Ballalarayanadurga Fort And Bandaje Arbi Falls Trek - Monks on Wheels

Ballalarayana Durga Fort and Bandaje Arbi Waterfalls have a mysterious aura. Here’s why?

Ballalarayana Durga is a lesser known Historical Monument located in the dense jungles of Western Ghats just 300km from Bengaluru. Ballalarayana Durga fort provides you the feeling of thriller as well as a sinister charm.

Bandaje Arbi waterfalls beauty can captivate anyone. The waterfall is believed to be situated at a height of 700 meters above the sea level. It plunges 200 feet from the hilltop and is a surreal sight to behold.

Warning: You are about to read the most exciting section, a signature hand-crafted, Monks On Wheels experience. This is for people who want to join for some true adventure and unique fun.

Trek Details

i) Trek Difficulty – Moderate to difficult (Just do it!)

ii) Total Trek duration – 7 – 8 hrs

iii) Total Trek distance – 15 – 16 km

Short Itinerary

Day 0 (Friday)

1) We say bye to Namma Bengaluru at around 10 PM.

(Please have a light dinner. We don’t want you to starve!)

2) Our experienced organizers will keep you engaged with fun ice breaker session, a great way to bond with your fellow travellers.

3) Next up? Good rest required for the adventure in waiting!

Day 1 (Saturday)

1) Reach the homestay near Kalasa in the morning to a steaming hot cup of coffee.

2) Freshen up and have a delicious, authentic breakfast.

3) Depart from homestay to reach the trek base.

4) Start trekking to the isolated ruins of Ballalarayanadurga fort.

5) Reach the fort to get astonished by its beauty.

6) Continue the trek to the secluded Bandaje Arbi waterfalls

7) Reach the top and have your packed lunch with a million dollar view!

8)Descend to the base and drive (give your tired muscles a rest) back to the homestay.

9) Freshen up and gather around the campfire to tea and piping hot snacks (if weather permits).

10) Warm up, indulge in activities, or dance the evening away, hosted by our fun-experts.

11) Dig into a traditional dinner which is unlimited! (Veg & Non Veg)

12) Sleep like a baby at our overnight stay in comfortable dorms.

Day 2 (Sunday)

1) Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy an early morning breakfast.

2) Drive to visit the UNESCO heritage architectural marvel, Halebeedu temple and get ready to pose for those Insta pictures!

3) A professional guide will reveal the rich architecture of the temple.

4) Have sumptuous lunch (Unlimited on Food Menu).

5) Start the return journey to Bengaluru. Wait, did you think the fun was over!!?

6) Sing along, dance to good music and play interactive games on the way

7) Stop for Dinner (Unlimited on Food Menu) en route

8) Reach Namma Bengaluru in the night with memories of a lifetime!

Note:-

i) Comfortable accommodation will be in dorms on 4-5 sharing basis with attached bathrooms.

We are sure you must be excited but hold on, are you wondering what the package includes?

Answer – we’ve got everything you need covered for your 2 day vacation.

Price Includes

1. All delicious meals: – 2 Breakfast, 2 lunch and 2 dinner.

2. Comfortable accommodation for one night in dorms on 4-5 sharing basis with attached bathroom.

3. Trek to the isolated Ballalarayanadurga Fort.

4. Trek to the secluded Bandaje Arbi Waterfalls.

5. Local Trek Guide charges.

6. Jeep ride to trek base point.

7. Forest entry charges.

8. Visit the UNESCO heritage monument at Halebeedu.

9. Professional guide charges at the temple.

10. Campfire** with snacks and other activities.

11. First Aid kit in case of emergencies. (We hope we don’t have any).

12. Non-AC Transport with pushback seats to and fro Bengaluru

13. 2 or more members of Monks on Wheels to keep you entertained throughout the event.

14. GST (yes, we are honest like that!)

Price Excludes

Personal expenses and other things not mentioned above

Now that you have decided to join the trip, congrats on the excellent choice! Monks on Wheels assures you a real experience in nature, distinctive value and finest quality in service.

