Netravati Trek: The Western Ghats Trail You Haven’t Heard Of (Yet)

Most people who head to Chikmagalur talk about Kudremukh, Mullayanagiri, or Bababudangiri. They’re gorgeous, yes—but also crowded. The Netravati Trail, in contrast, is still flying under the radar. It’s the kind of trail where you don’t just walk; you feel like you’re discovering something untouched.

Named after the Netravati River, which begins here before flowing all the way to Mangalore, this trek packs in forests, grasslands, and ridges that seem to go on forever. If you’ve been craving a weekend trek from Bangalore that’s big on wilderness and low on crowds, Netravati might just be your perfect match.

Where It All Begins

The trek starts near Samse village, not far from Kalasa in the Chikmagalur district. Samse itself is a quiet spot, surrounded by coffee plantations and misty hills. It’s here that trekkers usually meet local guides, grab packed meals, and start the climb.

Getting there is straightforward:

• From Bangalore, it’s about 330 km by road (7–8 hours). Overnight buses to Kalasa are the easiest option.
• Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport, 115 km away.
• If you prefer trains, the closest stations are Chikmagalur (100 km) and Mangalore (110 km).

Once you reach Kalasa, a short jeep ride takes you to the base. From there, it’s all footwork.

What Makes Netravati Trek Special

Every trek has its signature element. Netravati’s is its variety of landscapes.

• The forest section is dense and quiet, with only the crunch of leaves and birdcalls breaking the silence.
• The open grasslands look like rolling green waves, especially in the post-monsoon season.
• The ridges and summit bring out the drama—windy, cloud-kissed, and panoramic.

Unlike some other treks that are either too short or punishingly long, Netravati hits a sweet spot. It’s about 14–15 km in total, usually done in 7–8 hours. Enough to feel like an adventure, but not so much that you’re wiped out for days.

Best Season to Go

Choosing the right time makes all the difference:

• September to February: The best season. The hills are green, skies are clearer, and the climate is cool.
• June to August (monsoon): Everything is lush, but trails get slippery and leeches are common. If you love wild, rainy treks, this is your time—just be prepared.
• March to May: Hot and dry. The trek is doable, but the sun on the ridges can be harsh.

If you’re trekking for the first time, aim for October to December. That’s when the landscapes are still fresh from the monsoon, but the weather is trekker-friendly.

Trekking Through Netravati: A Walkthrough

Picture this:

You start from the base around 8 am. The first stretch is under the forest canopy, damp and earthy, with streams trickling across your path. Within an hour, the forest gives way to open grasslands. Suddenly, the horizon feels endless. Rolling hills stretch out like green velvet, with mist weaving in and out.

The climb gets steeper as you head higher. The ridges are windy, and the trail narrows, but the views keep you going. By noon, you’re standing at the summit of Netravati Peak, surrounded by the Western Ghats in all their glory. Clouds drift across like moving curtains, revealing and hiding peaks in the distance.

After lunch at the top, the descent begins—quicker, but no less stunning. By late afternoon, you’re back at the base, tired but grinning.

Suggested Weekend Itinerary

Day 0 (Friday night):

• Leave Bangalore around 10 pm by overnight bus/car.

Day 1 (Saturday):

• Reach Kalasa by early morning.
• Jeep ride to Samse, meet your guide, start the trek by 8 am.
• Summit by noon, descend by late afternoon.
• Stay overnight at a homestay in Kalasa (don’t miss the local Malnad meals).

Day 2 (Sunday):

• Explore Hanuman Gundi Falls, Horanadu Temple, or a coffee estate.
• Return to Bangalore by evening.

What to Pack & Know Before You Go

• Shoes: Good trekking shoes with grip—especially post-monsoon.
• Clothing: Quick-dry clothes, rain jacket (if trekking in monsoon), and cap.
• Food & Water: Carry snacks, energy bars, and at least 2 liters of water.
• Leech Protection: Salt or snuff powder if you’re trekking in rainy months.
• Permits & Guides: Entry is regulated, so you need to go with a local guide who arranges forest permissions.
• Fitness: Basic stamina is enough, but some cardio and leg workouts before the trek help.

Budget-wise, a weekend trip including travel, stay, guide, and food usually costs around ₹3,000–₹4,000 per person.

Places to Explore Nearby

If you want to extend your trip:

• Kudremukh Peak – More famous, longer, but pairs well with Netravati.
• Coffee Plantation Stays – Kalasa and Samse have charming homestays in estates.
• Kudremukh National Park Safari – For wildlife lovers.
• Waterfalls – Hanuman Gundi and Kadambi Falls are refreshing stops.

Final Thoughts: Why Netravati Should Be on Your Trek List

The Netravati Trek is for people who like their adventures raw. It doesn’t have big crowds or heavy commercialization. What it offers instead is space—space to walk, breathe, and reconnect.

On the summit, when the wind howls and clouds rush past, it’s just you, the trail, and the wild. And that’s exactly what makes Netravati one of Karnataka’s most rewarding treks.

So, if you’ve been looking for a weekend escape that combines challenge, beauty, and peace, lace up your shoes. Netravati is waiting.