How about Bandajje Falls & Ballalarayana Durga on 14th Jan 2011 ?

Bandajje Falls & Ballalarayana Durga

Location: India>Karnata>Dakshin Kanada



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.

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.

Important Phone Numbers: Narayan Gowda's house at Bandaje can offer you breakfast and guide.Mobile:9845693961
residential:08256-274231/202354.
office:08256-232551.

Permission: No Permission Required

Things To Look for:
Things To Be Aware Of: Snakes..

Approximate Cost: INR ~1800-2100

Route Plan :-

 Feb 3rd 2012 : 10:00PM   Bus to Dharmasthala
 Feb 4th 2012 :  5:00AM   reach Dharmasthala and freshenup
 Feb 4th 2012 :  6:30AM   Jeep to Mundaje (Narayan Gowda's house and Have breakfast)
 Feb 4th 2012 :  9:00AM start trek  (9hrs total)
 Feb 4th 2011 :  1:00 PM appropriate Lunch at convenient place. 
 Feb 4th 2011 :  5:00PM reach bandajje arbi falls and set up the camp.
 Feb 4th 2011 :  8:00 PM dinner with camp fire.    
 Feb 5th 2011 :  8:00 AM Morning tea and breakfast and head to ballaryan durga fort by 9:30AM.
 Feb 5th 2011 :  12:00PM reach ballaryan durga fort and have lunch for the day. 
 Feb 5th 2011 : 2:00PM decend to sunkasle by 2:00PM and reach in two hours 
 Feb 5th 2011 : take transport to horanadu from sunkasle.
 Feb 5th 2011 : 10:00PMbus to bangalore after hvaing dinner at Hornadu .

Route:mundajje narayan gowda's house (jungle walk 5 hours) house - arbi bandajje (4 hours steep ascent) arbi bandajje - ballalrayandurga (2hours,no water available) ballalrayandurga- sunkasAle(2 hours ).

Road access is at mundajje,gowda's house and sunkasAle.

Petrol ,hospitals : at ujire(8kms from mundajje).

Shelter is available at a school near the house,and in a small cave near arbi(about 7 can sleep).There is no shelter at the fort,but there are houses an hour's descent away.

Possible variations:One can do the route the easier way (durga-arbi-house),but the descents wont be kind on the knees. Another one would be from mundajje to arbi directly,but this would need a guide.