Netravathi Peak Trek Guide

1. Waterfalls Along the Path

• As you begin your trek, the trail quickly dives into a forested area. After hiking about 1.5 kilometers, you’ll come across a beautiful two-tiered waterfall. This spot is ideal for taking a short break and enjoying the refreshing atmosphere. The waterfall is especially lively during the monsoon season (June to September), when the rains make the water flow stronger and more impressive. The cool mist from the waterfall is a pleasant relief from the hike's initial steep sections.

2. Changing Landscapes

• The trek offers a variety of landscapes, making it an ever-changing experience. It begins with a dense forest filled with tall trees and narrow paths, where the trail can be slippery due to wet leaves or mud. After navigating this forested area, the surroundings gradually open up, leading to rolling grasslands. Here, you can see the open sky, which makes it feel like you’re entering a completely different world. As you walk through the grasslands, keep an eye out for wildlife, such as small birds and butterflies.

3. Views of Kudremukh Peak

• When you reach the higher sections of the trail, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Western Ghats. If the weather is clear, you can spot Kudremukh Peak in the distance, about 15 kilometers away. The grassy hills and rugged mountains create a stunning panorama that is characteristic of the region. The air is usually cooler here, and you might even find yourself walking through clouds, depending on the season.

4. Rani Jhari Cliff and Ballalarayana Durga Fort

• On your way up, you’ll pass by the impressive Rani Jhari Cliff, known for its steep drop and dramatic views. The cliff provides a breathtaking vantage point over the valleys below, where you can see the lush forests and winding trails from above.
• If you’re up for an additional exploration, the nearby Ballalarayana Durga Fort is an ancient hilltop fort with ruins that date back several centuries. It offers a glimpse into the region’s history and provides another scenic viewpoint. The fort itself is about a 30-45 minute diversion from the main Netravati Peak trail and adds a historical element to the trekking experience.

5. Kalasa Hanging Bridge

• If you have extra time, you might want to visit the Kalasa Hanging Bridge after your trek. Located near the small town of Kalasa, this simple yet charming bridge crosses a local river. It’s not directly on the trekking route but can be a pleasant detour on your way back. The bridge gives you a different perspective of the area’s natural beauty, with the river flowing below and the surrounding hills in the background.

Homestay

• Silent Valley Resort

Located in Kalasa, about 18 kilometers from the base of Netravati Peak, Silent Valley Resort offers cozy cottages surrounded by greenery. The resort has a natural vibe with plenty of open spaces, and it’s a good place to relax after a day of trekking. The resort also offers activities like nature walks and bird watching.

• Upasana Retreat

Located in Samse, about 20 kilometers from the trailhead, Upasana Retreat provides a quiet stay surrounded by coffee plantations. It offers basic facilities and a calm environment, perfect for a simple and comfortable experience. The hosts can also guide you to nearby attractions, making it easier to explore other places in the region.

• • Girikandara Homestay
    Situated in Kalasa, this homestay is approximately 15 kilometers from the Netravati Peak trek's starting point. It is a family-run place that offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The rooms are simple, but clean, and the food is homemade. It's a good choice for travelers looking for a budget-friendly stay.
  • Green Valley Homestay

Located around 10 kilometers away in Kalasa, this homestay provides a good base for those trekking in the Western Ghats. The homestay has spacious rooms and offers views of the surrounding hills. It's an affordable and comfortable option for those looking to stay near the trek route.

Itinerary for a Netravati Peak

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation

• Morning:
  Arrive at Kalasa, a small town that serves as a good base for the Netravati Peak trek. You can reach Kalasa by road from Mangalore or Bangalore. The drive from Mangalore takes around 3-4 hours, while the drive from Bangalore can take 6-7 hours.
• Late Morning:
  Check into a nearby homestay, such as Silent Valley Resort or Girikandara Homestay, both located within a 15-20 kilometer range from the trek's starting point. After settling in, have a light meal and rest for a while.
• Afternoon:
  Explore the local area around Kalasa. Visit the Kalasa Hanging Bridge for a peaceful walk, or take a short trip to Horanadu, which is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. These excursions can give you a feel for the region before the main trek.
• Evening:
  Return to the homestay and prepare your gear for the next day's trek. Pack essentials like water, snacks, a raincoat (if trekking during monsoon season), and proper trekking shoes. Have an early dinner and get a good night’s sleep to be ready for the trek.

