 |
| Majestic Bandajje Arabi falls |
Late 2001, totally new to bangalore, an invite to join the elite group of trekkers. Enthusiasm in me to be part of this nomadic sport was high. Two days of trekking turned out to be nightmare with experiences of forest fire, no water, cramps, getting lost and worst of all, trekking in the forest at night. Well thanks to one stupid guide we took.
It was a jinx linked to me and search of waterfall had always been my unsuccessful attempt. Of which recent being "barkana falls" in "Agumbe"!
It was time I overcome this jinx. Proposal was laid down by "sathya" to trek to Bandaje Arbi falls. Wild memories of lost trail to this falls was fresh. But this time faith and belief was high. Of course thanks to my team, they are bunch of freaks!
Planning:
http://www.pravins-travelogue.blogspot.in/2010/12/how-about-bandajje-falls-ballalarayana.html
Apart from this we got map from survey of india, had marked few points of interests on GPS unit. Army knife for firewood cutting, oil for campfire, tents, sleeping bags and enough of ration to last for three days.
 |
| Essentials: MAP, compass and GPS |
 |
| Bandaje Arabi Falls on Map |
 |
| Plotting Gowda's house on map a required start point |
All the above preparation is must if plan to venture alone.
Warning:
- Trekking/Hiking is adventure sport and not Picnic. Prepare well to venture into this sport.
- Strenuous climbs can be herculean task for couch potatoes. Keep fit to enjoy this sport.
http://pravins-travelogue.blogspot.in/2008/08/outdoor-hiking-essentials.html
Group:
Damodar (Damu), Makarand (Mak) and Sourabh were joining us on their maiden trek. Tuppad along with Sachin, Ravikiran and Me formed a group of 7 for this trek.
We were short by two people due to last minute dropouts.
Start:
with all the planning put on place and dates finalized to 4th and 5th February, we started procuring essentials for trek. Sachin showed his expertise in getting valuable terrain map, while I was busy getting sleeping bags and tent from BMC. With everything falling in right place we decided to gather at majestic bus stand at 9:00PM on 3rd of February.
@ 9.00PM on 02/03/2012
Damu , mak and Sourabh were punctual at swati deluxe, happened to be our meeting place. Soon tuppad joined the trio.
There need to be special mention of this place "Swati Deluxe" at majestic bus stand. I mean go to hell all the hygiene at bus stop, but one must admit the "biryani" at this place is mouth watering!
Lack of transport had delayed our arrival but we made to the venue at 9:30PM.
Quick introduction soon followed by delicious dinner. Volvo to dharmasthala was lined up and we registered our presence with ticket collector.
Ravi Kiran soon joined en route of the bus. We had special guest Sathya waiting for us on tumkur road to hand over his camera to Sachin. Thanks a lot sathya!
@ 5:00PM Dharmasthala
Journey was good to Dharmasthala by volvo and certainly no signs of body pain was visible. Nearest town to Ujire was chosen by Sachin to take his conference call. Bus to Ujire took 10 minutes to destination.
Morning hunger took us straight to hotel Guruprasad for plate of Idli and tea.
 |
| Tuppad and Ravi Feasting on morning snacks |
Ujire is small village with few hotels/lodge and tiny bus stand. We got descent room to get refresh and take power nap while Sachin attends his office work.
 |
| Sourabh and Damu resting in Lodge in Ujire |
 |
| Tuppad and Ravi Kiran resting |
By this time it was known that we can leave only after 9:30AM in spite of being early to this place. Finally at 10:15 we got jeep to Bandaje village.
 |
| Anna in Action |
Bandaje Village & Narayan Gowda's Mane
We manage to be at bandaje village at about 10:30AM. Recent trip to falls from my friends had given me good amount of information. We headed directly to Jairam hotel in bandaje village.
