Written by: Rachana Mallya
Bandaje Arbi
You would have heard of an adage that says, ‘the journey is more significant than the destination itself’. Taking a trip to reach the Bandaje Arbi waterfall is a best example of this saying. Reaching this scenic spot has no particular set path. Based on individual inclinations, the easy path can be easily accessible. While the tougher, more eventful trail is open to those who dare.
The South Kanara district lodges many waterfalls in the lush green mountains of the Western Ghats. One of them is the Bandaje Arbi falls in the Charmadi Ghat. Falling from a height of around 200 feet, the route to reach this Arbi, (which literally translates to waterfall in Kannada) is interesting. Visiting the waterfall is inevitably accompanied with trekking to or from the Ballala Rayana Durga fort.
This is one of the routes popularly known for many people losing their way. Usually leading them to spend a night in the beautiful, creaking rain forests or in the humble cave, that is lodged near the waterfall. Therefore it is best to always come prepared with equipment (such as tents, sleeping bags, food and water supplies, etc.) Another pointer that would help is to keep you ears glued to the roaring sound of the waterfall. Following this thunderous guide will surely help, but you also need to have your acoustics in place to avoid the misleading waves that bounce off trees and mountains.
Orientation
Bandaje Arbi falls is located near a village called Mundaje, around 25 kms from Dharamsthala and 350 kms from Bangalore. As referral points, the waterfall is accessible from Mudaje and also from Sunkasale, another village in the viicinity of the falls. Usually, both Mundaje and Saunkasale serves as the starting point for a trek route involving Bandaje Arbi.
- Mundaje->Bandaje Arbi->Ballala Ravana Durga Fort ->Sunkasale.
- Sunakasale->Ballala Rayana Durga Fort ->Bandaje Arbi->Mundaje Village.
Either way leads you to the inviting roar of the waterfall. To add a hint of history in your path, you will come across the Ballala Rayana Durga Fort.
Weather
Maximum and minimum temperatures range between:-
36°C and 20°C in summers – March to May
27°C and 17°C in winter – December to February
The monsoon is quite heavy and downpours in rain forests only dampen plans of camping. It is usually between June to September and October to November.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit is after the rains around end September, early October. At this time the forest has been washed clean and shines bright for your arrival, while the waterfall gushes at full strength roaring you to its embrace. The weather is neither too hot and sticky, nor too wet and cold.
You could also trek in this place during March and April just before peak summer. However, be prepared sweat soaked walk as the humidity is relatively high.
If you love chasing the rains and would like to volunteer for a monsoon trek, you may visit the waterfalls in the months of June and July. Only meant for adventurous souls, it is during this season the rains wash down trails and stir up the leeches.
Getting there / Route Information
The Western ghat ranges offer incomparable scenes and horizons, which are considered to be the best in South India. This picturesque journey is also accompanied with the winding road, which can be endured only by tough travellers with spines of steel. From Bangalore, one of the routes you could take is:
Bangalore –(190 km)–> Hassan –(60 km)–> Belur – Chikkamagalur –(30km)–> Mudigere –(20 km)–> Kottigehara –(15 km)–> Sunkasale (Destination)
Note:
- About 7 kms from Kottighehara, watch closely for a sign board where you need to take a U turn towards your left to reach Sunkasale.
- On arriving at Sunkasale, take a left immediately after the telecom office, which you will be able to locate on your left side. Following the road from there, through the estates for around 8 kms will find you to the beginning of trail.
- The nearest petrol station is in Ujire, 8kms from Mundaje.
By Bus
From Bangalore, there are overnight Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC – http://ksrtc.in/) buses to Dharmasthala. Private bus services are available too.
From Dharmasthala, state transport or private buses are available to Mundaaje (16 kms) or to Sunkasale (83 kms)
For return journey from Sunkasale, there are buses to Bangalore from Dharmasthala via Kothigehara or from Horanadu via Kalasa, which can make up for another short tour!
By Train
There are no trains that connect Bangalore with any of the nearest villages or towns. The hilly terrain of the Western Ghats are connected well by road and usually travellers use bus services.
Road Quality
Due to road construction especially in the stretch between Hassan and Bangalore, the roads are in bad condition. During monsoons beware of potholes as the accident rates are high.
Pictures of Bandaje Arbi
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MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Besides the waterfall, one of the other major attractions is the Ballala Rayana Durga fort. Should you stop to smell the flowers or enjoy the scenic view the grasslands offer, you will reach the fort in 2 hours. The fort was built by the Hoysala Kings. But all that remains is a dilapidated 100 square metre space of trees and fortifications. However, do not miss the splendid scene from the fort towers. It presents a 360 degree view of the Shola forest, the Oorikan Estate to the east and the valley leading to Sunkasale below.
Another major attraction is the amazing drive through the ghats. The pleating mountains that form a never ending horizon are breathtaking. The golden sunset, paints a peaceful hue on the rippling mountain range making this trip worth every effort.
