Netravati Trek
DIFFICULTY
Easy-Moderate
TREK SNAPSHOT
DURATION
5-6 Hours
TREK DISTANCE
12-14 Kms
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
1520 Meters
SUITABLE FOR
12 to 62 Years
REGION
Western Ghats
TRIP DURATION
2 Days-1 Night
MEALS
2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
ACCOMODATION
TYPE
Homestay
Netravati sits inside Kudremukh National Park and climbs to 1,520 meters, but don't let the altitude fool you—it's a comfortably easy-to-moderate trek that fit beginners can handle without much trouble. The peak is named after the Netravati River, which actually originates in these hills before flowing past Dharmasthala and out to the Arabian Sea. The small streams you cross on the way up are quite literally the beginning of one of coastal Karnataka's most important rivers.
The 12-14 km trail opens with a steep rocky kilometer, eases through evergreen forest past a two-tiered waterfall around the 1.5 km mark, and finishes on a grassland ridge with clear-day views of Kudremukh Peak, Gadai Kallu, and Jamalabad Fort. There are no signboards, no tea stalls, and stretches where the trail isn't obvious—which is why a forest-authorized guide is mandatory.
With Wanderophile, you get the logistics handled end-to-end: overnight transport from Bengaluru, a homestay near Samse village with proper Malnad meals, jeep transfer to the base camp, permits sorted in advance, and a local trek leader who's walked this trail enough times to know exactly where to pause.
Netravati Complete Trek Information
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9:00 PM: Meet your group at the designated pick-up point in Bengaluru (Majestic/ Yeshwantpur/ Goraguntepalya).
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Quick introductions with your trip leader, roll call, and a short pre-journey briefing.
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Board the traveler for the overnight drive to Samse, Kudremukh—a chance to settle in, swap notes with fellow trekkers, and catch some sleep before the climb.
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Overnight: On the road (Non-AC bus, pushback seats for community comfort).
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6:00 AM: Reach your homestay in the foothills of Kudremukh National Park, near Samse village. Freshen up and tuck into a hot South Indian breakfast.
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7:30 AM: Hop into a jeep for the bumpy forest-track ride to the Netravati base camp—an off-road stretch that doubles as a warm-up for the day.
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8:30 AM: After a group stretch, permits check, and a briefing from your local guide, set off on the guided ascent to Netravati Peak (12-14 km total, easy-to-moderate difficulty).
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Walk through dense evergreen forest, cross a two-tiered waterfall around the 1.5 km mark, hop over forest streams, and emerge onto rolling shola grasslands.
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Packed lunch break closer to the summit—with views that stretch all the way to Kudremukh Peak.
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12:30 PM: Reach Netravati Peak (1,520m / 4,986ft)—soak in the panoramas and grab those group summit photos.
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1:30 PM: Begin the descent along the same route—watch for Malabar giant squirrels, sambar deer, and the occasional bison.
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5:30 PM: Back at the homestay, hot chai and bajjis waiting.
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Freshen up and unwind with your group.
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8:00 PM: Dinner—home-cooked South Indian fare (Veg & Non-Veg options).
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Weather permitting: gather around a bonfire for music, stories, and post-trek banter.
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7:00 AM: Roll out of bed to cool Ghat air and the smell of filter coffee from the kitchen.
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7:30 AM: Hearty South Indian breakfast at the homestay.
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9:00 AM: Pack up, settle bills, and check out.
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9:30 AM: Head to the Samse Tea Estate—walk through the manicured rows, see how the leaves are plucked and processed, and grab a cup of estate-fresh tea.
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10:30 AM: Stop by the Kalasa Hanging Bridge—a quick photo halt and a chance to stretch your legs before the long drive.
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11:00 AM: Board the traveler and begin the journey back to Bengaluru.
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(Optional Stop, group consensus & schedule permitting): Visit the Belur Chennakeshava Temple—wander through the intricate Hoysala sculptures and soak in a bit of Karnataka's heritage.
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Lunch: On the move (self-sponsored, highway eatery).
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8:00–9:30 PM: Estimated arrival in Bengaluru—traffic dependent.
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9:30 PM: Drop-off at your original pick-up point.