Breakfast was still underway and preparations were going on, Tuppad visited nearby school and boy the children were in instant love with Tuppad :)
 |
| Tuppad distributing sweets to primary school kids |
while Tuppad was busy entertaining school kids, Sachin , Mak , damu , Sourabh and Ravi were in to some trick photography.
 |
| Straight from Hollywood Studio- "Anna Ki zang" |
 |
| After Cutting! |
After a stomach full mid-day snack we headed to Narayan gowda's house, about a few minutes drive from here.
 |
| Much Needed Breakfast |
 |
| Trail from Narayan Gowda's House |
 |
| Trekkers in Action |
Trail to bandaje falls start from Narayan Gowda's house. There are lot's of trails in and around his house. Best way is ask the people about right way here. After crossing Narayan Gowda's house make sure to be on rightmost trail always if one happen to see any forking in trail.
 |
| Start of the trek From Narayan Gowd's house |
Initial part of trail passes through the plantation and there are clear demarcation of trail. It's easy trail from here and will give good glimpse of dense western ghats in front.
Note that Trail from here on will move more on North east direction to pure east. One can check bearing on compass to get right trail.
Babu Naik Mane
 |
| Another house en route |
It was easy walk till Babu Naik's house for most of us. Though Sourabh being beginner, found some difficulties in climbing.
 |
| Lad's look at him! |
Special mention of Babu Naik, 82 years old gentleman is worth a millions. He is very agile and polite. If he is around in the the fields will be eager to help day dwellers find right path to falls. We were in search of Babu Naik's house and we spot a lean old guy siting beside the trail. Few questions and we are greeted with surprise by owner of the house Babu Naik himself.
 |
| Mr. Babu Naik |
 |
| L-R Sourabh, Mak, Sachin, Babu Naik and Pravin |
 |
| Str! is marking where trail is unique and climb starts |
From babu Naiks house trail leads to a steep climb, do take a look at warning posted at start of blog. Yes this steep climb was on slightly difficult side for all who were carrying excess of 10Kg weight in rucksack. While the good part was canopy of trees on trail was good protection from Summer heat.
 |
| Steep climb through Forest cover |
Climb was sarcastically slow due to frequent stops to rejuvenate by team. Yes hiking is team sport! and speed of team will be defined by slowest member.
Damu and mak on their maiden trek had no difficulties scaling heights,but sourabh did find the height to be task of life time. Sachin and Tuppad did good job in motivating him and to keep the steady pace of team.
Ravi Kiran aka Joker did best he knows to entertain the fallen.
 |
| Team motivating Sourabh |
 |
| En route to Water point |
Our next target was water source point, and to my knowledge this spot was good refresher. Plan was to take small break for Sourabh to get his energy back. But small mishap happened en route and we wasted considerable amount of time. One of our guy met with minor accident in search of adventure. Dressing the wound and getting back to pace had taken some toll on time.
@ Water point
 |
| Water Point |
 |
| Water Source , steep Climb and Start of grassland |
Short of time but high on enthusiasm we managed the break point. Nice place with cacophony of leaves and birds chirp all around was sure paradise. Spend considerable amount of time at this place. Mak and Sachin were models for water shoot spree.
 |
| Let me dive in water! |
 |
| I am right behind you anna |
 |
| Tuppad and Ravi Kiran in Jovial Mood |
This place is of great strategic importance for hikers. One can plan this place as refill point so that excess weight of water can be reduced.
 |
| At water point (Front Damu, Ravi, Mak and Pravin) |
In about 45 minutes of break, we had experienced some short acting scenes of Kannada legend by Sachin. We were short of time and this would mean that camping could be an issue for us.
 |
| Annavare! |
Tuppad called for the start and lead the way.
Trail from here on is quite steep, much steeper than what we had experienced so far, But not impossible.
 |
| Tuppad Leading the way |
 |
| Resting on the way |
Anticipating nightfall we kept the ascend aggressive. We conquered the steep climb enjoying sweet cacophony of leaves and teasing cool breeze we often got. From here on route was relatively less steep.
 |
| Mak en route |
Soon Damu, Sachin and Ravi Joined us. Worried about Sourabh's whereabouts, Damu along with me traced back the path for about half kilometer. He was bit tired and by this time was walking at really slow pace. Tiredness can be killer on steep ascend.
We gave him much needed help by taking his rucksack off and Damu helping him to join back the team.
we were late and certain night fall before campsite was inevitable. Time we decided to proceed and reduce frequent breaks. Mak was given task to accompany Sourabh and update the team about the pace using wireless unit.
