Are you looking for a beautiful, unique, and adventurous trek to undertake in Karnataka? Then, the Netravati peak trek should be on your list. The trek to Netravati Peak offers stunning views of the Western Ghats. The misty views of the mountains, along with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, make this trek a beautiful experience.
Overview
At the center is Kudremukh National Park, forming a critical link connecting many wildlife sanctuaries like Mookambia, Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri, tiger reserves like Nagarhole and Bhadra, and more. Amidst all these beautiful sanctuaries, you will find the Netravati Trek; it feels like it is starting from the cloud and ends where the river is born.
Why does it appeal to the people?
The Netravati Trek is known for its playfulness, bliss, purity, and adventure. You will see the clouds and mountains playing hide and seek with you while the birds chirping will keep you company. It is one of the most beautiful experiences ever.
Netravati Trek: The mystical story behind
The locals have a theory that the river was discovered by the sages who lived in Dharmasthala. They came to collect holy water, and as the Netravati river was flowing through Dharmasthala, the famous pilgrimage place, it became a sacred river here.
There is one more tale that says that Lord Almighty, in his Varaha incarnation, protected the land when it was immersed in the floods by simply raising it. It is said that the ground felt relieved, and in that state, it shed happy tears, which is known as the birth of Netravati.
Also Read : Top Adventure Treks In India
Netravati Trek: Timings
The trek timings are between 6 am and 6 pm every day. The forest department, however, does not allow you to trek after 2:30 pm. That is why it is best to start your trek early in the morning or before noon. The trek takes around 3-4 hours. That is why it is advisable to never trek to Netravati in the afternoon because, as the sun sets, reaching the base and summit becomes challenging.
Netravati Peak Trek: The Highlights
This moderately challenging trek exposing you to the beautiful western ghats of India gives you a rewarding experience. The highlights of this trek include:
Breathtaking views
Netravati Peak is known for offering stunning views of the nearby mountains, forests, and valleys. If the day is clear, you can also enjoy the views of the beautiful Arabian Sea.
The varied terrain is impressive.
The Netravati Peak Trek will take you through a variety of terrain, which includes grasslands, forests, and rocky ridges. This makes the trek not only challenging but also interesting.
Sense of achievement
When you reach the summit of Netravati Peak, the feeling you get is worth the climb. The views you get from the peak are worth the efforts you put in.
Exploring the wildlife
The trek has beautiful wildlife, and you can see animals like deer, elephants, and monkeys on the trek.
Waterfalls
Another beautiful sight or highlight of this trek are the several waterfalls you come across along the trek route. One of the most beautiful treks here includes Bandaje and Kodige Falls.
Netravati Trek: Trail Guide
You start your trek to Netravati and head from the forest office to the waterfall. It is a 2-tier waterfall taking an hour to complete.
The trail then turns into a rocky incline, leveling off as you approach the waterfall, which serves as a fresh source of drinking water.
The well-marked trail features a few gentle dips and slopes, with roaming cattle often accompanying you along the way.
If you are trekking here during heavy rain, the waterfall becomes glorious, making it challenging to travel as it is slippery and you will get extremely wet.
The forest trail lets you enjoy the sound of a canal flowing in the distance, which is quite soothing.
As you start your ascent to Netravati Peak, you will be conquering multiple false peaks. This takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to complete this trek distance.
The best part of the trek starts here as you trek through lush grasslands with views of the beautiful rolling hills.
Entering the Shola grassland, your climb will become steeper, and the views are worth the trouble.
Now, you will reach the summit and will have a clear view of the many western peaks like Kudremukh peak and Rani Jhari. The view from the top is beautiful of Belthangady’s nearby towns and villages.
FAQs
Is the Netravati trek long?
The total trek distance is 12 km, and you require at least 5 hours to complete this trek.
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
If you are physically fit, you can undertake this trek. It is a moderately challenging trek, and people with experience usually undertake it as there are steep ascents. Prepare yourself mentally and physically before you undertake this trek to ensure safety.
Do you need permission or pay an entry fee for this trek?
The trek used to be free, but due to its popularity, the forest department is charging INR 500 per person at the starting point of the trek. Also, for this trek, you need to hire a local guide whose charge is INR 1000/person. If you carry a drone or a camera, you have to pay INR 1000 and INR 300 for the same.
What is the ideal time for undergoing the Netravati trek?
June to February are the ideal months for undertaking the Netravati trek.
