Article Published On - -
Are you an adventure-seeker yearning for a trekking experience that stands out from the rest? Look no further than the Netravati Trek in southern India! This hidden gem, distinct from the more common Kudremukh Peak trail, is gaining popularity among thrill-seekers for its unique features and picturesque landscapes.
Located in the breathtaking Chikmagalur district, the Netravati Trek takes you through the charming towns of Samse and Belathangady. It offers a journey to the Netravathi Peak within the abundant green surroundings of the Kudremukh forest.
Be prepared to be blown away by the rough landscape, gentle streams, and impressive peaks on your route to Netravathi Peak. Named after the Netravathi River that begins at the foot of the peak, the Netravati Trek offers breathtaking views along the trail, surrounded by expansive shola grasslands.
Once you reach the peak, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the smaller towns within the Belthangady region. The sheer beauty and serenity of these surroundings will inspire and captivate you, making it a must-visit destination for any adventurer.
Don’t fret if you’re a beginner, as this trek is designed to test your stamina, regardless of your trekking experience. We share your passion for trekking and have meticulously documented it to help you complete it independently. So, what’s holding you back? Let’s embark on a thrilling adventure together, filled with challenges and rewarding experiences!
The best time to go on the Netravathi Trek is in February. Kudremukh’s lush green beauty is most captivating during the monsoon season when the area is covered in vibrant greenery. However, suppose you prefer a mix of greenery and brown vegetation. In that case, it’s best to go during summer, when the scenery is more balanced.
The views during the summer season are usually more evident than during the monsoon season. For an optimal experience, consider beginning the Netravathi Trek during the post-monsoon or winter seasons. The area receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, making it an excellent time to trek.
However, being well-prepared with suitable gear is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. The intensity of the trek may also increase during the peak of the monsoon, and you should be aware of leeches, which can be both a nuisance and a source of amusement.
Embark on a 2.5 km journey from the forest office to the stunning 2-tier waterfalls, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete. The trail starts with a rocky incline, gradually leveling off as you approach the waterfalls, which serve as a refreshing source of drinking water. This detailed description of the trail will help you prepare for the trek and understand its terrain.
The well-marked path features a few gentle slopes and dips, and you may encounter roaming cattle from nearby villages. During heavy rainfall, the waterfalls swell, making it challenging to traverse without getting wet. Nonetheless, this waterfall is an excellent source of water.
As you venture through the forest, you’ll hear the soothing sound of a canal flowing in the distance, supplying water to the nearby villages. To your left, the majestic Rani Jhari Cliff and Ballalrayana Durga Fort stand tall, inviting you to explore their grandeur. The canal eventually feeds into a picturesque stream, which you’ll encounter after a brief diversion from the main path.
You’ll reach the water’s edge after a moderate descent and a few gentle inclines. You can remove your shoes and wade through the cool water for a refreshing experience. However, during peak monsoon season, the stream’s water level may rise, making crossing challenging.
To ascend to Netravathi Peak, you must conquer multiple false peaks through a series of false summits. The trek distance will be 1.00 km, and the trek duration will be approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The most enjoyable part of the trek begins here as you traverse through lush grasslands, surrounded by panoramic views of the rolling hills. As you enter the shola grassland, the climb becomes steeper. At one point, the climb may seem never-ending, but the breathtaking views from the top make it all worthwhile.
From the summit, you’ll have a clear view of several notable Western Ghats peaks, including Kudremukh Peak to your right and Rani Jhari to your left. On a clear day, you can also spot other distant peaks on the horizon. The scenic view from the top offers a bird’ s-eye view of Belthangady’s surrounding villages and towns.
To begin your journey to the Netravathi Trek, you must start from the village of Samse, which is approximately 14 kilometers away from Kalasa. If you plan to drive to Netravathi from Bangalore, you can use Google Maps to navigate.
To reach Samse from Bangalore, you must take the road towards Kalasa via Hassan-Mudigere-Kottigehara. Once you reach Samse, take a left towards the forest checkpost, and you will find the most convenient route to Netravathi.
If you are planning to access Netravathi via public transportation, you need to know that reaching Samse, the starting point of the trek, may be more challenging than reaching other base villages. However, arriving at Kalasa by 8 a.m. via bus from Bangalore is still feasible. From Kalasa, you can take an auto or local bus to the homestay or Kudremukh National Park. You can book numerous buses from Bangalore to Kalasa online through the KSRTC website.
From Kalasa, buses heading towards Karkala or Udupi are available. You can hop on one of them and get off at Samse.
Buses in the area can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to check with local businesses for any updates on their schedules. Alternatively, you can look into shared transportation options like rickshaws or jeeps, which run regularly between Kalasa and Samse.
If you want to rent a jeep from Samse to get to the starting point of the trek, it’s a worthwhile experience. The jeep ride costs around Rs 280 per person. The journey in the jeep can also be enjoyable and full of adventure.You can rent a jeep from Samse to get to the starting point of the trek. It’s a worthwhile experience. The jeep ride costs around Rs 280 per person. The journey in the jeep can also be enjoyable and full of adventure.
Head Of Mountain Experts
-
