Into the Green Unknown: My Unfiltered Experience on the Netravati Trek

Some treks challenge your body. Others, your mind. But a few rare ones—like the Netravati Trek—touch your soul. Nestled in the rain-drenched folds of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, this trail was never on my bucket list. I stumbled upon it almost by accident, while looking for an offbeat alternative to the usual trekking routes near Kudremukh. Little did I know that a single weekend here would unravel something deep within me—something raw, wild, and real.

The Road Less Travelled: Discovering Netravati Peak

I wasn’t planning anything grand that weekend. I just needed to get away—from screens, from city noise, from the monotony of routine. A friend mentioned the Netravati Trek, and the moment I heard “untouched, no network, pure forest,” I was sold.

Located near Samse village, deep within the Kudremukh National Park, the trail leads to Netravati Peak, named after the river that originates here. Unlike Kudremukh Peak or Mullayanagiri, Netravati is less known, which made it all the more intriguing.

This wasn’t going to be a polished Instagram hike. It was a plunge into nature’s raw canvas.

From Bangalore to the Base: Getting There

I took an overnight bus from Bangalore to Kalasa, a small town about 7 hours away. From there, a bumpy jeep ride brought me to Samse, where we stayed in a warm little homestay run by a local family. The air smelled of coffee and wet soil—it already felt like I was somewhere far away from the digital world.

Before starting the trek, we stopped by the forest office in Kudremukh to get the required permission. It’s a protected zone, and the trek can only be done with a certified local guide. If you’re planning this on your own, make sure to book a guide in advance—it's non-negotiable.

The Forest Opens: My Trek Begins

We started early. The morning mist still hung low over the coffee plantations as we entered the trail. The first stretch was deceptively calm—mud paths winding through bamboo thickets and whispering leaves. But as we moved deeper, the forest grew thicker, denser, quieter.

Every few steps, we’d stop—not to rest, but to listen. Bird calls. Cracking twigs. Distant water streams. It was like the forest was alive, speaking in a language I had forgotten how to hear.

The path grew steeper, the air damper. Leeches were our constant companions—gross, yes, but they added to the wildness of it all. There was something about knowing you were no longer in control, that the forest set the rules.

Touching the Sky: Reaching the Netravati Peak

After a few hours of slow and steady trekking—around 6 km one way—we emerged from the thick woods onto open ridges. And there, in front of me, stood Netravati Peak—tall, quiet, wrapped in drifting clouds.

The final climb was steep, but the view kept pulling us forward. Every turn opened into a new valley. Every step brought silence. No city sounds, no notifications, just the wind and the soft crunch of wet earth.

And then we were there.

Standing at 1,520 meters, surrounded by endless green hills rolling into the horizon, I felt something I hadn’t in a long time—peace. Not the kind you find at a spa or a resort, but the kind that only comes when you feel small in the best possible way.

When to Visit & What to Pack

If you’re planning your own escape, here are a few things to know:

• Best time to visit: October to February is ideal. The weather is pleasant, and the forest is lush after the monsoons. Avoid the heavy rains (June–September)—the trail becomes slippery and dangerous.
• Pack light but smart:
• Waterproof shoes and socks (especially during post-monsoon)
• Leech socks or salt
• A light poncho (the weather can change fast)
• Energy bars, fruits, and 2L water
• Basic first aid
• A good backpack with rain cover

More Than a Trek: Things to Do Nearby

After the trek, we returned to Kalasa and spent the evening by the river, sharing stories and sipping hot filter coffee. If you have an extra day, I’d recommend:

• Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls – a short drive from Kudremukh
• Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple – serene and spiritual
• Kudremukh Peak Trek – if your legs are up for another challenge
• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary – for those who love wildlife photography

Staying at a local homestay also gives you a deeper sense of the region—the food, the culture, and the warm hospitality of the Malnad people.

Final Reflections: Why Netravati Trek Stays With You

It’s funny how we chase the most remote places only to find something that was always inside us. The Netravati Trek reminded me of stillness, of surrendering control, of the kind of beauty that doesn't need filters or hashtags.

This isn’t a commercial trek. There are no campsites or cafés or fancy photo spots. And that’s exactly what makes it special.

If you’re looking for an offbeat weekend getaway from Bangalore, and you’re not afraid to get your hands (and boots) dirty, then Netravati is waiting. It doesn’t promise comfort, but it promises connection—the kind we all secretly crave.