Lost in the Mist: An Adventure to Bandaje Falls

Situated in unexplored regions of the Western Ghats, Bandaje Falls is a far-off cascade situated near Kudremukh National Park in the state of Karnataka, India. It is renowned for its mystical majesty, natural beauty, and boulder-scattered trekking trail. Bandaje Falls, therefore, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure lovers. Falling from a height of nearly 200 feet, the falls create a stunning view amidst dense forests and rolling hills. The roar of the water plunging into the valley below, and the birdsong, make it a destination that will be remembered forever by the thrill seekers. Reaching Bandaje Falls itself is an adventure. The waterfalls can be reached by a trek from Sunkasale or Mundaje village, depending on the route. The trek subjects the tourists to forest, grassland, and rock, in a mix of tough and scenic experiences. The roughly 12–15 km one-way trek is of medium grade and requires good physical fitness. Trekkers are blessed with beautiful landscapes, heavy vegetation and wildlife, and the ruins of Bandaje Fort, giving a touch of history to the trek during the trek.

The second advantage of the Bandaje trek is that the trek is multi-biodiverse. The place has dense fauna like deer, boars, and birds. There are shades by the forest cover, and hills by the grasslands, which give breathtaking views of the hills that are breathtaking. The whole scenery gets painted with green sea during post-monsoon and monsoon, and therefore, the most suitable time to visit is during these periods. Trekking is not safe with slippery paths and leeches because of excessive rain, and thus, booking is required. Groups of trekkers and campers have a good time camping close to the falls, playing in the chilly water and experiencing spray. Swimming is not recommended due to the strong currents, but the bottom pool of the falls is a fine place to sit and relax and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Since Falls is not on a tourist trekking trail, there is no shop or facility nearby, and it is therefore important that the trekkers take enough water, food, and other essentials with them.

History of Bandaje Falls

Bandaje Falls, tucked away in the uncharted Western Ghats of Karnataka, is a secret treasure filled with history and culture. The beautiful waterfall cascades from a height of approximately 200 feet through thick forests and rolling hills. Nestled close to ancient Ballalarayana Durga Fort, Bandaje Falls is filled with a history interwoven with the medieval history of the area. Falls traces its origins to the Hoysala dynasty that governed Karnataka between the 10th and 14th centuries. Hoysalas constructed the nearby Ballalarayana Durga Fort, a defence fort of military fortification in case of invading forces. The fort has been assumed to be an outpost that defended the kingdom and the extensive Western Ghats. As the fort deteriorated over the centuries, nature gradually reclaimed it, and the few ruins that are left today still draw history buffs and trekkers in equal numbers. The falls themselves are named after the village of Bandaje, at the foot of the trek. The local legend talks of sages and hermits who would sit in meditation in the peaceful forests around the falls. Some of these myths also add that the falls were a ritual location where ancient rituals were performed. Falls was also a part of the tribal culture of the region over time, with local societies holding it as spiritually and naturally significant.

In colonial times, the Western Ghats where Falls lies had been visited by British officers and adventurers. The very dense green foliage and abundant water sources created a welcoming place for British officers to visit the country and make use of its natural resources to their benefit. But because it was inaccessible, Falls remained least disturbed and did not lose its natural beauty. A trekking spot now, Bandaje Falls gets adventure tourists from all over India today. The trek to the falls is a scenic but challenging one through dense woods, grasslands, and boulder-strewn trails. Ballalarayana Durga Fort lies on the trekking path, and the trek offers some history, and the trekkers catch a glimpse of the great history of this area. Even though it is gaining popularity, Bandaje Falls is an obscure attraction. It is a representation of Karnataka's rich heritage, where history, nature, and adventure come together in one intriguing experience.

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Nearby places

1. Ballalarayana Durga Fort: The ancient Hoysala period fort is situated on the trek route to Bandaje Falls. Vandalized nowadays, it remains the paradise for all students of photography and history with a sequence of breathtaking Western Ghats' landscapes.