@ Falls and Camp Overnight
 |
| Raching Grassland |
I managed to go past forest into grassland at about 4:45PM. Difficulties in walking into forest at nightfall was fresh from my first stint in these forest. Soon Tuppad and Sachin parked there luggage into grassland.
From all the write ups I had refereed, it was certain that non existent of trail would reduce the pace further.
 |
| Team waiting For Mak and Sourabh To arrive |
 |
| Made it Just in Time! |
We waited till sourabh arrived with Mak. Well done Mak!
 |
| Pravin, Sachin, Mak and Sourabh |
As a team we were in grassland before nightfall, what a relief it was. From here on it was easy terrain and moreover there were less chances of getting lost.
 |
| Grassland to Camp Ground |
 |
| I believe I can fly |
Since trail is totally non existent, one need to travel keeping Forest cover on right side and valley on left.
Further climb and one will be greeted with Majestic Bandaje falls.
 |
| Me and Tuppad leading the way |
Now the reference point is set, it's easy to march Ahead.
Since the exact location of Bandaje falls was loaded on my GPS, I had fair bit of idea about the direction of travel. Further upward climb landed us in flat rock-bed.
 |
| from grassland on looking valley |
 |
| Destination for the Day |
 |
| Rock bed or Potential Stream. Cross this point to get glimpse of Falls |
Shutterbugs will love this place, as it exposes complete valley on one side and Bandaje falls on other. We took big break for team sync up at this point on the cost of time.
 |
| Damu at View point |
 |
| Sachin and Pravin at View point |
 |
| Guys in Action at Final climb to Falls |
 |
| Tuppad, Mak , Pravin and Sachin |
 |
| Sun Set en route |
We managed reach the falls half past six. Experienced sunset en route the falls and quickly started searching for the camp site along the falls. Since two teams were already present we had to locate another place. For Falls one one need to climb down a bit into forest from grassland. All these is along the trail and cannot be missed. And just at this point there is a flat space for camping.
 |
| At mouth of the Falls |
 |
| Lone warrior Tuppa |
 |
| In search of Nirvana just two feet away from cliff |
 |
| Our stay! |
New members were given practical knowledge of pitching the tent and with the help of Damu and Mak we got Camp fire up.
 |
| At camp fire L-R (Tuppad, Ravikiran, Pravin, Damu, Sachin and Mak) |
 |
| Fast food |
 |
| Fire canister was boon at this place |
Thanks a ton to Tuppad for getting Fire canister, it boon at such places. Dinner was lavish with two course meal and orchestra by Ravikiran and Sourabh. There were couple of story telling session from Damu while Sachin continued it in his own fashion.
Tired of days walk and effort we soon went off to sleep.
Bad Start in morning
 |
| Morning! |
Morning was serene and beautiful. Being in grassland and chances of spotting grazing bison were high. Anticipating this we were up early and were watchful towards the surrounding peak.
After sunrise Sachin, Tuppad and Ravikiran admired to have quick shower in river. Hot tea was at service prepared by Sachin.
 |
| trying to spot animals |
 |
| Life on the Edge! |
 |
| Pravin Folding his giant Sleeping Bag! |
 |
| Sachin Preparing Tea |
Sourabh took little lead on the trail knowing the fact of his pace. I welcomed his decision and allowed him to take start. By the time Rest were back from bath, sourabh had disappeared in woods. Damu and Mak followed the trail in search of him. And few minutes past all three went missing from sight.
 |
| Tuppad and Ravikiran Packing the tent |
Tuppad was angry by the fact that we allowed novice to venture alone.
 |
| Little Detour towards east in wrong direction |
Me, Sachin, Ravi and Tuppad took little detour in search of them. It took us whooping 40 minutes to search them out. There were no trail from here on and direction to ballalryandurga was hitting us to dead end.
It was indeed a bad start and we had to get back to the base camp to start afresh. We had no idea about trail to ballalryandurga. Some write up had mention of trail to ballalryandurga origin. But due to lack of time we thought of taking shorter route or rather to ask the few locals at falls. Tuppad got first hand information about the way from one local guy. This route would be difficult but would cut short the total distance by 2 km.
There was clear guidance from the guy to keep off jungles.
 |
| Return back to campsite |
We started towards the fort with sun impending direct rays and complete ascend. This was much more than what we had experienced other day.
