Bandaje -Ballalarayana Durga Fort Trek

Ballalarayana Durga - Bandaje trek.

Ballalarayana Durga trek lies in Chikmagalur, nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, just 280 km away from Bangalore. Chikmagalur is known for its coffee plantations and lush greenery. And the trek adds a unique flavor to its landscape.

The Ballalarayana Durga Trek holds an abandoned fort from the 17th century at its peak, which was built by Hoysala King Veera Ballala I.
Another interesting feature of the Ballalarayana Durga trek is the Rani Jhari cliff where the local queen slipped and fell to her death. 

The cliff is a sight to behold during the monsoons. Ballalarayana Durga is a monsoon favorite trek and is preferred by beginners and experienced trekkers alike. Anyone can do the Ballalarayana Durga trek with a bit of preparation. 

The Initial Forest Section
Although the forest section is short, it is filled with life. Watch out for its age old trees, a variety of insects, birds and flora. The Himalayan Meadow-Like Shola Grasslands with Shola forests
The grasslands on the trek are so pretty that they almost resemble the Ali and Bedni meadows of the Himalayas.

Ballalarayana durga trek starts from a relatively higher altitude, hence the climb to the fort is not too tiring. However, you will descend almost 1,300 feet to bandaje waterfalls and get back up the same way, covering approximately 6.5 kilometres overall.

Kalabhyraveshwara Temple to Ballalarayana Durga Fort  I: Kalabhyraveshwara Temple to Ballalarayana Durga Fort
Trek distance: 3 km
Trek duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
GPS coordinates of Kalabhyraveshwara temple: 13° 8'56.89"n 75°24'56.08"e
GPS coordinates of Ballalarayana durga fort: 13° 7'56.92"n 75°24'53.67"e

The trail starts from Kalabhyraveshwara temple behind which you camp the previous day.
The route from the temple till the initial forest section (from where the actual trek starts) is on a mud road that is moderately steep.

Jeeps and other SUVs can go all the way up to the start point covering a distance of 1 kilometre. If you are in a normal sedan, we recommend you park your vehicle at the temple and start trekking from there.

| Note: If you are arriving in the morning and not camping behind the temple, head towards the temple to park your vehicles and start the trek.

In about 900 metres the mud road turns left, while taking the right turn leads you to the Rani Jhari view point. It is a moderate ascent and takes about 10 minutes to reach the view point.

Take the right to get a panoramic view of the entire Kudremukh National Park.

On a clear autumn day, you will see the valley stretched far and wide. In monsoons on the other hand, you may get to see only the initial view of the national park.
Once you arrive at the actual trek start point, notice an old forest department billboard, a dustbin and a check post-like barricade.

On your left, you get the first glimpse of Ballalarayana Durga fort sitting atop the hill. This is where the initial forest section starts.

Follow the trail that leads you into the forest. In about 200 metres, at the fork, take the trail on your right that ascends.

At the first and the second forest sections, always take the trail to your right when in doubt at the forks. This way you ensure you don’t deviate off the trail and always be on track.

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