Bandaje Waterfall Trek with goChaarana

The Western Ghats in the monsoon feel like pure magic.
Lush green hills covered in mist, the sound of waterfalls all around, and forest trails that wake up all your senses — trekking in the rain is truly special. The Bandaje Falls trek had been on my bucket list. Finally, this June, I ticked it off – thanks to goChaarana.

Day 1 – Into the Heart of the Ghats
On Friday, 13th June 2025, I boarded the goChaarana Tempo Traveller from Indiranagar, Bengaluru. The energy was infectious – strangers slowly becoming friends through icebreaker games and fun introductions as the city lights faded behind us. We reached Megur Homestay by around 3:30 AM. checked in the heart of a tea estate at the foothills of the Western Ghats, I managed a short nap until 6:30 AM, waking up to the sight of foggy hills and the aroma of fresh tea. After a refreshing bath and a hearty breakfast of idlis and rice bath, our group of 12 trekkers geared up for the day. Our trek tickets had already been arranged by the goChaarana team. We hopped into a jeep and headed to the Bandaje Forest Checkpost – the gateway to the wild.

The descent was intInto the Rain & Wilderness

Our first stop was the Rani Jhari viewpoint. Though the heavy rain clouded the view, it added to the monsoon thrill. Around 9:00 AM, we began our 7 km ascent. The trail started with a slippery mud path and soon led us into a dense forest full of fresh, green trees. Roughly 300 meters in, we turned right onto a scenic forest path, surrounded by towering trees and the constant patter of rain. A fork in the trail led us to a choice – left for Ballalarayana Durga, right for Bandaje Falls. We chose the waterfall route.

Even with the rain and mist, the view was beautiful — endless green hills, flowing streams, and the steady sound of our footsteps on the wet ground. We reached Bandaje Falls around 1:00 PM, soaked, excited, and hungry.Eating our packed lunches in the rain, with the roar of the waterfall in the background, was a moment I’ll never forget. We clicked photos, captured videos, and soaked in the beauty. ense – heavy rains and wind turned the trail into a mini river. On the way back, we paused at Lion Roar Point – and finally, the weather gave us a gift: an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the valley below.

By 6:00 PM, we were back at the homestay – tired but exhilarated.

Campfire, Games & Music Magic

The evening came alive with a crackling campfire, a round of Mafia, and fizzy Eno games. Laughter echoed through the misty hills. Post dinner, we kicked off a fun session of Dumb Charades and singing. One of our trekkers is a professional singer – and her soulful voice set the mood. We all joined in, creating a mini mountain concert. The camaraderie, the music, and the setting kept us awake till 2:30 AM.

Day 2 – Unexpected Adventures & Temple Serenity

On Sunday, we woke up relaxed, had breakfast by 9:00 AM, and set off to visit Kodige Waterfall. But nature had another adventure planned. Our Tempo Traveller got stuck on a muddy stretch – and it took six of us almost 3 hours of pushing, pulling, and sheer effort to get it moving again. It turned into an unexpected adventure! Even though it wasn’t planned, this detour became one of the best parts of the trip — full of laughter, teamwork, and muddy fun!

With our spirits still high, we made a quick stop at the historic Belur Temple. Having been there before, I simply wandered around, soaking in the intricate carvings and waiting for the rest of the team to complete their tour.

Finally, by midnight, we rolled into Bengaluru, exhausted but glowing from the inside with memories of rain-soaked trails, hidden waterfalls, and new friendships.The Bandaje & Ballalarayana Durga trek in the monsoon is not just a trek – it’s an emotion. The rain adds a wild charm, the views are surreal, and every moment pulses with life. And with an enthusiastic team like goChaarana, every challenge becomes a cherished memory.