Why Is Netravati Peak In Chikmagalur A Trekker’s Paradise? (Location, Direction, Trekking Route, And More)
In March 2025, a massive wildfire broke out in Beltangady, and the breakout was so massive that it was visible from a distance of 50 km, and it reached the Kudremukh Wildlife Division of the lower region of the Netravati Peak.
This fire reached the Bangarapalike region in Malavanthige and caused damage to the trees, grassland, and wildlife there.
Still, nestled in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a biodiversity hotspot, Netravati Peak remains a cherished trekking destination. Trekking through the dense Shola forests here is quite an experience.
Furthermore, from the summit, you will get the most amazing views of various peaks of the Western Ghats, including the Rani Jhari Cliff and Kudremukh Peak.
Moreover, you can see the Ballalarayana Durga Fort, a 17-th-century fort built by King Veera Ballala I.
With so many attractions and amazing vistas from the Netravati Peak awaiting, let’s plan a wonderful trek this season.
In this Dream and Travel Guide, I will cover the following key topics.
- Where is Netravati Peak?
- A Brief Overview of the Netravati Peak
- Why is Netravati Trek Special?
- What Is the Best Time for the Netravati Peak Trek?
- What are the Timings of Netravati Peak Trekking?
- How to Reach Netravati Peak and Where to Stay?
- Netravati Peak Trek Trail Breakdown
- Know About the Permits, Fees, and Online Booking
- A 2-Day Netravati Peak Trekking Itinerary
- What are the Emergency Contact Numbers for Netravati Peak Trekking?
- What are the Things You Need to Carry During the Netravati Trek?
- Will I Find ATMs and a Network During the Netravati Peak Trek?
- What are the Places to Visit Near Netravati Peak?
- FAQs
Where Is Netravati Peak?
Netravati Peak is located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Further, the peak stands in the Kudremukh forest range of the Western Ghats.
It is the source of the Netravati River and the peak gets its name from the river.
A Brief Overview Of The Netravati Peak Trek
- Elevation: 1520 Meters
- Trek Distance (Two Way): 12-15 Kilometers
- Trek Duration: 6-8 Hours
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Minimum Permitted Age: 10 Years
- Maximum Permitted Age: 50 Years
- Washrooms: At the Base Camp
- Accommodations: Separate Dormitories for Men and Women
Why Is The Netravati Peak Trek Special?
You will love walking through the grassy slopes and shola forests on your way to the Netravati Peak. Furthermore, you will come across many stream crossings and bubbling waterfalls on the way.
Also, the trek is dramatic and can give the best crime novel writer a run for their money with how it morphs quickly. So, as a trekker, you will stay engaged during every step you take.
Further, as you trek, you will notice the clouds creating the most stunning animated display with their forms changing every minute. Moreover, as the fog rises from the shola forest, you will rub your eyes or pinch yourself to be sure that you are actually witnessing this visual.
In addition, once the clouds go away, you will find the beautiful Kudremukh Peak on the right and Rani Jhari on the left.
What Is The Best Time To Trek The Netravati Peak?
The post-monsoon season from October to March is the ideal time for a trek to the Netravati Peak. The peaks are still green, with clear skies making them easily visible.
You can even plan a winter trek during the months of December to March as you will be able to walk through dry trails and enjoy the beautiful vistas of the surrounding valleys.
Monsoon trekking to the Netravati Peak is a little tricky. Along with slippery tracks, leeches remain a common concern.
What Are The Timings Of Trekking To The Netravati Peak?
You can trek to the Netravati Peak from 6 AM to 6 PM every day. However, you will not be allowed to trek past the forest checkpoint after 2:30 PM.
So, you must start the trek early in the morning.
How To Reach The Netravati Peak Base And Where To Stay?
The Netravati Peak trek starts from Samse. However, you have to reach Samse from Bangalore via Kalasa.
You can book a Bangalore to Kalasa ticket from the KSRTC Website. From Kalasa, you can board a bus plying to Karkala or Udupi and get down at Samse.
From Samse, you will need to take a shared jeep ride to the trek base. The jeep ride will cost you INR 250.
However, if you are in a private vehicle, you can reach Kalasa via Hassan, Mudigere and Kottigehara. From there, drive to Samse and take the left front to reach the forest checkpoint.
Alternative Route From Mangalore
The Mangalore International Airport is the closest to the Netravati Peak base. The distance is 86 km, and you can take a private car from there and reach the base after 3-4 hours of journey.
Stay Options
Camping is not allowed on Netravati Peak or the trail, which is a part of the Kudremukh National Park. You have to return to Samse to find overnight accommodations in Airbnbs and homestays.
Bella Homestay Kudremukh is the closest to the national park, and you can get in touch with them at 09110684643.
