Location: India>Karnata>Dakshin Kanada

Nearest Towns:
Distances:

Route: Bangalore-Hassan-Dharmasthala-Ujire-Bandaaje Falls-Ballalarayana Durga-Sunkasale-Mudigere-Bangalore

Camping Sites: One can camp at the summit during summer.

Trek Length:
Mundajje to Bandajje Falls: 14 Km (Approx).
Bandajje Falls to Ballalarayana Durga: 11 Km (Approx)

Difficulty Level: Difficult.

Best Time To Visit: Mid-November to May
Worst Time To Visit: June to October.Lots of leeches, slippery rocks which makes crossing streams difficult.

Summary:
Bandajje falls: Bandajje falls is near Bandajje village is one of the most beautiful falls in Charmadi ranges falling from a height of 200 feet and can be reached from Dharmasthala via Ujire and Mundajje. The trek uphill is surely a uphill task especially during the summer. There is not much space at the top of the falls. Only 4 tents could be pitched. Also, be prepared for leeches with snuff powder as well as sprays because they will be with you through the first half of first day of trek, till you reach the grasslands (5 hours of leech therapy).

Ballalarayana Durga: Ballalarayana Durga, is a secluded fort atop a mighty peak in the dense jungles of Western Ghats. All that remains of the fort are it's dilapidated traces, but the lush green forests with the steep slopes surrounding the fort gives it the aura of mystery and a sinister charm.

Alekan falls: After finishing the trek, you have to reach Kottigehara town to take public transport. If you feel drenched in sweat and need a nice bath, you might consider Alekhan falls which is just 3 km from Kottigehara town. Its a very stee descent from the road side, but its worth a visit. This falls is about 18 km from Charmadi in Charmadi ghats. Alekan falls is situated on the way to Kottigehara from Charmadi. This place is just next to the road before 4 km from Kottigehara. This water falls is just next to a small bus stop by name 'alekan horatti'.

Trek Route:
1. From Ujjre, take jeep to Bandajje village. Often drivers go only till Idya village which is 3 km before Bandaje.
2. Go to Narayan Gowda’s house. He can serve you breakfast at a charge and you can freshen up there.
3. Follow the trail to Babu Naik's house.
4. From there, you will find two trials and you need to pick the right one which is quite clear and starts ascending. This will take you out of the forest and ends at the grasslands after approximately 4 hours of trekking.
5. There are no trials here in the grasslands so here be at the extreme left and start ascending the peak you need to reach the upstream of the falls.
6. You will get a walled structure at the end of the grassland just before the forest which can serve as camping spot.
7. From the walled structure (camping spot) one needs to go right in the East direction (away from the falls) descending a bit and after few yards cross a small compound like wall and now start ascending along the wall towards the forest in the North direction here one can see a stone pyramid structure which is a district boundary marked by the forest department. To the left of the stone pyramid there is a trial that goes into the forest and crosses the upstream.
8. After crossing the upstream there are two trails left one goes to the falls and the right one goes to the fort.
9. A 15 minute walk towards the fort, you will get small stream which joins the upstream of the falls.
10. After the stream, there is one more small compound like wall that runs perpendicularly till the ridge of the hill. Continue ascending in the valley till it ends and now take left (parallel to the wall) and climb the steep ascent to reach the ridge. Once you are there you will be able to see the trial and this trial will take u to the fort which is also seen from here.
11. You will get a about the Y fork in the trail. From there, the fort is 5 minutes straight climb.



Important Phone Numbers: Narayan Gowda's house at Bandaje can offer you breakfast and guide.