Adventure Awaits: Climbing Netravati Peak

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.

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.

History of Netravati Trek

The Netravati Trek, located in the heart of Karnataka's Kudremukh National Park's region of high biodiversity, combines nature's grandeur with the past and its heritage. Named so because of the birthplace of the Netravati River in the Bangrabalige Valley of the Yelaneeru Ghat, the trek not only provides breathtaking vistas but also gives a glimpse of the country's rich heritage. It so happened that the area surrounding the Netravati River has been a cradle of civilization and there were settlements both on either side of the river because of its rich soil and water availability.

The artery, the very backbone of transport, commerce, and agriculture connecting the coast to the interior was the river. In the medieval period, the region was ruled by dynasties like the Vijayanagara Empire and Kadambas. It remains so due to the situation. Mythologically, the Netravati River is a place of local worship. Named derived from Sanskrit, and it is "Eye of the Earth." It has been believed to have formed due to a supernatural being's tears that had fallen because of excess sagging out of pity in seeing the beauty of nature. These are only to replicate the local population's strong religious connection to the river and place.

Trek Facts – Netravati Peak Trek

Distance & Trekking Time

• One-way Trek Distance: Approximately 6 to 7 kilometers

• Round Trip Trek Distance: Approximately 12 to 14 kilometers

• Trekking 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 Places

1. Kudremukh Summit: Karnataka's best trek, horse-faced with awe-inspiring views of valleys, grasslands and misty peaks.

2. Hanuman Gundi Falls: Rural falls in forests, picnic area and photography point. To be visited during post-monsoon or monsoon time.

3. Lakya Dam: Quiet spot with a view of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company dam, greens and hillocks surrounding it.

4. Kalasa: Temple town on the banks of Bhadra River, known for Kalaseswara Temple and quiet countryside view.

5. Horanadu (Annapoorneshwari Temple): Renowned pilgrim centre of the old temple of Annapoorneshwari. Traditional meal (prasadam) for all visitors, free of charge.

6. Sringeri: Heritage and spiritual site on the bank of River Tunga inhabited by Sharada Peetham established by Adi Shankaracharya.

7. 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 Trek

Monsoon (June to September)

• Triual is mystical with dense fog and thundering streams

• Triual is slippery and tougher

• Ace only for seasoned trekkers

Summer (Mar to May)

• Sweltering hot and humid

• Bad landscape visibility and a tiring trek

How to reach

By Road (Most Popular)

• Bangalore → Hassan → Belur → Kalasa → Samse → Kudremukh

• Total distance: ~330 km

• Thus, Duration: 7–8 hours

• Drive/taxi. Roads are good up to Kalasa. Then the road is scenic and mountainous.

By Bus

• KSRTC 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 Train

• No 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.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring Netravati trek from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.