A Gem Hidden in the Foothills of Netravati Peak: The Bolle Falls Trek Experience!

 A Gem Hidden in the Foothills of Netravati Peak: The Bolle Falls Trek Experience!

 

Sunday! Everyone harbours the thought of taking a brief respite on the weekly holiday to find some peace after toiling for six days of the week! There is always a desire to spend time with family, either at home or by going out somewhere. On such an occasion, the journey undertaken was towards Bolle Falls!

From Monday to Saturday, with no break, my job and other responsibilities had left my mind completely exhausted, quietly longing for a little peace. At such times, the first thing that comes to mind is Mother Nature. In our search for peace, we often run here and there, trying many things sometimes even reaching a point where we feel that falling into bad habits doesn’t matter anymore. But people must realize that Mother Nature herself provides everything we truly need.

Anyway, whenever I felt this pull towards nature, I would either go to my native town Hariharapallathadka located in the foothill of Shesha Parvatha peak of Western Ghats, near Kukke Subrahmanya and spend a day or two in the village or if time permitted, go on one or two treks a year. Recently, such a wonderful opportunity came my way.

Bolle Falls is a place unknown to many! It is a beautiful waterfall located in the foothills of the Netravati Peak, which is one of the beautiful peaks in the Kudremukh National Park within the Western Ghats! This waterfall is situated in Killur village of Belthangady Taluk, Dakshina Kannada district. The water flowing from near the Netravati Peak cascades over the rock formations here and eventually flows forward to join the Netravati River. Seizing a good opportunity to trek with members of the Youth Hostels Association of India(YHAI) that came up unexpectedly, a visit was made to the beautiful Bolle Falls on 21.12.2025!

Stretch 1: Killur Bus Stand – Soorli Bridge (5 km)

Starting from Puttur with some members of the association, the group reached Belthangady, gathered with all members for breakfast and then proceeded towards Killur. The bus was parked near the government ration distribution center at the Killur bus stand and the trek towards Bolle Falls commenced from there. Initially, after walking about 1 km on a concrete road, one encounters the Forest Department gate. This marks the boundary of the Kudremukh National Park. Entering the national park limits through this gate, the path continues on a mud road amidst the forest.

While moving along the path, the Netravati Peak and nearby mountain ranges can be seen in front, while the Ballarayana Durga Fort and Bandaje Falls mountain range are visible at the back. Moving forward while viewing these mountain ranges, a small stream is encountered. Crossing the small bridge built over this stream, the journey proceeds. Further ahead, the terrain alternates between ups, downs and flat areas amidst the forest. After walking about 5 km through this region, a second bridge is reached. This bridge is slightly elevated. There are two ways to proceed here: one can go via the bridge on the left or cross the stream on the right to move forward. This spot is the final point for vehicles like pickups and Jeeps. From here, one must walk. However, as observed during the trek, since soil has been laid on the road, if one can cross the stream, it is possible to take a Jeep or pickup up to 1 km away from the falls. For those arriving in cars or buses (except Jeeps/Pickups), it is best to walk from the Killur bus stand itself. The distance from where the bus was parked to this bridge was covered comfortably in 57 minutes.

Part 2: Soorli Bridge – Bolle Falls (2 km)

 

Beyond Soorli Bridge (or the second bridge) lies a steep road. This is the difficult section of this trek. Proceeding along this steep path, one can spot a couple of houses and arecanut plantations amidst the forest, along with mountain peaks. Moving further along the waterfall road near the plantation, a steep section covered with bushes begins. Climbing through the road amidst the bushes, bamboo, cane and other tall-growing trees can be seen. As one moves forward, the sound of water begins to be heard. Following the sound of water along the narrow path, one finally reaches Bolle Falls. Since this 2 km stretch was covered very leisurely and there was ample time, it took about 1 hour to complete.

 

Upon reaching the vicinity of the falls, one can witness water cascading from a height onto the rocks! Two eyes are not enough to behold the sight of the water falling in a pure white colour, resembling milk! To reach the water pool near the falls, one must climb over a pile of rocks to finally get to the base (the pool where the water falls). Arriving at this place, filled with fresh air and water, brings immense peace to the mind!

Sitting on the rocks while the water cascaded from above, we spent a good amount of time playing in the stream and relaxing amidst nature. In this peaceful setting, we enjoyed the packed lunch we had brought along. After resting for a while, we started our return journey directly towards the bus.

Trek Information:

Currently, there is a ticket system to visit Bolle Falls. When going for the trek, one must meet the Forest Department staff and pay the trekking fee of ₹200. The trekking path to the falls is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. No one is allowed near the falls after 5:00 PM! Since the path goes through the forest, there is no need to carry much drinking water. The streams near the bridges on the trekking path and the water at the falls above serve as drinking water sources. Currently, since vehicles like Jeeps and pickups can go up to 5-6 km, if one goes to the final point on this road by vehicle and walks the final 1 km from there, Bolle Falls can be reached. Network coverage is available in most places along this route, except for a few spots, so making calls is not an issue.

As there are no hotels nearby, arrangements must be made for food required for lunch or other times. The entire trek can be comfortably completed in 5-6 hours.

Since I already have experience trekking peaks in the Kudremukh mountain range such as Kudremukh peak and Netravati peak, as well as challenging treks like Kumara Parvatha, this trek did not feel difficult to me at all. As a result, I was able to complete it with ease.

Even though the day we visited was a Sunday, there were hardly any people at Bolle Waterfalls. This made it easier for us to trek at our own pace, and we also got the chance to spend more time enjoying and playing in the waterfall.

While going on a trek, please make sure to responsibly dispose of any plastic or other waste you carry with you. Under no circumstances should trash be thrown along the trekking path or left behind in the forest.

For those who wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, spend time in nature, or have a habit of trekking, a visit to Bolle Falls can be easily undertaken. Do visit for a trek! But please protect the cleanliness and environment of that place!

Article by: Shreekara B