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Netravati is a moderate-grade trek—a step up from your weekend sunrise hikes, but very much doable if you've got a decent fitness base and a willingness to sweat. Expect to cover 12-14 km over 6-7 hours, through a mix of steep forest ascents, slippery stream crossings, and open ridge walks where the wind picks up and the views never quit. The first 1 km is a sharp climb through rocky terrain, after which the trail rolls through evergreen jungle, shola forest, and finally bursts into golden grasslands. The last ridge to the summit involves a few narrow stretches, but nothing technical—no ropes, no scrambling, just steady walking and a love for hills.
The best part? You're never alone. As with every Wanderophile journey, you'll trek in a small group with a local guide who knows when to push, when to pause for a water break, and exactly where to stop for the best summit photo. There's no defined trail in some sections—Netravati is genuinely offbeat—which is precisely why having a guide isn't just helpful, it's mandatory.
In a nutshell: If you've done one or two Western Ghats treks before and are ready to graduate to something less crowded and more rewarding, Netravati is the perfect next step. Physically demanding, scenically spectacular, and 100% worth every aching calf.-
Netravati shifts personality with every season—here's how to choose your flavor of adventure:
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September to February: The sweet spot. Post-monsoon greenery is still in full swing in September-October, with streams flowing and grasslands at their lushest. From November onward, skies clear up, temperatures drop pleasantly, and visibility from the summit is unreal—on a clear day you can see all the way to Kudremukh Peak, Gadai Kallu, and beyond. If you want comfortable trekking weather and postcard views, this is your window.
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June to August (Monsoon): The Ghats turn into a fairytale—everything is dripping, blooming, and impossibly green. Clouds float through the valleys at your eye level, the waterfall en route is at full force, and the entire trail feels alive. But fair warning: the forest department often restricts entry during peak monsoon for safety, leeches are everywhere, the trail is genuinely slippery, and visibility from the summit can drop to zero. If you go, go prepared—and check permit availability with us before booking.
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March to May: Generally not an option. The forest department typically closes the trail through peak summer due to fire risk. If you're planning a summer trek, check with us first—we'll either confirm availability or point you to alternatives that stay open year-round.
Wanderophile Tip: For the best mix of weather, views, and trail conditions, aim for October to February. If you want the trek at its wildest and don't mind getting muddy (and a little leech-bitten), September delivers magic.
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What to pack for the Kurinjal trek
You don’t need to carry the kitchen sink, but packing smart is half the adventure. Here’s what you'll need for Kurinjal trek:
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Sturdy trekking shoes (broken-in and waterproof if you’ve got them—nobody likes soggy socks)
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Lightweight backpack (20-30L is plenty for a day’s adventure)
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Quick-dry clothing: Breathable tees, trek pants, and a light fleece or jacket for chilly hilltop winds
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Rain gear: Poncho or rain jacket (essential during monsoons), plus a backpack cover
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Hat/cap & sunglasses: For when the sun decides to show up
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Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated (2L recommended)
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Trail snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or your favorite on-the-go fuel
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Small first aid kit: Plasters, muscle spray, any personal meds
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Personal toiletries: Eco-friendly soap, hand sanitizer, and travel towel
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Sunscreen & insect repellent: Even on cloudy days, Ghats sun and bugs play tricks
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Trekking pole (optional, but your knees might thank you on descents)
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Extra pair of socks: Nothing feels better after a soggy stretch
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Plastic bags/dry sacks: For wet gear or muddy shoes—leave no footprint behind!
Wanderophile Tip: Pack light, but don’t leave out your sense of fun. You’ll need room in your bag for all the stories you’ll pick up along the way!
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Netravati Peak sits inside Kudremukh National Park, in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. The closest village is Samse, near Kalasa, and the trek base is about 340 km from Bengaluru—around 7-9 hours by road.
Netravati Peak stands at approximately 1,520 meters (4,986 ft) above sea level, making it one of the prominent peaks in the Kudremukh range, second only to Kudremukh Peak itself.
Yes. Netravati Peak falls within the protected Kudremukh National Park, so forest department permits are mandatory. Permits are limited, so we recommend booking at least 3-4 weeks in advance. A certified guide is also compulsory—this is non-negotiable per forest rules.
