Netravati Peak Trek: A Hidden Gem in the Western Ghats

Do you love trekking in the wilderness and exploring the unexplored? Do you want to experience the thrill of walking on the clouds and seeing the origin of a holy river? If yes, then Netravati Peak Trek is the perfect choice for you.

Netravati Peak Trek is a 12 km trek in the Kudremukh National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biodiversity. The trek takes you to the Netravati Peak, which is a 1520-meter-high peak that lies at the intersection of Chikmagalur, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka. The peak is named after the Netravati River, which originates from the Bangrabalige Valley, near the peak, and flows through the famous pilgrimage place Dharmasthala.

The trek is a hidden gem in the Western Ghats, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities that will make you fall in love with nature. You can enjoy the views of the lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, gurgling streams, and misty mountains. You can also witness the birth of the Netravati River, which is considered sacred by the Hindus and the Sikhs. You can also learn about the history and mythology of the region, and the rich flora and fauna of the national park.

Location and How to Reach

Netravati Peak Trek is located in the Kudremukh National Park, which is about 350 km from Bangalore, 100 km from Mangalore, and 80 km from Chikmagalur. The nearest town to the trek is Samse, which is about 20 km from the national park entrance.

The easiest way to reach Netravati Peak Trek is by taking a bus, taxi, or self-drive from Bangalore, Mangalore, or Chikmagalur to Samse. From Samse, you can take a jeep ride to the national park entrance, which is about 10 km. From there, you can start your trek to Netravati Peak.

You can also reach Netravati Peak Trek by taking a train to Mangalore or Chikmagalur and then taking a bus, taxi, or self-drive to Samse. From there, you can follow the same route as mentioned above.

Timings and Tickets

Netravati Peak Trek is open on all days of the week, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The trek can be done in a single day or two days, depending on your preference and availability of time. The trek is of moderate difficulty and requires basic fitness and stamina.

The tickets for the Netravati Peak Trek are priced at Rs. 500 per person, which includes the entry fee, guide fee, and forest department permission. The tickets can be booked online or offline, depending on your convenience.

You can book your tickets online through various platforms, such as Plan the Unplanned, Summiters, or HighHawks. You can also book your tickets offline at the forest department office at the national park entrance, but you may have to wait in long lines or face the unavailability of slots.

Itinerary and Attractions

The itinerary and attractions of the Netravati Peak Trek depend on whether you choose to do it in a single day or two days. Here is a sample itinerary for both options:

One Day Trek

• Start early in the morning from Samse and take a jeep ride to the national park entrance, which is about 10 km. Register yourself at the forest department office and get your tickets and guide.
• Start your trek from the national park entrance and follow the trail that goes along the Netravati River. You will pass by a hydroelectric power plant and a dam on the way.
• After about an hour, you will reach a bridge that crosses the river and leads to the village of Mullodi. You can take a short break here and explore the village, which has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and some shops and cafes.
• From Mullodi, the trail becomes steeper and more scenic as you enter the dense forest of pine and deodar trees. You will also see some waterfalls and streams on the way.
• After another hour, you will reach the source of the Netravati River, which is a small stream that emerges from the ground. You can take a dip in the stream and enjoy the pure and cold water. You can also visit the nearby temple of Netravati Devi and seek her blessings.
• From the source of the Netravati River, the trail becomes more challenging as you climb up the rocky and slippery path. You will also cross some wooden bridges and metal stairs on the way.
• After about two hours, you will finally reach Netravati Peak, where you will be greeted by the sight of the clouds and the mountains. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the surrounding valleys. You can also spot some of the other peaks in the region, such as Kudremukh, Kurinjal, and Ballalarayana Durga.
• After spending some time at the Netravati Peak, you can start your descent back to the national park entrance, following the same route. The trek will take about 3–4 hours to reach the national park entrance, where you can catch a jeep ride to Samse.

Two Day Trek

• Start early in the morning from Samse and take a jeep ride to the national park entrance, which is about 10 km. Register yourself at the forest department office and get your tickets and guide.
• Start your trek from the national park entrance and follow the same route as the one-day trek till you reach the source of the Netravati River. The trek will take about 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level.
• Once you reach the source of the Netravati River, you can check into one of the many campsites or guesthouses that are available there. You can choose from a variety of options, ranging from basic tents to luxury cottages, depending on your budget and preference. The average cost of accommodation is around Rs. 1000–2000 per person, including meals.
• After settling in, you can take a dip in the stream and relax your muscles. You can also explore the nearby temple and enjoy the views of the sunset and the stars.
• The next day, you can wake up early and witness the sunrise over the mountains. You can also do some yoga and meditation to refresh your mind and body.
• After having breakfast, you can start your ascent to Netravati Peak, following the same route as the one-day trek. The trek will take about 2–3 hours to reach the peak, where you can enjoy the scenic beauty and take some amazing pictures.
• After spending some time at Netravati Peak, you can start your descent back to the national park entrance, following the same route. The trek will take about 3–4 hours to reach the national park entrance, where you can catch a jeep ride to Samse.

Difficulty Level and Tips

The Netravati Peak Trek is of moderate difficulty and requires basic fitness and stamina. The trek is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers, as it offers a mix of easy and challenging sections. The altitude of Netravati Peak is about 1520 metres, which may cause some breathing problems or altitude sickness for some people. Therefore, it is advisable to acclimatise yourself before starting the trek and carry enough water and snacks with you.

To make your trek to Netravati Peak more enjoyable and memorable, here are some tips and tricks that you should keep in mind:

• Dress appropriately: The temperature at the peak can be around 10–15 degrees Celsius, so you should dress warmly and in layers. You should also wear comfortable shoes and socks. The park provides raincoats, but you can also bring your own if you prefer.
• Arrive early: The park can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so you should arrive early and book your tickets in advance. You should also check the availability of the slots and the timing of the sessions before you visit the park.
• Follow the rules: The park has some rules and regulations that you should follow for your safety and convenience. You should listen to the instructions of the staff and the guide, and follow the signs and directions in the park. You should also avoid carrying any valuables, food, or drinks inside the park and use the locker facility provided by the park.
• Have fun: The most important tip is to have fun and enjoy yourself at the park. You can try out different activities and attractions and make the most of your time. You can also capture some amazing moments and memories with your friends and family and share them on social media