A Weekend Escape to the Untamed Trails of Netravati Trek

When city life starts to feel like an endless loop of meetings, traffic, and noise, there's one cure I swear by—disappearing into the mountains. And that’s exactly what led me to the lesser-known but wildly rewarding Netravati Peak Trek in Karnataka. A hidden treasure nestled near Kudremukh, the Netravati trail offers a raw, rain-kissed slice of the Western Ghats that remains untouched by mass tourism.

This isn’t just a trek; it’s an invitation to reconnect—with the earth, with silence, and most importantly, with yourself.

Where Is Netravati Trek and How Do You Get There?

Netravati Peak is located in the Chikmagalur district, inside the buffer zone of the Kudremukh National Park, near the quiet village of Samse. If you're starting from Bangalore, the journey is about 320–340 km, which makes it ideal for a weekend escape.

We took an overnight bus to Kalasa, the nearest town with basic amenities, and from there, a local jeep took us to Samse Forest Check Post, where permits are issued for the trek. You’ll need to register and pay a nominal fee for the forest department’s permission, as the trail falls under an ecologically sensitive area.

If you're not keen on organizing everything solo, plenty of eco-tour operators offer 2-day packages from Bangalore that cover transport, food, guide, and permits.

Inside the Trail: A Walk Through Wilderness

The trek starts gently, winding through coffee estates and thick shola forests, rich with the scent of wet earth and the chatter of unseen birds. As you ascend, the trees give way to wide meadows and grasslands, rolling endlessly into the mist. The route is a 12–14 km round trip, and while it isn't too technical, you’ll need decent stamina, especially on humid or rainy days.

Halfway through, the trail curves into open hillsides, where you’re treated to uninterrupted views of the Kudremukh range, Charmadi Ghats, and valleys shrouded in floating clouds. You’ll often find yourself walking through fog that lifts and falls like waves—one moment you see for miles, the next you’re enveloped in white stillness.

At the summit, the wind roars freely and the world below looks miniature, peaceful, and impossibly green. There’s no board or bench at the top—just wild grass, endless skies, and the kind of silence you carry home in your bones.

When to Go: Timing Your Trek Right

To catch the Netravati trail in its full glory, plan your trek between October and February. The post-monsoon months drape the region in thick greenery, and the temperatures stay pleasant throughout the day.

If you’re tempted by the monsoon magic between June and September, be ready for slippery trails and a high chance of leeches. That said, if you love trekking in rain-drenched conditions and don't mind getting muddy, the monsoon version of this trek is lush and wild.

March to May gets warmer, and the hills lose some of their greenery, but it’s still a doable trek if you start early and carry enough water.

What to Carry: Pack Smart, Travel Light

Though the trek is short, it's through protected forest and hilly terrain, so go prepared:

• Footwear: Trekking shoes with good grip (waterproof recommended)
• Backpack: Light and supportive, with room for a rain cover
• Clothing: Quick-dry t-shirts, a light jacket, and a poncho if visiting during monsoon
• Water: At least 2 liters; no refill options on the trail
• Food: Packed lunch, dry snacks, and energy bars
• Sunscreen, cap, insect repellent
• Trash bag: Always carry back your waste

Local guides are required, not just for safety and navigation, but also to help manage permissions and timing.

Budget-Friendly Adventure: Cost Overview

Netravati is a great trek for budget travellers looking for immersive nature experiences. Here’s a rough breakdown for a 2-day plan:

• Transport (bus + local jeep): ₹1200–₹1500
• Homestay in Kalasa (1 night): ₹700–₹1000
• Guide + permit fee: ₹500–₹700
• Food (2 meals + snacks): ₹300–₹500

Total: ₹3000–₹3500 depending on group size and mode of travel.

If you join a pre-organized group trek, the cost is usually all-inclusive and ranges from ₹3500–₹4500.

Exploring More: Nearby Sights Worth Seeing

Once you’re in the region, extend your trip with some incredible nearby experiences:

• Kudremukh Trek – a longer, more popular cousin of Netravati
• Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple – a peaceful temple town with free meals and scenic surroundings
• Soormane Falls & Hanuman Gundi Falls – perfect post-trek cooling off spots
• Coffee estate walks in Kalasa – a relaxing activity to wind down your trip

The Chikmagalur region is filled with hidden gems, from quaint villages to offbeat trails that still feel untouched by tourism.

Final Word: Why Netravati Should Be Your Next Trek

The Netravati Trek may not have flashy fame or fancy signboards, but that’s what makes it special. It's raw, wild, and personal. It’s for those who find joy in simple things—a patch of sunlight through the mist, the soft crunch of leaves underfoot, the silent companionship of the hills.

For me, it wasn’t just another trek. It was a reminder that some of the most powerful journeys happen when no one’s watching—when you’re surrounded by green silence and breathing air that smells like rain.

So if you’re ready to leave behind the chaos, even for just a weekend, head toward Netravati. The mountain may not speak, but it listens—and sometimes, that’s all we really need.