Netravati Trek is an exhilarating trek through dense Western Ghats hills, Chikmagalur district, Karnataka. The trek is an offbeat, less-explored trek and a great choice for adventure enthusiasts seeking serene, unexplored nature, and a bit of adventure. The trek is along the back side of the Netravati Peak, which has an elevation of approximately 1,520 meters and is one of the picturesque Kudremukh National Park's sights. Dense shola forests, grassy rolling green hills, and valley mists come into view along the trek itself as it offers a country retreat into the kingdom of nature. You will have sparkling streams, birdsong, and beautiful scenery of the Ghats which are divine in this trek. Netravati Trek is different from the other trekking spots in the fact that it has a raw, virgin beauty. Unlike some of the more renowned trekking spots, the trek itself is not commercialized at all and is an unspoiled firsthand experience with nature. Mountain lovers and adventure seekers can find more exciting routes through our Treks Near Bangalore guide.The trek starts from Kalasa or Samse base village depending upon the trek route and is a 6–7 hours difficult to moderate ascend back and forth from the summit. The monsoon ascent would be steep and slippery, but during the other months of the year, the area would be greenest and most lush. The peak offers climbers a wide 360-degree view of valleys, hills, and even distant waterfalls on a sunny day. Netravati Peak is located in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot area, and as such the region is teeming with flora and fauna. Trekkers have an opportunity to see rare birds, butterflies, and sometimes a glimpse of wildlife in the form of deer or wild boar. It is to be done trekking with a professional guide or group trekking as there is some of the jungle which is quite jungly and densely forested and where one may easily get lost. Netravati Trek is to be attempted to be done from October to February when weather and climate are good with clear sky. Travelers seeking ridge walks and panoramic mountain scenery often choose our Netravati Trek Package for a guided trekking experience.Trek Facts – Netravati Peak TrekDistance & Trekking TimeOne-way Trek Distance: Approximately 6 to 7 kilometersRound Trip Trek Distance: Approximately 12 to 14 kilometersTrekking Time: 6 to 8 hours (breaking and top time included)Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult, This is a trekking trail for persons with good physical strength. Having good stamina and high willpower, along with being a fresher, one can attempt but has to acclimatize beforehand. The trail consists of steep ascends, slippery roads (especially in the monsoon season), and dense forest cover where one should exercise care in walking.Trail Description:Terraine: Red-soil trails with rock and grass slopes.Forest: The majority of the early part of the trek is spent traversing dense shola forests with little penetration of light and a ghostly atmosphere.Streams: Small rivulets traverse the trail, especially during monsoon and post-monsoon periods, offering natural, cool respite.Landscape: Going uphill, the rolling grassland rolls with awe-inspiring long-range views of the Kudremukh range, hill valleys and misty peaks. In sunlight, a distant hillock and a stretch of a green emerald forest is visible.Nearby PlacesKudremukh Summit: Karnataka's best trek, horse-faced with awe-inspiring views of valleys, grasslands and misty peaks.Hanuman Gundi Falls: Rural falls in forests, picnic area and photography point. To be visited during post-monsoon or monsoon time.Lakya Dam: Quiet spot with a view of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company dam, greens and hillocks surrounding it.Kalasa: Temple town on the banks of Bhadra River, known for Kalaseswara Temple and quiet countryside view.Horanadu (Annapoorneshwari Temple): Renowned pilgrim centre of the old temple of Annapoorneshwari. Traditional meal (prasadam) for all visitors, free of charge.Sringeri: Heritage and spiritual site on the bank of River Tunga inhabited by Sharada Peetham established by Adi Shankaracharya.Bhagavathi Nature Camp: Forest camp in Kudremukh National Park. The perfect venue for eco-tourism, bird-watching, and at nature's feet.Best Time to Visit Netravati TrekMonsoon (June to September)Triual is mystical with dense fog and thundering streamsTriual is slippery and tougherAce only for seasoned trekkersSummer (Mar to May)Sweltering hot and humidBad landscape visibility and a tiring trekHow to reachBy Road (Most Popular)Bangalore → Hassan → Belur → Kalasa → Samse → KudremukhTotal distance: ~330 kmThus, Duration: 7–8 hoursDrive/taxi. Roads are good up to Kalasa. Then the road is scenic and mountainous.By BusKSRTC and private operators run regular Bangalore-Kalasa/Kudremukh buses.Sleeper overnight bus from Bangalore to Kalasa (or to Kottigehara).Kalasa local taxis or jeeps can drop you at the base village close to the Netravati path.By TrainNo direct train to Kudremukh.One can go by rail to Mangalore (the nearest main railway station).Drive from Mangalore (about 100 km) via Karkala – Kalasa to the base.
