Ballarayadurga & Bandajje Arbi - The Fort and Falls Trek

While this is the most thrilling treks In Karnataka, I have ever had, however this was planned accidentally, as we were supposed to visit the kavaledurga fort in Shivamogga, due to logistics shortage had to change it to Ballarayadurga and Bandajje fort. And it was good turn out for the Bengaluru Moon Trekkers group, around 12 folks made it to the trek. Every step was worth it with beautiful valley, trails with flora and fauna. 


Forts always have a mysterious aura surrounding them. Most of them are reminiscences of a rich bygone era. Every fort has a history associated with it. Now if a fort exists in the midst of dense forest and atop a hill in the beautiful Western Ghats, it is bound to be a place full of history and mystery. Ballalarayana Durga fort in the Chickamagaluru district of Karnataka is one such amazing fort.This isolated fort can only be reached by trekking through the hilly forest region. It is situated in Bettabalige that stands in the midst of Chkkamagaluru's Kottegehara village and the Kalasa temple-town. It is one of the few forts that can be found in the Western Ghats.


History: The Ballalarayana Durga fort was constructed by the wife of Veera Ballala l who was the king of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. The Hoysalas were known to be patrons of art and architecture and built several temples and a few forts during their rule. The Ballalarayana fort was built in the Karnata Dravida style of architecture, the architectural style that was popular in the Hoysala Empire during their rule.There is an ancient Kalabyraveshwara temple that is situated just below the fort. Legend has it that Ballala l and his wife used to visit the temple every day.


Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance: 20 kms (to Bandaje Arbi Falls)
Best time: Any time (Monsoon might be slippery and Leechy)


DIY Trek: No, has to go through Forest Dept with escort (it is national park)


Trail type: Trail winds through village initially, then steep hike to Rani Jerri, nomadic walk, pass through shola forest, cross streams and grassland walk on mountains.


Altitude: 4950 Ft
Forest Dept Permission: https://myecotrip.com/

Altitude Gain:
 
There are two trek routes one can choose, we took the 2nd one.
1. Valambra Village to Bandaje Arbi Falls and return (13 Kms Round trip)
2. Ballalarayana Durga Fort and Bandaje Arbi Falls and return (20 Kms Round trip)

Route Map

We started Bengaluru by 6Am and reached out base camp by 7 pm (Misty Heights Home-stay), which is around 5kms from the start point of the trek (Kalabyraveshwara temple). We started the trek by 8am with packed lunch from the home stay. The trail starts from the temple and is a jeep route till the rani Jerri view point. And then the path narrows to the typical forest trial, along side the bushes and grasslands.

Route: Kalabyraveshwara Temple > Rani Jerri View Point > Bandajje Falls > Ballalarayana durga fort > Rani Jerri Vew point > Temple


We hiked straight to the Bandajje falls by 12 pm, and spend around 1 hr in the falls, played with the water, ha packed lunch and started back by 1:30pm, It was hot sunny afternoon and drained everyone of energy and water. And adding to the hardship the half of the trail is on the grasslands with no shelter anywhere around.


We Reached Ballalarayana durga by 4pm, spend around 30 mins at the fort, exploring the remains and lot of photo sessions, and returned back to arrive at the base, which is Kalabyraveshwara temple by 6pm. Our vehicle was waiting there, totally tired and satisfied, trilled with the experience we headed back to our Next Adventure.

Camp at Misty Heights Home stay

A typical Malnad Village

Fort Remains of Ballalarayana Durga

Bandajje Arbi Falls

Top of Bandajje Arbi Falls

Mountains around

The Trail

Sunset at horizon and Moon peeping in, with Ballalaraya Durga Backdrop

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