Day 2: Trekking to Netravati Peak

• Early Morning (6:00 AM):
  Start your day early with a light breakfast at the homestay. It's best to leave for the trek around 6:30 AM to avoid trekking under the midday sun.
• 7:30 AM - Start the Trek
  The trail begins with a forested section. Expect some steep climbs in this area as the path winds through dense trees and narrow trails. After about 1.5 kilometers, you’ll reach a two-step waterfall, where you can take a short break to enjoy the scenery.
• Mid-Morning (9:30 AM):
  Continue hiking, and as you gain elevation, the forest will gradually give way to open grasslands. The trail becomes less steep, and you’ll be rewarded with wider views of the Western Ghats. Take short breaks along the way to rest and hydrate.
• Late Morning (11:30 AM):
  As you approach the summit, you’ll encounter a few false peaks. Don't get discouraged—these ups and downs are part of the challenge. The final stretch is a bit more strenuous, but the summit is not far off.
• Reach Netravati Peak (12:30 PM):
  Celebrate reaching the top! Take in the panoramic views, with Kudremukh Peak visible in the distance. This is a great time to rest, have some snacks, and take photos. You might also spot the Rani Jhari Cliff nearby, offering breathtaking views over the valleys below.
• 1:30 PM - Begin the Descent
  Start your way back down. The descent is generally faster, but watch your footing as some sections can be slippery, especially if it’s wet.
• 3:30 PM - Reach the Base
  Return to the starting point of the trek. Rest for a bit and rehydrate.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM):
  Head back to your homestay for a well-deserved rest. You can relax, enjoy a hot shower, and have an early dinner before preparing for your departure the next day.

Day 3: Departure

• Morning:
  After breakfast, check out of the homestay and start your journey back home. If you have extra time, you can explore nearby attractions, like the Ballalarayana Durga Fort, which is roughly 30-45 minutes away by car.

How to Reach Netravathi Peak

1. Getting to the Nearest Town – Kalasa

• By Road:
  Kalasa is the closest town to Netravati Peak, located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. It’s well-connected by road. Here’s how you can reach Kalasa:
  • From Bangalore: It's around 300 kilometers from Bangalore and takes about 6-7 hours by car. You can take the route via Hassan, Belur, and Mudigere to reach Kalasa.
  • From Mangalore: Kalasa is about 125 kilometers from Mangalore, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours. The route passes through Karkala and Kudremukh.
  • By Bus: State-run and private buses operate from Bangalore and Mangalore to Kalasa. Opt for a direct bus to Kalasa, or take one to Kottigehara or Horanadu and then a local taxi or bus to Kalasa.

2. From Kalasa to the Trek Starting Point

• Local Transport:
  Once you reach Kalasa, you need to travel to the trek’s starting point, which is around 10-15 kilometers away. You can hire a local jeep or auto-rickshaw from Kalasa to reach the base village near the Netravati Peak trailhead.
• Nearby Villages: The trek can start from villages like Samse or Singaravalli, which are commonly used as the base for trekking up to Netravati Peak. These villages can be reached by local transport from Kalasa.

3. Trekking to Netravati Peak

• The trek itself starts from one of the nearby villages and follows forested trails, grasslands, and steep slopes. The distance from the base to the peak is approximately 8-10 kilometers, and the trek can take around 4-6 hours one way, depending on your pace and trail conditions.
• It’s recommended to start the trek early in the morning to make the most of daylight and enjoy cooler temperatures.