Netravati Peak Trek Trail Breakdown
The entire trek route to the Netravati Peak is divided into three stages. Check out the table below.
| Stages of Trekking to the Netravati Peak | Details |
|---|---|
| Section 1: Forest Office → Two-Tier Waterfall | Distance: ~2.5 km Duration: ~1 hour Walking through rocky ascents Finding a stunning water cascade Refilling water bottles with the cascading water |
| Section 2: Waterfall → Stream Crossing | Distance: ~3.5 km Duration: ~45 minutes Walkimg through jungle treks along irrigation canals Trek carefully |
| Section 3: Stream → Netravati Peak | Distance: ~1 km Duration: ~1.5 hours The most difficult phase of the trek Ascent through grasslands and steep slopes to reach the summit. |
Know About The Permits, Fees, And Online Booking
You have to book the tickets for the Netravati Peak trek online from the Kudremukh National Park website.
The ticket price includes:
- Forest Permit: INR 500 per person
- Guide Charges: INR 1000 for a group of 10 people
Online reservation is mandatory, and you will have to make the payment offline through cash.
A 2-Day Netravati Peak Itinerary
Want to enhance your experience of the Netravati Peak trek? You can follow our simple 2-day itinerary.
| Netravati Peak Trek Itinerary | Things to Do |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | ⁍ Depart Banglore and take an overnight bus to reach Kalasa. ⁍ Reach Kalasa early in the morning and check-in at a homestay. ⁍ Finish an early dinner and catch some rest to prepare for the trek on the next day. |
| Day 2 | ⁍ Wake up within 6 AM and finish a light breakfast. ⁍ Reach the forest check point and finalize the permits and a gude for the trek. ⁍ Begin trek: Waterfall → Stream → Summit (3.5–4 hour ascent) ⁍ Commence descent after a brief rest and start descending (2.5-3 hours). ⁍ Return to the homestay, have food and freshen up. ⁍ In the afternoon, visit the Horanadu Temple and the Kalasa Hanging Bridge. ⁍ Drive back or take a bus to Kalasa for returning to Bangalore. |
What Are The Emergency Contact Numbers For Netravati Peak Trekking?
Have a look at the table below to find important emergency contact numbers.
| Entities | Contact Numbers |
|---|---|
| Sri Manjunatha Memorial Hospital & Kaveri Hospital | 082632 74628 |
| Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) | 112 |
| Kalasa Police Station | 09480805159 |
| Kudremukh Forest Office/ Range Forest Officer | 08263255998 |
What Are The Things You Need To Carry During The Netravati Trek?
You will need to carry the right essentials and gear for the Netravati Peak trek.
| Essentials | Gear |
|---|---|
| Water Water Purification Tablets Poncho Raincoat Packed Lunch ID Proof Face Mask Sanitizer Cash First-Aid Kit | Trekking Shoes Trekking Pole Full Pants or Gaiters |
Will I Find ATMs And A Network During The Netravati Peak Trek?
You will find ATMs in Kalasa and Kudremukh. So, it is better to carry some extra cash.
Also, BSNL, Jio, and Airtel network coverage is available during the Netravati Peak trek.
What Are The Places To Visit Near Netravati Trek?
Netravati trek is close to many other famous trek routes in the Western Ghats.
- Kurinjal Peak – Located in the Kudremukh National Park, it is a lesser-known but beautiful trek route. It is 20 km away from the entrance of Kudremukh.
- Kudremukh Trek: Enjoy the most beautiful trek in Karnataka and the third-highest peak of Karnataka with the Kudremukh trek.
- Aane Gudda Trek: Located at a distance of 15 km from the Kudremukh entrance, the Aane Gudda trek begins from Haluvalli. Take a deviation from Kalasa to reach the base.
- Ballarayanadurga Fort Trek: This is the longest trek route near Netravati Peak, and it is located at a distance of 36 km from the Kudremukh entrance.
Start this trek from Durgadahalli as a part of the Bandaje trek. Other notable places to visit near Netravati Peak are:
- Horanadu Temple on the Bhadra River Banks (16 km)
- Lakya Dam Lake on the Lakya tributary of the Bhadra River (13 km)
- Kadambi Falls (22 km)
- Hanuman Gundi Falls (22km)
So, get ready to explore this beautiful hidden gem of Karnataka and indulge in the mesmerizing beauty and diversity of the Western Ghats.
Netravati Peak: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Netravati Peak.
Kurijal trek is moderately difficult. So, it is suitable for beginners and professional trekkers. However, you will have to pass through rocky paths and steep trails, and thick forest.
So, you will have to be careful about the navigation during the Kurinjal trek.
Netravati Peak is a hidden gem in the Western Ghats, and it is still less crowded than the Kudremukh Peak trek route.
Furthermore, the Netravati Peak trek is easier than the Kudremukh trek, and this trek route offers better views of the Western Ghats.
Kudremukh has been known as a ghost town since 2005. It was a bustling mining area for the longest time. However, due to environmental concerns, the mine stopped operations, compelling people to leave Kudremukh.
So, today, most of the school buildings and architecture here are in a state of decay. It now only has the shadow of the past.
