Bandaje Falls & Ballalarayana Durga Trek: A Monsoon Adventure with goChaarana
On June 14, 2025 by adminThe Western Ghats in the monsoon feel unreal. Lush green hills wrapped in mist, roaring waterfalls, muddy forest trails, and the constant rhythm of rain—it’s a paradise for trekkers.
The Bandaje Waterfalls trek had been on my bucket list for a long time, but somehow, it never worked out. This monsoon, I finally made it happen with goChaarana, and it turned out to be an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1 – The Journey Begins (Bengaluru to Megur)
On Friday, 13th June 2025, I boarded the goChaarana Tempo Traveller from Indiranagar, Bengaluru. As always, the journey started with a fun ice-breaking session—introductions, laughter, and stories that slowly turned strangers into travel companions.
By 3:30 AM, we reached Megur Homestay, located about 25 km from Kottigehara and 7 km from Sunkasale. Nestled in the middle of a tea estate at the foothills of the Western Ghats, the homestay felt calm, misty, and refreshing.
I caught a short nap till 6:30 AM, waking up to foggy hills and the soothing silence of nature.
Morning at the Homestay & Trek Preparation
Our group consisted of 12 trekkers, all equally excited for the day ahead. By 7:30 AM, we were fresh, packed, and ready.
Breakfast was simple and comforting:
- Idli
- Rice bath
After collecting our packed lunch, we hopped into a jeep and headed toward the Bandaje Forest Checkpost.
Trek permits are mandatory and must be booked online—but thanks to Team goChaarana, everything was already arranged. We just had to show our government ID to the forest officers before entering the trail.
Into the Rain & Wilderness—The Trek Begins
Our first stop was Rani Jhari Viewpoint. The weather was rough—continuous rain—but that’s what made the day special.
Around 9:00 AM, we began our trek.
The 7 km trail (one way) started as a muddy forest road. After about 300 meters, we took a right turn, leading us into a dense forest path surrounded by tall, lush green trees.
Soon, we reached a trail divider:
- Left → Ballalarayana Durga Fort
- Right → Bandaje Waterfalls
We chose the Bandaje Falls route.
Despite the mist blocking long-distance views, the trail itself was stunning—green carpets of grass, flowing streams, rain-soaked trees, and the pure joy of trekking in monsoon.
Reaching Bandaje Waterfalls
Around 1:00 PM, we finally reached Bandaje Waterfalls—soaked, tired, and extremely happy.
Sitting there, eating our packed lunch in the rain, with the thunderous sound of water crashing down, felt surreal. We spent some time clicking photos and videos, fully absorbing the moment.
The Descent & Lion Roar Viewpoint
The descent was tougher.
Heavy rain and strong winds turned the trail into a slippery, flowing stream. Every step demanded focus. On the way back, we stopped at Lion Roar Viewpoint, and this time, the weather surprised us—in a good way.
The clouds briefly cleared, revealing a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley below. It was absolutely worth the wait.
By 6:00 PM, we reached back to the homestay—exhausted, muddy, but extremely satisfied.
Campfire, Games & Music Under the Stars
The evening turned magical.
We gathered around a campfire, played Mafia and Uno, and laughed endlessly. After dinner, the fun continued with Dumb Charades and singing.
One of our trekkers, Medini, a professional singer, filled the night with soulful music. Soon, everyone joined in—it felt like a mini mountain concert in the middle of the Western Ghats.
We finally called it a night at 2:30 AM, tired but content.
Day 2 – Unexpected Adventure & Temple Calm
On Sunday morning, we were ready by 9:00 AM and planned to visit Kodige Waterfall.
But the mountains had other plans.
Our Tempo Traveller got stuck in deep slush, and what followed was an unexpected 3-hour adventure. Six of us jumped in—pushing, pulling, slipping, laughing, and working together until the vehicle was finally free.
Unplanned, muddy, exhausting—but incredibly fun.
Belur Temple & Journey Back Home
After things settled, we headed toward the historic Belur Temple. Having visited it earlier, I spent time walking around, admiring the architecture, and waiting for the others to finish their exploration.
By around 12:00 AM, we finally reached Bengaluru—tired, muddy, and glowing with memories.
Final Thoughts—More Than Just a Trek
The Bandaje Waterfalls & Ballalarayana Durga trek in monsoon is not just a trek—it’s an emotion.
The rain adds wild beauty, the trails test your endurance, and the people you trek with turn every challenge into a story worth remembering.
With goChaarana, every detail—from permits to safety to vibes—was handled seamlessly. What could have been a tough monsoon trek became one of the most memorable adventures of my life.
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 for years. Finally, this June, I ticked it off—thanks to goChaarana.
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