No. Camping is strictly prohibited inside Kudremukha National Park. You must descend the same day, and accommodation is arranged at a homestay in/around Samse village.
The trek covers 12-14 km round trip and takes 6-7 hours including breaks. It's rated moderate—steep in parts, with rocky and slippery sections, but no technical climbing involved. Decent fitness and prior trekking experience make it comfortable.
The ideal trekking season is June to February, especially after the monsoons when the scenery is lush. October to February generally offers the best weather.
Yes. Forest department guidelines require groups to be accompanied by authorized guides.
The trek starts at Bhagavathi Nature Camp in Kudremukh National Park.
Trekkers cannot start the trek after 11 AM; you need to return to the base before 6 PM.
No shops, no stalls, no water points. You carry everything in (and out). We provide a packed lunch and you'll need to fill at least 2 liters of water at the homestay before starting. There's one stream en route that can serve as backup water, but purification is strongly recommended.
Yes—it's actually a great pick for beginners looking to do their first proper Western Ghats trek. The trail is easy-to-moderate, the distance is manageable over 6-7 hours, and with a local guide leading the way, you don't need prior experience. Basic fitness (regular walks or light cardio) is enough to get you to the summit comfortably.
We recommend ages 12 to 62. Fit families with children above 12 can join, but younger kids and those with mobility or breathing concerns should consider easier treks like Harihara Betta or Antharagange first.
The peak is named after the Netravati River, which originates from the Bangrabalige Valley in the Yelaneeru Ghat section of Kudremukh. The river flows past the sacred town of Dharmasthala and into the Arabian Sea, making it one of Karnataka's important waterways. Local lore holds that sages from Dharmasthala first discovered the river while gathering holy water.
Do not stray from the marked trail, never carry plastic into the park, do not feed or disturb wildlife, and absolutely no smoking or open fires. Stay with the group at all times—the trail is genuinely remote and unmarked in stretches.
READ THE REVIEWS
Natesh J
Went on the Gangadikal, Merthi Gudda, and Kurinjal treks with Wanderophile, and it was a fabulous experience. The treks were organized really well, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Our trek leader Nagabhushan was very friendly, approachable, and shared a lot of knowledge about the Western Ghats, which made the journey even more enjoyable.
The stay arranged was comfortable, and the food was homely and delicious—a perfect way to end long days of trekking. Overall, Wanderophile made the whole trip fun, safe, and memorable. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for well-planned treks around the Western Ghats!
Shruthi A S
This was my 3rd trek through trekking groups. I must say it was the best one so far. They organized it so well. If you are going solo you never feel it because they conduct some activities foe ice-breaking. I would recommend to take a trip through them.
Anuradha
Amazing trek experience! very well planned and organised... always fun to trek with Wanderophile
NETRAVATI TREK PHOTO GALLERY
NETRAVATI TREK LOCATION
General FAQs
Once your booking is confirmed, our team will reach out within a few days via email and WhatsApp to share trip essentials, travel instructions, emergency contact info, and preparation tips. Expect clear communication and support all the way to departure!
A few days before your trek, we’ll create a WhatsApp group for registered participants and the Wanderophile team. It’s your space to ask questions, access important updates, arrange carpools, and start making friends in advance.
Yes, many of our guests join solo! Our trips are designed for open-minded solo travelers and small groups alike, with an environment that’s welcoming, safe, and community-driven. It’s common to leave with new friendships and great memories.
Definitely. We focus on group safety, choose trusted lodgings, and ensure experienced trek leaders accompany every group. From check-in to return, we’ve got thorough plans in place for everyone’s peace of mind.
Occasionally, we announce flash sales on the Wanderophile website and social channels. Repeat travelers and those booking for multiple people can get in touch for group discounts or loyalty perks.
Of course—you can safely store bags at our main accommodation before heading out for the trek. Please leave valuables at home, as we cannot be responsible for lost items.
Most Wanderophile treks require moderate physical fitness: enough to walk for hours on hilly terrain with a light backpack. If you’re unsure, drop us a message and we’ll help match a trek to your comfort and experience level.
We offer a transparent and fair policy for cancellations and refunds—see our website’s policy section or contact us for details before you book. Please read through to understand timings and possible deductions.