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Bandaje Falls & Ballalarayana Durga Fort Trek
- Teamparikrama
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
Bandaje Falls & Ballalarayana Durga Fort Trek: A Trekker's Dream with Team Parikrama!
We at Team Parikrama prefer things a little differently. Where other trekkers would prefer to camp at Sunksale, our adventure starts a step higher up -- literally -- at Maidadi View Point, where we wake up to misty mountains and the first golden hues of dawn caressing the Western Ghats. It's not a sleeping place, it's an experience in itself.
We drive through the night from Bangalore and arrive at Maidadi on Saturday early morning. We witness the view at 6:00 AM. Having time to spare, we have a hearty mainland breakfast, prepare our lunches from the homestay, and prepare ourselves to tackle the grand adventure — Ballalarayana Durga to Bandaje Falls Trek.
Why Bandaje? Why Now?
Hidden deep in Chikmagalur's lush forests is one of Karnataka's best-kept secrets — Bandaje Arbi Falls. "Arbi" means waterfall in Kannada. This 200+ foot waterfall is as wild and powerful as nature gets. The climb there is no cakewalk, but the payoff? Pure magic. From misty meadows to dense Shola woods, butterfly trails to rolling wind tunnels, this is a climb that stirs all the senses.
Fact: The falls run as a tributary of the Netravathi River. In the monsoons, the water overflows with such intensity that it appears as milk over rocks. In autumn, it flows smoothly. Either of the two will be worth every step.
Permits & Planning
Trekkers, listen up — a forest permit is necessary. A maximum of 300 people a day are permitted, and booking of permits must be made two days in advance from [Aranya Vihara's official website] (https://aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in).
It's not a walk in the park. It's crucial to travel with an experienced organiser and a knowledgeable guide. We've seen other people take the wrong turn, and we have taken a wrong turn too, which only led us to the fort, but anywhere else would leave us worried. That's where we're here for — to guide, support, and ensure your experience is memorable and secure.
The Trek: A Tale of Two Trails
The Ballalarayana Durga - Bandaje Arbi trek is a beautiful mix of two treks. You begin at Rani Jhari, a scenic cliff where there is a legend of the fatal fall of a queen. We then go to the ruins of Ballalarayana Durga Fort, built by Hoysala King Veera Ballala I, and then trek down from the grasslands and forests to Bandaje Falls.
"It's like purchasing a map of India and you get Sri Lanka thrown in," I joke on our hike — the fort is included with the waterfalls!
Forest, Fort, Falls — All in a Day
The first forest path is brief but full of life — old trees, to our interest, we found a lamp-shaped seeds/fruits, tweeting birds, and even an elusive sambar deer our friends who walked ahead of us also noticed a Sambar Deer grazing in the open grass lands, excited with the view they shouted to reach us leaving the sambar stunded and run to cover, so keep an eye out in the wild while you trek here, If you're fortunate. Monsoons here are a dream come true; the earthy scent is vibrant, the leaves sparkle, and the mist weaves and vanishes.
As we ascend higher, the Shola grasslands spread out like an opened-up secret garden, covered in green and drifted with clouds. It's nature's way of thanking you for your effort, with breathtaking views, quite literally.
The fort, which is in ruins, gives you stunning views of the Western Ghats and the trail that you have just conquered. It's a great place to rest before descending nearly 1,300 feet to the waterfalls.
The Snout of the Falls — A Moment That Persists
You don't see the waterfall until you're almost there. And then, when you do, your heart races. The first sight of water dropping 200 feet is a sensation — excitement, wonder, and some fear.
> Tip: Always keep back from the edge and enter in pairs if you're looking from the snout — one wild spirit at a time is enough!
This is where we take our lunch break, by soaking our feet in the cold water, hearts full, and empty minds, in the best of ways. We place our lunch in reusable boxes and never leave behind our trash. That's a Team Parikrama Promise.
The Return Journey: The Long Walk Back
The hike back down is the same trail, but backwards. Yes, it's exhausting. Yes, it's lengthy. But every step is filled with a view, conversation, laughter, and that feeling of "I did this". It's hard, but it's worth the effort.
> Reality Check: You have to trek 1,300 feet down to view the falls, and you'll need to hike back up again. But ask anyone who's been — it's always well worth it.
Day 2: The Unwind
After a good night's rest and a good breakfast at our homestay, we left on our return journey. But we are not in a hurry.
We make a stop at Deveramane View Point, a serene, small area to pause and get an extra dose of greenery. Lunch on our own at Belur, and time spent visiting the magnificent Belur Temple — a gem of Hoysala architecture.
We return to the city of Bangalore at 10:00 PM, tired, satisfied, and happy.
Optimum Time to Trek
Monsoon lovers (June–August): Greenery, cloud walks, and leech stories.
Pleasant trek (Sept–Dec): Clear views, good water flow, fewer bugs.
Winter option (Jan–Feb): Ideal for beginners and photographers.
Don't spend summers: Hot, dry, and the falls are typically dry too, so join us on our Gokarna Trail
A Few Last Thoughts: We don't just lead treks at Team Parikrama. We share stories with listeners, unlock secrets, and be friends with the wild. Bandaje Falls isn't a place — it's an experience. It humbles you, excites you, and makes you see nature differently. And we're here to walk that path with you. So pack your bags, tie your trekking shoes, and let's go on a trek at a time to experience the magic of the Ghats. DM us to book your seat for our next monsoon trip. Let's create memories With love, Team Parikrama!
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