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Bandaje Trek 06/02/09 to 09/02/09
Trek Length: 10-15 km round trip, depending on the starting point and specific routes taken.
Difficulty: The trek is moderately difficult, primarily due to steep ascents, particularly under the sun, and potentially muddy or slippery paths near the waterfall. The initial stretch involves uphill climbing, followed by a walk across grasslands.
Route from Bangalore:
Bus: The most common route is by overnight bus from Bangalore to Dharmasthala. From Dharmasthala, take another local bus to Ujire.
Local Transport: From Ujire, local jeeps or auto-rickshaws can take you to Bandaje village, which is the starting point for the trek.
Waypoints & Key Features:
Bandaje Village: The base village where trekkers usually leave their heavy backpacks.
Stream & Lunch Point: An early stopping point for refreshment and a meal before the main ascent.
Grasslands: Vast open stretches offering panoramic views. Keep an eye out for wildlife.
Bandaje Arbi Falls: The majestic, powerful waterfall is the main highlight. The path leading down to it can be tricky when wet.
Campsite: Located near the falls, offering a perfect spot for an overnight stay with access to a stream.
Kote: A point of interest on Day 2, often involving walks across open, grassy mountains.
Temple: A stop on the descent, providing water and a chance for a brief rest.
Sunsaale: A village marking the end of the descent, connecting to Hornadu.
Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon (September to February) is generally ideal, as the waterfall will be in full flow, and the weather will be pleasant for trekking. Summers can be very hot, making the steep climbs more challenging.
Guides: While experienced trekkers might attempt it solo, it's highly recommended for new trekkers to go with an organized group or hire a local guide, especially for navigating the initial paths and ensuring safety around the falls.
Permits: Check with local forest department authorities or your trekking organizer regarding any necessary permits, as rules can change.
On the way back to Bangalore from Hornadu
On the way back to Bangalore from Hornadu
My first trek with KMA (Karnataka Mountaineering Association) kicked off shortly after becoming a life member. It was a classic last-minute packing spree on a Friday evening, but by 9:00 PM, I was at the bus stand, ready for our 10:00 PM departure from Bangalore. I quickly introduced myself to Pranav and Mr. Pradeep, then Srikanth joined us.
The night journey was smooth, and we arrived in Dharmasthala by 5:45 AM, thankfully bypassing any ghat traffic. We swiftly transferred to another bus, reaching Ujire around 6:15 AM. From there, a short jeep ride took us to Bandaje village. We dropped our bags at a local village home and headed to a nearby dam for a refreshing start to the day. Breakfast at a local hotel followed, where I tried a uniquely sweet Upma.
By 9:40 AM, after distributing our rations and a brief introduction, our trek officially began. We hit our first rest stop at 10:15 AM, followed by another at 10:30 AM after a steep climb. Our first major break was by a stream around 11:10 AM, where we enjoyed our packed lunch. I even took a refreshing dip in the stream and refilled my water bottles before we pressed on towards the vast grasslands by 1:30 PM. Spotting a snake added a touch of wildlife to our journey, and we cooled off with some refreshing cucumber before continuing.
The real challenge began at 2:30 PM as we set out for Bandaje Arbi waterfall, our main destination. The ascent was brutally steep under the hot sun, demanding frequent breaks in any available shade. I finally reached the summit by 3:50 PM, with the muddy path to the falls proving quite tricky. By 4:00 PM, I was standing right at the magnificent falls.
Naturally, I dove straight in! The powerful, icy cold water was incredibly invigorating, feeling like an electric shock with every drop. After a blissful dip and some photos, we headed to our campsite, just 10-15 minutes away. Srikanth and Mr. Pradeep guided us to a precarious cliff edge, offering breathtaking views of the falls from above around 4:50 PM. We reached camp by 6:00 PM and immediately began collecting wood for our campfire and dinner.
Dinner, served around 8:00 PM, was delicious lemon rice and semiya payasam, all thanks to our excellent cooks. By 8:30 PM, we had unrolled our sleeping mats on a flat grassy patch, ready for a well-deserved rest under the open sky.
Day 2 started at 6:45 AM with scenic photography and quick packing by 7:15 AM. Tejesh suggested a bath at a smaller waterfall downstream from our main falls. Despite having bathed the day before, I couldn't resist the allure of the water and joined Mr. Pradeep, Anil, Bonda, and Pranav at 8:00 AM. It was an instant decision, and I didn't regret a moment of that refreshing dip; I even managed some meditation in the water!
Tejesh and I then hurried to the main Bandaje Arbi falls to catch the morning sun on the mountains. It was a truly magnificent sight, making our slightly late return to camp for breakfast at 9:35 AM entirely worth it.
After breakfast, we set off at 10:00 AM towards "Kote," a trek that involved both uphill climbs and level walks across open grasslands. We reached Kote by 12:05 PM, took more photos, and rested before starting our descent at 1:15 PM. The path down to the temple wound through coffee estates, transitioning from stony and muddy trails to a "kutcha" (unpaved) road. We halted at the temple around 2:00 PM, where Srikanth magically transformed our remaining provisions into a delicious meal. After eating and, controversially, refilling our bottles from the temple well, we set off for Sunsaale at 3:45 PM.
This final leg of the trek involved more unpaved roads leading to a long stretch of "pukka" (tarred) road. We reached the main road exactly at 5:00 PM, waiting for the rest of the group. By 5:40 PM, we were all together and at the bus stop by 5:45 PM. After some tea, coffee, and coconut water, we caught our 6:00 PM bus to Hornadu. Kuunya departed for his village from there. We arrived in Hornadu around 8:00 PM, visited the temple for darshan, and had dinner before boarding our 9:20 PM bus back to Bangalore. The night journey was chilly, but we reached Bangalore by 5:40 AM on Monday, and I was home by 5:50 AM, ready for college by 7:10 AM after a quick bath and breakfast.
On the way to Bandaje falls - Morning of Day 2 after a quick bath in the falls.
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