, entry tickets, and environmental clearances are included in your package.

Q4: How far is Bandaje Falls from Bangalore?

A: The starting base of Bandaje Falls in Dakshina Kannada / Chikmagalur border is approximately 308 km from Bangalore, taking around 6 to 7 hours of road travel.

Q5: Are leeches present on the trail?

A: During the monsoon and immediate post-monsoon season, leeches are common in the dense rainforest sections. We recommend wearing thick socks, leech socks, and carrying salt or anti-leech sprays.

Q6: What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?

A: Accommodation is provided in a clean, hygienic Malnad homestay or dormitory on a sharing basis, with separate room arrangements for male and female travelers.

Route