Advisory

1) You have the option to make your own transportation arrangements (car/bike/public transport) to join the event for which per person price: Rs. 4869/- (No hidden charges)

2) Partial payment of Rs. 3600/- can be made to book your slot. Remaining amount to be paid online/cash on the day of the trip

3) Monks on Wheels trek leads will have radio communication device as a part of safety measure

4) Comfortable accommodation for one night in dorms on 4-5 sharing basis with attached bathroom.

5) A Whatsapp group will be created 2-3 days before the event where all the necessary information like things to carry, pick up points, time etc will be provided

6) We need a minimum of 9 people to conduct the event or the event might be cancelled with a full refund

7) In an extremely rare scenario, due to unforeseen incidents like natural calamities, roadblocks etc. or restrictions by the government or forest department, the itinerary might be changed/modified depending on the situation.

The surroundings around the Homestay/Hotel/Camp will make you feel very close to Nature.

We would like to reiterate & be understood that it is a no-frills nature retreat & not a luxury resort but you can definitely trust us to give you the most thrilling experience and the best premium hospitality.

Things to Carry

1. Sunscreen

2. Umbrellas or rain coat (optional)

3. Carry bags

4. Water bottles

5. Odomos

6. Medicines (if any)

7. Trek shoes (any footwear with good grip will do)

8. Mobile Charger

9. First Aid Kit

10. Extra pair of clothing

11. Sufficient amount of cash

12. Portable chargers

13. Tissues

14. Masks

15. Sanitizers

COVID Safety & Guidelines

Double dose vaccination of COVID-19 or RTPCR Test report of COVID-19 less than 72 hours is mandatory for all participants.

FAQs

1. What is Partial Payment? If partial payment is done, how to pay the remaining amount?

A: Partial payment is an advance paid to block your slot for a particular event. Remaining amount of the event to be paid online/cash on the day of the trip.

2. What kind of transport will be arranged by Monks on Wheels?

A: Monks on Wheels will be arranging an Non – AC tempo traveller or a mini bus depending on the group size.

3. From where will the transportation be arranged?

A: The transport will be arranged from Bengaluru.

4. Where will be pick up points be in Bengaluru?

A: Monks on Wheels will be providing multiple pick up points in Bengaluru and the same will be conveyed with timings 2-3 days before the event.

5. Where should we join, in case we are coming by our own transport arrangements?

A: Once your registration is confirmed, Monks on Wheels shall provide the exact location of our venue 2-3 days before the event.

6. Is there any age limit for Monks on Wheels’ trips?

A: Monks on Wheels do not restrict on the age as each individual has their own capabilities. But we would strongly recommend you to contact us so that our travel expert can give you a better idea of the trip.

7. What kind of events are these?

A: These are group events open to all categories of people.

8. How safe is it for women travelers?

A: Yes, It is completely safe for women travelers. Monks on Wheels events are done keeping certain standards and safety measures. We will always send a minimum of two trip organizers for all our events (many of them women trek leads). For better understanding on how we manage trips, read these reviews by our solo women travelers.

Review link: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Monksonwheels/reviews/

9. What is the ratio of Men & Women in your events?

A: Monks on Wheels usually have more women travelers joining our trips. However, sometimes the ratio will be almost equal.

10. Do you have women trek organizers in Monks on Wheels?

A: Yes, in fact most of Monks on Wheels trek leads are women.

11. What type of venue will it be for the overnight stay? Whether accommodation will be separate for men and women?

A: Monks on Wheels keeps certain quality standards where we provide venues like home stays or campsites that are good and hygienic with neat and clean washrooms. And yes, we always provide separate accommodation for men and women.

Refund and Cancellation Policy:

1. If the notice is received more than 20 days prior to the event, 100% of the event amount paid will be refunded.

2. If the notice is received up to 20 days prior to the event, 50% of the event amount paid shall be refunded.

3. All cancellation requests made 5 days prior or on the day of the event, no refund will be made.

4. No refund will be made for any type of cancellation if partial payment is done.