Trekking
Adventurous souls could discover their own routes when trekking. However the one of the possible routes could be:-
- In Mundaaje, the house of Mr. Narayan Gowda is spot from where the trail begins. His house could be accessed either by a dirt road or by a 5 hour jungle walk for the more enthusiastic trekkers.
- A 4 hour ascent from there, through rain forests will lead you to the top of the gushing waterfall. Depending on the season you travel, you could experience rays of the sun playing ‘hide and seek’ between the tall trees, while melting you to a sweat ball. Or you could soak yourself in the preview of the waterfall while getting yourself drenched in the rain. The latter venture calls for people who are ready to brave the relentless leeches.
- A 2 hour walk through grasslands finds you at the Ballala Rayana Durga fort. Another 2 hours of walk and you will reach Sunkasale.
Things to Avoid
Unless you are a dare devil, avoid visiting this place during peak monsoons.
Avoid going alone or without a guide, as chances of getting lost are high.
Also watch out for leeches and swarms of insects usually found near the fort.
Events
The Manjunatha Temple in Dharmasthala has its grand Deepotsava festival in November and December which attracts crowds from all over every year.
Shopping info
You may find religious artefacts at the temples in Horanadu and Dharmasthala.
Vital Tourist Information
Things to carry
Your backpack consisting of the following is recommended:-
- Equipment – it is best to carry tents or sleeping bags and torches in case you decide to spend the night camping.
- Food and water supplies – once on the trail, there is no accessibility to food or water, therefore carrying your own stock is advised.
- Medicines – containing painkillers, antihistamine, band aids, dettol, antibiotics, etc. Do not forget to carry insect / mosquito repellents, as there are swarms found near the fort and elsewhere.
- A pair of extra clothes – in case of rains and other emergencies.
- Machete / Sickle – while trekking through the dense forest, you will need a stick, machete or sickle to make way for yourself. If you hire a guide (which is advisable), he will surely have the necessary equipment to clear the path for you.
Dealing with leeches
- It is usually best to follow what the locals do. They apply a mixture of coconut oil and tobacco on their legs to avoid leeches clutching onto them.
- Alternatively, you could also carry salt wrapped in handkerchiefs, to dab off leeches.
Accommodation
- Camping in tents is the only form of lodging nature provides.
- At the waterfall, you could experience a blast from the past and stay in the cave that lodges around 7 people. It is recommended by the guides and there is no danger in indulging in nature’s treat.
- There is no shelter in the fort but if you go an hour’s descent from there, you may be able to find a house to stay in the village.
- In Mundaaje, shelter in the form of the school near Narayan Gowda’s house is available
Local Taxi availability
Local taxi service is available from Dharmasthala and Ujire.
Nearest known city
Mundaaje is the nearest village, Ujire and Dharmasthala are the nearest towns.
Contacts in case of contingency
| Hospitals | The nearest hospital is located 8kms away in Ujire. You could also contact hospitals in the Belthangady district:-
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| Police | Belthangady Police Station – Tel: (08256)-232093 |
THANKS FOR PUTTING UP THIS SITE. I REALLY DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE MANY WONDERS THAT YOU ALL HAVE PUT ME ONTO. GREAT EFFORT. NICE AND EASY SITE.
Yes Rajiv, Our idea is to make travel as easy and fun filled as possible. Indeed, it took much of an effort to make the navigation easy!
Thanks for detailed information ! Helps a lot.
-S.D.
Hey guys……of course,you people made me, to remember that nice place..let the Arbi to pause and fall..forever. Thanks and regards to you all.
-Uday.
Bandaje is a very Beautiful place for Trekking…
Please contact Mr.Valambra Narayana Gowda for arrangement of Guide and other trekking guidences.Thanks for putting about Bandaje.It helped me alot while Trekking.
Contact Number of Mr.Narayana Gowda is mentioned below ….
Mobile:9845693961
residential:
Bandaje is a very Beautiful place for Trekking…
Please contact Mr.Valambra Narayana Gowda for arrangement of Guide and other trekking guidences.Thanks for putting about Bandaje.It helped me alot while Trekking.
Contact Number of Mr.Narayana Gowda is mentioned below ….
Mobile:9845693961
residential:08256-274231,202354.
office:08256-232551.
Please update these details because it ease others to view this place.
Thank You.
Hey, thats very useful! Thanks
Very well presented and very helpful.
it was a gr8 experience for me to arabi falls.we(8 frnds) started our trek frm gowdru mane(narayan gowdas house).for saving money we didnt take a guide and our food supplies was very less.as expected by nightfall we ran out of food(plz dont tak cooked rice and curd as it gets spoilt by t time u eat it preferabbly u can take rice and puliyogare gojju and lots of dates which gives a lot of strength.plz carry lots of food along wit u if u r camping overnight).getting lost can be easy unless u stick to t directions marked on trees.so if u want, a guide can b taken.t scenary can get really awesome.travel in t months of october- january(not in rainy season)
this is very cool place,wonderfull
awsome i like very much
wow thank you sooo much for this information this is really very helpful I am very happy & I am playing to visit once again thank you sooo much.