2. Kudremukh National Park: A biodiversity hot spot and world heritage site according to UNESCO, Kudremukh National Park has a forest, a waterfall, and wild beauty. Climbing the Kudremukh Peak remains the ultimate wish on every adventurer's wish list left unsaid.

3. Charmadi Ghat: Charmadi Ghat is a Western Ghat hill pass characterised by ghat roads and rolling greens that offer scopic views of surrounding villages. Photo and drive adventure paradise.

4. Belthangady: This village, close to Falls, is renowned for spiritual sites and heritage sites, one of them being the Sri Manjunatha Temple of Dharmasthala.

5. Ujire: The village close to the falls, Ujire, is where most of the treks taking place there originated, such as Falls and Ballalarayana Durga. Sri Janardhana Swamy Temple is also available there.

6. Hanuman Gundi Falls: Hanuman Gundi Falls is midway between Kudremukh National Park and a picturesque waterfall where you will be sure to frolic in the natural pool at the base.

7. Kalasa: Kalasa is temple town and well-known because of ancient Shiva temple of Kalaseshvara Temple. It is also located in middle of coffee plantations and beauty of Western Ghats.

8. Sringeri: Spiritually and culturally significant, Sringeri is famous for ancient Sharada Peetham and Vidyashankara Temple. It's peaceful oasis perfectly suited for nature enthusiasts to retreat and relax in and take a stroll along heritage walks. 

9. Agumbe: Famous as the "Cherrapunji of the South," Agumbe is famous for stunning sunsets, trekking trails, and King Cobra research center. It's nature lovers and wildlife watchers' heaven.

How to Reach Bandaje Falls

Falls is situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, near the town of Ujire of the Dakshina Kannada district. Road journeys and trekking must be undertaken to reach the falls. The following can be adopted to reach the falls:

1. By Airport

   The closest airport is Mangalore International Airport (IXE) 110 km from the base. From there, you can go by bus or taxi to Ujire or Dharamsthala, closest towns where you would begin trekking.

2. By Train

   Closest railway head is Mangalore Junction (MAJN), 100 km. From Mangalore, by bus or taxi to Ujire or Sunkasale (as convenient to you depending on the route you would be trekking).

3. By Road

   • From Bangalore (300 km) – Via NH75 through Hassan → Belur → Mudigere → Sunkasale.

   • From Mangalore (100 km) – Via NH73 through Bantwal → Belthangady → Ujire.

   • By road: Chikmagalur (80 km) - Mudigere road to Sunkasale.

Local Cuisine Around Bandaje Falls

• Neer Dosa: It is a lacey, thin, and light rice pancake that is eaten with coconut chutney, sambar, or chicken curry. It is the pride of Mangalore and is liked by trekkers.

• Kotte Kadubu: A conventional idli-type dish prepared from fermented rice batter and steamed in jackfruit leaves, and possesses a unique taste and aroma.

• Pathrode: Spicy dish prepared with colocasia (arbi) leaves spread with rice and spice paste and shallow-fried or steam-cooked. It's a Malnad delicacy loaded with flavour.

• Mangalore Buns: Soft and sweet banana purisare fried to prepare them, and served normally with coconut chutney. Delicious snack after a long trek.

• Chicken Sukka: A spicy and hot dry chicken dish made with coconut and home spices. Serve most enjoyably with neer dosa or rice.

• Akki Roti: Special Malnad flat rice bread to be consumed with coconut chutney or hot curries.

• Kane Rava Fry: One of the popular seafish recipes, preparation is such that ladyfish (kane) is marinated in spices, besprinkled with semolina (rava), and shallow fried till crispy golden brown.

• Pundi (Rice Dumplings): Steamed soft rice dumplings served with hot, spicy chutney or curry, typically for breakfast or lunch.

• Kori Rotti: Chicken coconut curry with hot chillies served with the crispy rice wafers known as "rotti." One of the favourite dishes of the locals in the Udupi-Mangalore area.

• Filter Coffee: A staple of any Malnad town, strong, pungent South Indian filter coffee is exactly what a weary trekkie needs to revive himself.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Bandaje Falls trek from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.