Regional News

Popular Trekking Destinations and Waterfalls in Belthangady to Reopen for Tourists from June 1

By Editor

Posted on May 26, 2026

Popular Trekking Destinations and Waterfalls in Belthangady to Reopen for Tourists from June 1 Belthangady : Adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers have a reason to cheer as the Forest Department’s Wildlife Division has announced the reopening of all major trekking trails and prominent waterfalls across Belthangady taluk starting June 1. Earlier in January, the authorities had imposed a temporary ban on public entry to highly popular eco-tourism destinations, including Netravati Peak, Bandaje Waterfalls, and the historic Jamalabad Fort (Gadaiikallu), bringing seasonal trekking activities to a complete halt. This stringent restriction was primarily implemented as a preemptive measure to mitigate the severe risk of forest fires during the parched summer months and to facilitate the hassle-free conduct of the national tiger estimation census. Malavanthe village, nestled within the pristine eco-sensitive zone of the Kudremukh National Park, houses a majority of these scenic attractions. While these spots draw a massive influx of trekkers annually, the dense wilderness becomes highly vulnerable to wildfires in summer. Since tourists frequently flouted safety advisories and left behind flammable materials, the department had to enforce a total lockdown of the forest limits. The scenario has now dramatically changed following consecutive spells of pre-monsoon summer showers, which have thoroughly drenched the forest floor, revived the dried-up streams, and restored the lush green canopy. With the imminent threat of wildfires effectively averted, wildlife officials have greenlit the lifting of the suspension. Interestingly, while the scenic Kadamagundi and Bolle waterfalls have already been made accessible to the public, the Ermayi waterfalls faced no such operational curbs since it is located within a private property line. Similarly, Gadayikallu, a formidable trekking hotspot situated in the Nada-Layila village limits at an altitude of 1,700 feet above sea level, is also gearing up to welcome visitors from June 1 after its closure in February. However, forest officials have issued a cautionary note stating that if torrential monsoon downpours render the steep, rocky terrain treacherously slippery and hazardous for climbing, entry to Gadayikallu might be suspended again during the peak rainy season to ensure public safety. To maintain ecological balance and passenger discipline, the Forest Department has laid down a comprehensive set of non-negotiable guidelines for the incoming footfall. Trekkers must prioritize environmental cleanliness and strictly refrain from littering or carrying plastic. Any individual caught indulging in illegal, unruly, or ecologically damaging activities will face severe legal penalties under the Wildlife Protection Act. Furthermore, entry is strictly restricted to daylight hours, and overnight camping or stays inside the reserve forest limits remain completely prohibited. Visitors are mandated to stick to the designated trekking trails without straying into the deep woods. Lastly, carrying a valid original government-issued photo identity card is compulsory, and anyone failing to produce proper identification at the forest checkposts will be denied entry without exception.

Belthangady : Adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers have a reason to cheer as the Forest Department’s Wildlife Division has announced the reopening of all major trekking trails and prominent waterfalls across Belthangady taluk starting June 1. Earlier in January, the authorities had imposed a temporary ban on public entry to highly popular eco-tourism destinations, including Netravati Peak, Bandaje Waterfalls, and the historic Jamalabad Fort (Gadaiikallu), bringing seasonal trekking activities to a complete halt.

This stringent restriction was primarily implemented as a preemptive measure to mitigate the severe risk of forest fires during the parched summer months and to facilitate the hassle-free conduct of the national tiger estimation census. Malavanthe village, nestled within the pristine eco-sensitive zone of the Kudremukh National Park, houses a majority of these scenic attractions. While these spots draw a massive influx of trekkers annually, the dense wilderness becomes highly vulnerable to wildfires in summer. Since tourists frequently flouted safety advisories and left behind flammable materials, the department had to enforce a total lockdown of the forest limits.

The scenario has now dramatically changed following consecutive spells of pre-monsoon summer showers, which have thoroughly drenched the forest floor, revived the dried-up streams, and restored the lush green canopy. With the imminent threat of wildfires effectively averted, wildlife officials have greenlit the lifting of the suspension. Interestingly, while the scenic Kadamagundi and Bolle waterfalls have already been made accessible to the public, the Ermayi waterfalls faced no such operational curbs since it is located within a private property line.

Similarly, Gadayikallu, a formidable trekking hotspot situated in the Nada-Layila village limits at an altitude of 1,700 feet above sea level, is also gearing up to welcome visitors from June 1 after its closure in February. However, forest officials have issued a cautionary note stating that if torrential monsoon downpours render the steep, rocky terrain treacherously slippery and hazardous for climbing, entry to Gadayikallu might be suspended again during the peak rainy season to ensure public safety.

To maintain ecological balance and passenger discipline, the Forest Department has laid down a comprehensive set of non-negotiable guidelines for the incoming footfall. Trekkers must prioritize environmental cleanliness and strictly refrain from littering or carrying plastic. Any individual caught indulging in illegal, unruly, or ecologically damaging activities will face severe legal penalties under the Wildlife Protection Act. Furthermore, entry is strictly restricted to daylight hours, and overnight camping or stays inside the reserve forest limits remain completely prohibited. Visitors are mandated to stick to the designated trekking trails without straying into the deep woods. Lastly, carrying a valid original government-issued photo identity card is compulsory, and anyone failing to produce proper identification at the forest checkposts will be denied entry without exception.