Few minutes later we were again at plain land or rather rock bed formation. My guess this would be a stream dried out. Few yards ahead I spot the trail and enthusiasm of fulfillment suddenly rushes in my blood. And Soon not so needed advice follows from me, to follow the trail!
Keeping in mind pace of the team and terrain we are subjected to, it was certain that we might be short of time for bus departure. But this would have not discouraged me as I have been to this situation before.
Few moments later last member of team arrived and we all headed in the direction trail took us. 50-60 yards trail abruptly stepped inside the jungles. We were advised to keep off from jungles and so we did. Took the reading and bearing from GPS, pointing towards north west direction and headed in the same course.
Nothing had changed so far after about 50 minutes of climb. Climate was heating up due to noon sun, almost no breeze and continuous climb that's what was in store for us. Now that GPS was with me, I took the lead and followed he bearing from GPS and started scaling heights. Frequent rests became necessity due to slow trailing member.
On the route we took, couple of camping sites were present giving picturesque view of valley underneath. With water availability at fortune distance, this campsite would have been not practical. Now with the view of entire team I thought of venturing ahead and getting atop a small hillock. This hillock would be strategic importance to me in terms of finding any trail. It's always easy to spot any trails passing through grassland from height and they seems to be clearly visible. Second aspect being spotting ballalryandurga fort which will give much needed relief in terms of orientation.
Found back Trail to Ballalaryandurga
 |
| Trail to Fort |
Eureka! about 50 feet I must have climbed and trail to destination was right in front of me. Well before rejoicing, wanted to be cent percent sure about the trail legitimacy. I followed the trail till the point I saw ballalryandurga in front of me on distant peak. Wow what a sigh it was. I traced back the trail and waited at highest point on the trail to monitor the team.
 |
| Finally Found the trail |
Off loading the luggage on my shoulder my eyes were hunting for last member of the squad. I could not spot him anywhere. By this time I guided Sachin to trail and soon Tuppad, Ravikiran were on trail. Sachin took lead on trail followed by Tuppad and Ravikiran. I stopped Mak in anticipating danger! still Damu was not around and soon found out that he is still way below searching for Sourabh. with binoculars and open terrain we could not spot Sourabh. After a long search Damu had reached near to trail and yet there were no signs of Sourabh.
Me and Damu went back in search of Sourabh and had to walk real long to finally spot him way below. He looked tired and pale and all the glucose water was of no help to his body.
Damu took off his bag from shoulder and headed back to trail while I helped him conquer the final climb to trail in serpentine path.
By the time we were on trail, it was certain that our transport to Bangalore is mere dream. We were short by whooping two hours and there is no way we could make it. My canteen was empty due to continuous sipping ,standing in hot sun.
@ ballalaryandurga but late
 |
| Water Source on one side and scenic view of valley on other |
 |
| Made it to Fort in time! |
We were late by an hour from rest of the team. Pair of radio sets were always handy in such situation. We had set a norm to update the situation every half an hour. Sachin was first one to reach the fort followed by Tuppad and Ravikiran. We were not in good shape and pace was really getting affected.
Frequent breaks in scorching heat will sip out more moisture in the body than walking. Dehydration and cramps was last thing I wanted.
 |
| On the way to fort |
 |
| Ballalaryandurga is visible from here |
This time it was my turn to be with Sourabh and motivate him in climbing. We told Damu to head towards the fort and got the confirmation of water availability with team.
Final climb to the fort was on steeper side all along the trail. We could get the glimpse of the team on top of fort while Damu's approach towards fort was clearly visible.
 |
| Ravikiran on Final attempt to Fort |
Now the frequency of breaks had increased and intensity of thirst and dehydration was at our peak. Sourabh had almost emptied his water bottle. with quarter liter left with us, we decided to keep remaining water for Sourabh who is in desperate need.
But sourabh was way behind and to get him back would me going down the trail for 20-40 yards and then climbing back. Well would have been an audacious act when short of water. After few desperate calls from us we spotted Sourabh climbing at relatively slower pace. He looked tired and had almost ran out of water. We kept the bottle of water remaining with us with sourabh and headed directly to fort.
 |
| Team at fort Waiting for Sourabh to arrive |
 |
| Damu and Mak at fort |
From here on Sourabh's movement were visible. We managed to be at fort top just before half past five.
