All Karnataka hikes

Kodagu & Coast · Dakshina Kannada (via Volambra)

Bandaje Falls

A forest walk to a tiered waterfall near the Chikmagalur–Dakshina Kannada border

Easy–Moderate~8 km round trip3–5 hrs

Do it yourself ~₹3,000

Permit needed

Compare operators
From Bangalore
300 km · ~7 h
Difficulty
Easy–Moderate
Best months
Jul–Oct
Altitude
Not published
Distance
~8 km round trip
Time on trail
3–5 hrs

The route via Volambra is listed on the Aranya Vihaara portal for Dakshina Kannada. A forest trail with stream crossings leads to a cascading waterfall.

  • Waterfall
  • Stream crossings
  • Forest trail

Permit & rules

Permit needed?
Yes – book in advance
Issued by
Karnataka Forest Dept
How to book
Aranya Vihaara portal (Dakshina Kannada list).
Fee
Check portal.
Guide
Mandatory (local/registered guide)
Night trek
Not allowed
Aranya Vihaara official portal

Best time to visit

Go

Jul–Oct (waterfall flow), Oct–Jan (easier trail)

Avoid

Summer (falls dry)

Wildlife

  • Leeches in monsoon
  • Birds
  • Occasional deer

What to wear

  • Quick-dry clothes
  • Leech socks
  • Shoes with grip

What to carry

  • Dry bag for phone
  • Water
  • ID

Typical itinerary

  1. Overnight drive, morning trek to falls, return.

Operators compared

Listed starting prices per person from Bangalore. They change by batch – confirm inclusions with the operator.

Do it yourself

Fuel, permit, guide, stay.

~₹3,000

Namma Trip

Day trek · Day and weekend batches, transport optional on some treks, forest permit sometimes excluded

Check price

Included
See listing
Trip experience
Check the page for dates and price.
Price source: listing seen Nov 2026View on Namma Trip

Local tips

  • Never cross swollen streams after heavy rain.

Bandaje Falls FAQ

Do I need a permit for Bandaje Falls?+

Yes. Aranya Vihaara portal (Dakshina Kannada list). Check portal.

What is the best time to trek Bandaje Falls?+

Jul–Oct (waterfall flow), Oct–Jan (easier trail). Avoid: Summer (falls dry).

How far is Bandaje Falls from Bangalore?+

About 300 km by road, roughly 7 hours' drive. Round-trip fuel is about ₹3,433 at current prices for a car-level mileage estimate.

How difficult is Bandaje Falls?+

Easy–Moderate, about 8 km round trip. 3–5 hrs.

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Information compiled from public operator listings and forest department guidance, last reviewed 2026-11-01. Fees, quotas and closures change – verify on the official portal and with the operator before you travel. Operator links are provided for comparison; we do not sell treks.