Here’s a comprehensive guide to Bandaje Arbi Falls (commonly known as Bandaje Falls), a rewarding yet challenging waterfall trek located in the Charmadi Ghat region of Karnataka:
📍 Location & Overview
- Nestled in Charmadi Ghat, within Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, Bandaje Arbi Falls plunges approximately 200 ft (≈ 60 m) into a lush valley.
- The name “Arbi” in Tulu language translates to “falls”.
- Fed by a tributary of the Netravathi River, the waterfall flows only when water is sufficient—typically drying up in summer months.
🥾 Trek Routes & Trail Overview
Route 1: Ujire → Bandaje Village → Falls → Ballalarayana Durga → Base
- Start at Ujire, then travel by jeep (~15 km) to Bandaje village or Valambra, the forest entry point.
- Trek ~9 km through dense forest (with leeches and tricky terrain), followed by grasslands, and arrive at the falls—about 15 km round trip, taking 7–8 hours total.
- Optionally continue ~6 km to Ballalarayana Durga Fort, then descend to Durgadahalli (~4 km) to complete loop trek (~20 km total).
Route 2: Sunkasale → Durgadahalli → Fort → Falls → Bandaje Village
- Starts from Sunkasale (Durgadahalli side), climbs to Fort, then to the falls, and ends at Bandaje village (~20 km total).
- Often preferred in monsoon/post-monsoon for better water flow.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| November–May | Ideal—cool weather, dry trails |
| Monsoon (Jun–Sep) | Trails become slippery; guide required, but falls are at peak flow |
Entry requires prior permission from Belthangady Wildlife Range in Kudremukh National Park, and trekking must be done with a local guide due to confusing forest paths.
⚠️ Difficulty & Precautions
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard. Steep ascents of ~75–80° at parts, rocky terrain, and grassland sections with loose soil.
- Some hukers report it as a 20 km round trip, taking ~8 hours including breaks.
- Terrain: Shola forests, leech-infested local trails, grasslands and exposed ridges.
Travelers on Reddit note:
“You hike 2 km uphill, then across valleys, and descend to the waterfall”—the return is especially slippery and exhausting.
Another user: “It’s a beautiful trek… ascent back is quite steep… lots of loose rocks to navigate”.
✅ Why It’s Worth It
- Panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats, with misty ridges and lush greenery surrounding the waterfall identify it as a trekker’s delight.
- Secluded and offbeat route—far from crowds, offering a raw nature experience.
- Some sections offer camping near the falls, though permissions and planning are essential.
🎒 Essential Preparation Checklist
- Trekking shoes, hiking stick, long sleeves/pants (leeches).
- Water, snacks (no shops on trail).
- Rain protection if trekking around monsoon.
- Carry salt or sanitiser to remove leeches.
- Mobile coverage limited—only Airtel seems reliable around base area.
- Respect nature: carry back all trash, avoid trail erosion, don’t camp in prohibited areas.
🚗 How to Reach
- Reach Ujire via Mangalore (≈25 km) by road or rail.
- From Ujire, take a jeep or hire a guide to the trailhead village (e.g. Bandaje or Valambra).
- As per Reddit: “Take KSRTC bus to Dharmasthala → Ujire → rickshaw/jeep to trailhead. Trek is about 14 km one way”.
🧭 Itinerary Sample
Option A: Day Trek (Ujire Loop)
- Morning: Ujire → Bandaje village → forest trek.
- Late morning: Cross grasslands → reach falls by noon.
- Early afternoon: Return via same trail (~8 hrs total).
Option B: Circuit Trek (Fort and Falls)
- Early morning: Base → climb to Ballalarayana Durga Fort.
- Midday: Trek to falls, relax, then descend to Durgadahalli.
- Evening: Jeep or transport back to Ujire or Dharmasthala (~20 km trek with 3–4 hrs descent).
Bandaje Arbi Falls is a hidden gem nestled in Charmadi Ghat—best suited for trekkers seeking adventure, solitude, and raw scenic beauty. It demands planning, permission, guiding, and respect for nature, but rewards with breathtaking views and a one‑of‑a‑kind experience in the Western Ghats.