Descend
 |
| View from Ballalryandurga fort |
Ballalaryandurga fort is mere four walled structure and inland a small room size ruins of house. Its barren out there but View was spectacular.
North of the fort is sunkasale and clear trail is visible from top of the fort.
 |
| Fort walls from Inside |
 |
| Ruins of the House inside the fort |
Since Sourabh was yet to arrive at fort, I got back to map to find trail back to civilization. People had multiple ideas, worth a thought but race against the time would mean to take defined path.
 |
| Pravin and Tuppad going through Map in search of desired Extraction point |
 |
Should have been to right from Decision point
|
Sourabh managed to be at fort at 15 minutes past 6 PM. Light shiver went down my spine, we were about 4 kms away from certain jeep track or known civilization and about 14 kms away from Sunkasale.
 |
| This is all we crossed to reach the Fort |
 |
| Sunset en route towards Sunkasale. We are still in Jungle |
Walking in dark was never in my mind. it's creepy to walk in dark and that too in forest. Hallucination can kick in due to severe dehydration and fatigue. Twilight proved handy in first part of descend. It was almost dark moment we entered forest. We kept on walking without loosing the pace. Frequent in and out of forest
we finally managed to hit Jeep track.(Decision point marked in above pic)
 |
| Finally on Jeep track |
Note that trail here would land perpendicular o jeep track.
Road to right would have taken us to Sunkasale but rest of the team had already made decision to take left.
Thought I was pissed off with wrong decision initially but this proved to be handy for us.
mix of jogging and walking on the jeep track got us to on small pond adjoining a big house on left side. From first look the house looked like potential school building or some say it was temple.
My guess we would have found water out at this place.
We were thirsty with no water to drink and suddenly Sachin takes out 2 liter of bottle from his bag. He too missed out on calculation of water and had consumed mine thinking he was short. Well the water at right time was refreshing. we shared 2 liters of water among us and keeping maximum for sourabh we headed on the jeep track.
@ Mohan Gowda mane
Further walk down on the jeep track lead us through the plantation of coffee and finally merging on to much needed tarmac. It was sigh of relief as it was already dark out and only hope being torch and moonlight.
 |
| On tarmac |
Further walk down the road we spotted the house little down the road and few people chatting in dark.
Reveling our situation they were spot on to help us out. Fro them we got the information about the bus route.
Our initial plan was to take cab from Sunkasale to Hornadu where our bus departure was planned. After talking to these gentlemen we realized the bus route is via sunkasale
 |
| Mohan Gowda's house |
Many thanks to Tuppad, getting in conversation with local guys. Gentleman with whom we talked was Mohan Gowda. He was very helpful and arranged us Auto which would take us to Sunkasale which was about 6 kms from his place.
Back to Civilization but Late
 |
| at Sunkasale |
Auto dropped us to Sunkasale at nearing 8:00 PM. Sunkasale is small village of about dozens of houses with few shops which can offer some basic food. Tuppad and Sachin was busy getting booking changed from Hornadu to Sunkasale. Mr. Elias at sunkasale owner of general Shop was very helpful. He allowed his varandah for us to park our luggage and kept lights on for us.
Several attempts to change the boarding for KSRTC volvo were unfruitful. Final decision was made to stop the bus by blocking the road. We were hungry and tired. We ate whatever we found edible. Best one of them was fresh tomatoes and tender coconut water.
 |
| Dinner at Destination |
At about half past nine we cooked remaining food (Dal and Upma) for dinner. Dinner was crisp and on time, thanks to Sachin for initiating the fire. We stopped almost all the buses passing through sunkasale to get info and arrival schedule of Volvo.
Stopping the Volvo in middle of forest was still looking like fairy tale to me and I had almost made plans of staying back. Finally Volvo made appearance at about 11:45 at night as as planned we stopped the bus by blocking the road. Wrath of ticket collector was genuine due to our uncivilized behavior.
with no time to waste we boarded the bus and bid adieu to sunkasale.
Deja Vu! would be best words which could have explained my situation and that too at same place.
ignoring the fact of misadventure it was whale of the trip and certainly worth treasuring the moments forever.
 |
| Complete route information |
