Located between Samse and Belthangady in Chikmagalur, Netravati Peak is a favourite among trekkers who venture into the Western Ghats in search of adventure. The Netravati river originates at the base of this peak and this trail offers striking views of the Western Ghats and the grasslands around.
The views from the peak are captivating and the lush green cover of the mountains around with a dash of mist never disappoints!
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This article lays down all the information pertaining to the one day hike to Netravati Peak (1,520M) and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Netravati Peak Trail
The trail starts from the forest check post in Samse. There are signboards clearly demarcating the way to the trail. The initial section is a steep ascent on a rocky surface and the gradient flattens out and leads you to a two-tier waterfall. Fill bottles here and enjoy the views of the waterfall before moving ahead. The flow from the waterfall is extremely heavy during monsoon and a poncho will come in handy. This section takes close to 1.5 hours to complete.
The trail from the waterfall will take you through the forests and you can hear the sound of a gentle water body flowing near you. This is the canal that facilitates water supply to the nearby fields. The path leads to an opening which gives you views of Rani Jhari cliff and Ballalarayana Durga Fort.
Approximately 1 km into this section, turn left and continue on the trail. The trail descends into a forest and then gradually ascends before descending again. A short distance away from here, you will reach a stream crossing. The crossing is an easy and enjoyable experience as the water is not deep. However, the flow of water becomes heavy in the monsoon, making the crossing more challenging.
A little past stream crossing, the trail takes you into the midst of green grasslands and surrounding hills that extend as far as the eye can see. The views here are beautiful so take a minute to soak them. From here, the trail is a steep and long climb to the summit. This section will test your endurance and can take a significant amount of time to complete.
Once at the top, enjoy the panoramic views of the grasslands and the Western Ghats with the rolling clouds above that add drama to the scenery. The peak of Kudremukh is also visible on clear days. Munch on some snacks and have some piping hot tea before making your way back down. The same trail will take you back to the forest check post. It is advisable to start your trek early in the morning to ensure that you can return before dark. Trekkers are allowed on the trail between 6 AM and 6 PM. No trekkers are allowed entry post 2:30 PM.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trek
1. Kudremukh National Park and Shola Forests
Netravati Peak is a part of the Kudremukh National Park which is rich in its flora and fauna. The dense Shola forests add to the mystical nature of the trail and the landscape is beyond beautiful, particularly when viewed from an elevated point.
2. Views of Surrounding Peaks, Villages and Forts
On clear days, the top of Netravati offers views of the Kudremukh Peak, Rani Jhari and Ballalarayana Durga Fort. The scenery is almost magical to look at with the low lying clouds adding a much needed contrast to the otherwise green and some times golden landscape.
3. Alternate to Kudremukh
For those of you who wish to do a shorter and easier version of Kudremukh, Netravati is the best option. It offers everything Kudremukh does, but in a shorter time span and through easier terrain!
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trek
1. Forest Section and Leeches
The forest sections of the trail can be slippery even when it’s not raining given the moist and humid environment of the Western Ghats. Navigating these sections can be challenging, particularly in the absence of a trekking pole. A good pair of trekking shoes and a trekking pole will offer the much needed support and grip you need to get through these parts of the trail.
Leeches are also common on the trail during monsoon. Gaiters and full pants will offer some protection and you could also carry salt to keep them away.
2. Stream Crossing
Crossing the stream during monsoons can be tricky given the heavy flow of water. You might need ropes to get you through this part of the trail safely. If you are not an experienced trekker, take the assistance of a guide.
3. Summit Push
The climb to Netravati Peak is a long and steep ascent. The ascent will put your endurance to test and it is important to move slowly but steadily to make it to the top without exhausting yourself. Following a good fitness regimen prior to the trek will make this section easier for you.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Netravati is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do the Netravati Peak Trek
The best time to do this trek is during the post monsoon and winter months. However, the monsoon months are also a great time to be there to witness the lush green beauty that the Western Ghats are. The monsoon months also make the trek more challenging with the presence of leeches and heavy water flow in the stream.
The summer months turn the landscape more golden and can be warm, particularly on the grasslands with no tree cover.
How to Reach the Base
Netravati Peak is located in Samse village which is 14 kms away from Kalasa. You can reach Samse by your own private vehicle and ask for directions to the forest check post for the Netravati trail.
Alternatively, you can also reach Samse by public transport although it is more difficult. A number of KSRTC buses can be found from Bangalore to Kalasa which is a 350 kms journey and will take you anywhere between 7-8 hours. From Kalasa you can take an auto or local bus to Kudremukh National Park and get dropped off at your homestay or at the forest check post.
You can also hire a jeep from Samse to the starting point of the trek.
Frequently Asked Questions about Netravati Peak
1. Do I need permissions for this trek?
Yes, an entry permit is required before you start your trek. These can be obtained at the forest check post at Kudremukh (10 kms away). You can also request your hosts at the homestay to obtain them for you. A guide will be joining you on the trail and camping is not allowed on this trek.
2. Is cellular network connectivity on the trail?
Yes, you do have access to cellular network from major operators at certain sections of the trail. However, it is not steady throughout and cannot be relied upon during the monsoon.
3. Are there food stalls on the trail?
Samse is your last point for meals and snacks. There are no stalls on the trail. Have a full breakfast at your homestay and get some food packed for the journey. You can fill your bottles at the two-tier waterfall on the trail.
4. Are there any stay options near the trail?
There are a number of homestays and Airbnbs near the starting point of the trail and close to Samse.
5. How long is the trek?
Netravati Peak trek takes close to 7 hours to reach the top and come back. Ensure you start early in the day to make it back before closing time, i.e. 6 PM.
6. Is this trek for beginners?
This trek can be classified as easy-moderate and is accessible to beginners. However, they will find it challenging if they are not adequately prepared for it. A good level of fitness will make the trek more enjoyable.
That’s all about the Netravati trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure in Sahyadris, please feel free to reach out to our team.
