Bandaje Falls Trek from Bengaluru
Trek through the lush Western Ghats to Bandaje Falls, with forest trails, breathtaking waterfall views, historic fort ruins and scenic stops around Horanadu and Kalasa.
Escape the city and experience the raw beauty of the Western Ghats with Nomadller’s Tribe on the Bandaje Falls Trek! Located in the scenic Belthangady region of Karnataka, Bandaje Falls, also known as Bandaje Arbi, is a spectacular waterfall surrounded by dense forests, rugged mountain terrain and lush green landscapes. This adventure combines a challenging trek with cultural sightseeing and unforgettable natural scenery. Begin your journey with an overnight drive from Bengaluru towards the Western Ghats. Along the way, explore the peaceful Horanadu Temple, visit Soormane Falls and walk across the scenic Kalasa Hanging Bridge. The highlight of the trip is the Bandaje Falls trek. Set out early in the morning and make your way through forest trails, rocky terrain and steep sections as you approach the majestic waterfall. The surrounding landscapes offer beautiful views of the Western Ghats and the historic Ballalarayana Durga region. Enjoy the sound of cascading water, take photographs of the wilderness and spend time appreciating the natural beauty of the region before descending with your fellow trekkers. This trek is best suited to adventure enthusiasts and reasonably fit travellers who enjoy long walks, forest trails and physically demanding outdoor experiences. Trip highlights: Bandaje Falls, dense forest trails, panoramic mountain views, Horanadu Temple, Soormane Falls, Kalasa Hanging Bridge and a memorable group trekking experience. Location:Bandaje Falls, Belthangady, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. Trek distance: Approximately 14 km round trip; the route and turnaround point may affect the total. Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Duration: 2 Days / 2 Nights, including overnight travel from Bengaluru. Best time to visit: October to February is generally comfortable; check local weather and forest access before departure. Forest permits are required and subject to availability. Confirm the current permit process, fee and package arrangements with the authorised operator before departure. The trail involves steep and rugged sections, so wear proper footwear, have adequate fitness and follow your authorised trek guide's instructions.
Highlights
- Trek to the spectacular Bandaje Falls in the Western Ghats
- Approximately 14 km round-trip trekking adventure
- Explore lush forest trails and rugged mountain terrain
- Witness the impressive Bandaje Arbi waterfall
- Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Western Ghats
- Visit Horanadu Temple for a cultural experience
- Explore Soormane Falls and the Kalasa Hanging Bridge
- Experience an adventurous overnight road trip from Bengaluru
- Group trekking with experienced trek leaders
- Capture stunning waterfall and landscape photographs
How the trip runs
- DAY 0 — DEPARTURE FROM BENGALURU
- 10:00 PM: Pickup at Banashankari Bus Stop
- 10:15 PM: Pickup at BTM Layout
- 10:30 PM: Pickup at Silk Board
- 10:45 PM: Pickup at Bellandur
- 11:00 PM: Pickup at Marathahalli
- 11:30 PM: Pickup at Tin Factory
- 11:50 PM: Pickup at Indiranagar
- 12:00 AM: Pickup at Halasuru
- 12:10 AM: Pickup at MG Road
- 12:30 AM: Pickup at Mekhri Circle
- 12:40 AM: Pickup at Yeshwanthpur
- 12:50 AM: Pickup at Goraguntepalya
- Overnight journey towards the Western Ghats
- DAY 1 — HORANADU, SOORMANE FALLS & KALASA
- 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Arrive at the homestay and check in
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Freshen up and have breakfast
- 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Visit Horanadu Temple and explore the surrounding area
- Lunch: Self-sponsored, at a nearby restaurant or through temple prasadam where available
- 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Visit Soormane Falls
- Note: Local jeep transportation is self-sponsored
- 5:30 PM: Visit the Kalasa Hanging Bridge
- 7:00 PM: Return to the homestay, have dinner and rest
- DAY 2 — BANDAJE FALLS TREK
- 5:30 AM: Wake-up call
- 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Freshen up, have breakfast and collect packed lunch
- Note: Forest permits are mandatory, subject to availability and may involve an additional fee. Confirm the current permit process and fee with the authorised operator before departure.
- 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Transfer to the Bandaje Falls trek starting point
- 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Trek through forest terrain towards Bandaje Falls
- 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Have packed lunch
- 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Descend towards the basecamp
- 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Return to the homestay for tea and snacks
- 8:00 PM: Begin the return journey to Bengaluru
- Around 5:30 AM the following morning: Arrive in Bengaluru and drop off at the original pickup points
- IMPORTANT: Pickup and arrival timings are approximate. Traffic, weather, forest access, permits and the group's pace may affect the itinerary. The trek route and forest entry must be confirmed with the authorised local operator.
Included
- Round-trip transportation from Bengaluru in a non-AC vehicle
- Shared dormitory accommodation
- Two breakfasts
- One dinner
- One packed lunch on the trek day
- Trek leaders from the organising team
- Basic first-aid kit
Not included
- Mandatory forest entry permits . Costs 505 rupees.
- Soormane Falls jeep ride
- Lunch on Day 1
- Sightseeing entry charges, if applicable
- Personal expenses
- Snacks, bottled water and beverages
- Travel, medical or personal accident insurance
- Personal medication
- Any service not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Pack this
- Photocopy of Aadhaar card or voter ID for forest permit requirements
- Small backpack for trekking essentials
- 1–2 litres of drinking water, with additional water if advised by the guide
- Lunch box and spoon if required for packed lunch
- Raincoat or poncho
- Backpack rain cover
- Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip
- Extra pair of socks
- Flip-flops for the homestay
- Torch or headlamp with sufficient battery
- Power bank or portable charger
- Extra set of clothes
- Polybags or waterproof bags for wet clothes
- Energy bars and light snacks
- Chocolates and dry fruits
- Tissues and personal hygiene essentials
- Personal medication
- Cash for lunch, local jeep transfers and personal expenses
