Bandaje Falls Trek: Chasing Waterfalls and Wild Trails in the Western Ghats

There are treks that take you through forests, some that lead to peaks, and then there are a rare few that surprise you with hidden waterfalls cascading out of nowhere. The Bandaje Falls Trek was exactly that kind of surprise — tucked deep in the heart of the Western Ghats near Charmadi Ghat, this offbeat trail gave me misty woods, endless grasslands, ancient forts, and a waterfall that seemed like it fell straight out of a dream.

I didn’t go in expecting much. But what unfolded over two days was an experience that stayed with me long after my shoes dried and my muscles stopped aching.

Reaching the Trail – Into the Lush Heart of Karnataka

Our journey began from Ujire, a small town near Chikmagalur that acts as the gateway to this trek. From there, we drove toward Bandaje village, the base point. As we left behind the town lights, the landscape slowly morphed into dense greenery, mist-laden roads, and chirping forests.

We began our trek early in the morning. The forest trail welcomed us with a narrow muddy path, thick with vegetation and the earthy smell of monsoon-soaked soil. Leeches? Yes, lots of them. But honestly, after the first hour, you stop caring. The sound of distant birds, the filtered sunlight through the canopy, and the occasional glimpse of the valleys beyond more than made up for it.

The Forest Stretch – Roots, Rains, and Raw Beauty

The first few hours of the trek took us through dense Shola forests. It was wild, untouched, and almost primeval in its silence. We had to climb over fallen logs, duck under low branches, and keep an eye on slippery rocks. It was both exhausting and exhilarating.

Rain came and went without warning, turning the trail muddy and the trees shinier. But that’s the thing about trekking in the Western Ghats — the rain doesn’t annoy you, it becomes a part of the rhythm. We stopped occasionally to drink water, snack on energy bars, and just... listen. The forest had its own soundtrack — rustling leaves, gurgling streams, and the occasional call of a langur.

The Grassland Opens Up – Views that Steal Your Breath

After a steep ascent, the forest suddenly gave way to rolling grasslands. And that moment — stepping out of the woods onto open hills with clouds floating beside you — was surreal. The wind was stronger here, and every turn of the trail revealed another valley, another hidden peak.

The climb here was tougher. The sun peeked through occasionally, making the grasslands shimmer gold and green. At one point, we turned around and realized how high we had climbed — the forests were now a green blanket far below. We stopped to catch our breath and take photos, but honestly, no camera could capture how beautiful it felt to be there.

The Waterfall Surprise – Bandaje in All Her Glory

Bandaje Falls, crashing down from a cliff, wild and untamed. The sight of the water dropping hundreds of feet down into a hidden valley, with clouds moving lazily around it, left us all speechless. We sat near the edge, mesmerized, the sound of the falls roaring in our ears.

There’s no commercial setup here. No railing, no signs — just nature in its rawest form. We sat on the rocks nearby, removed our shoes, dipped our feet in the ice-cold water, and let the mist spray our tired faces. Some in our group even dared to climb a little closer for the perfect selfie (not recommended unless you're very careful).

Camping near the waterfall under a sky full of stars was the highlight of the trip. That night, huddled in our sleeping bags with the sound of the falls in the background, I realized how rare it is to truly disconnect. No networks, no noise — just nature and the quiet hum of adventure.

The Ruins of Ballalarayana Durga – A Slice of History on the Trail

On the second day, before descending, we took a small detour to explore the ruins of the Ballalarayana Durga Fort. The hike to the fort was steep but short, and what awaited us at the top was an ancient remnant of history. Moss-covered stones, broken walls, and views that stretched endlessly in all directions.

The fort dates back to the Hoysala era, and while not much of the structure remains, standing on its crumbling ramparts with the wind howling and clouds rolling in felt like something out of a fantasy novel. It was a powerful reminder of how stories — both manmade and natural — coexist in these hills.

The Descent – Sore Legs, Full Hearts, and Lasting Memories

The trek down was quicker but trickier — thanks to the slippery slopes and our tired legs. The same forest trail that had excited us on the way up now demanded patience and care. But something had changed. We weren’t rushing anymore. We took our time, soaking in every last bit of green, every last breeze.

Reaching the base felt like waking up from a dream. Mud-caked boots, aching shoulders, but hearts full of stories. We ended the trek with a simple but delicious local meal — hot rice, sambhar, and pickle — served by a local family. It was the kind of meal that feels more nourishing than anything fancy.

Final Thoughts – Why Bandaje Falls is Still a Hidden Gem

The Bandaje Falls Trek isn’t as famous as Kudremukh or Kumara Parvatha — and maybe that’s a good thing. It’s wild, uncommercialized, and demands effort. But what it gives back is priceless: solitude, scenic drama, the joy of discovery, and that overwhelming feeling of being small in front of something truly grand.

If you're craving a trek that combines forest adventure, high-altitude grasslands, a majestic waterfall, and a touch of history — Bandaje Falls is waiting for you.