My Rainy-Day Escape to Netravati Peak, Karnataka

Sometimes, life demands a pause. Not the kind where you scroll on your phone or lie under a blanket, but the kind where you vanish into the forest, climb into the clouds, and let the wilderness rearrange your thoughts. That’s exactly what happened when I took off on a whim for the Netravati Trek—one of Karnataka’s most underrated and soul-stirring trails.

If you’re someone tired of crowded hill stations and Insta-flooded locations, and instead crave raw nature, slippery trails, and soulful silence, read on. This journey might just be your sign.

Not All Who Wander Are Lost: Finding Netravati Trek

The Netravati Trek wasn’t something I planned months ahead. It started with a simple Google search: “offbeat treks near Kudremukh.” That’s when the name Netravati Peak popped up. No flashy images, no tourist overload—just mentions of thick forests, leeches, remote ridges, and a sense of true escape.

The trek is named after the Netravati River, believed to originate from this region. It lies inside Kudremukh National Park, near the small town of Kalasa, and is guarded fiercely by nature itself. I read enough to know: this wasn’t going to be easy—but it would be worth it.

Getting There: The Route to Solitude

I packed light and left Bangalore on a Friday night via an overnight KSRTC bus to Kalasa. The next morning, after a strong cup of local filter coffee and some hot idlis, I hopped into a shared jeep bound for Samse, the nearest village from the trekking base.

From Kalasa or Samse, the base is just a 30-45 minute jeep ride away. Most importantly, we stopped at the Forest Department Office in Kudremukh to get our trek permission. Since this is a protected eco-zone, a permit and certified guide are mandatory. (I booked mine through a local trekking group.)

🧭 Nearest Railway Station: Mangalore (110 km)

✈️ Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport

🚙 Best Base Town: Kalasa or Kudremukh

Rain. Leeches. Silence. Bliss: Trekking Through Netravati

I trekked during early October, when the rains hadn’t fully left the Western Ghats. The forest was still drenched. The mud was sticky. And yes—leeches were in full attendance. But honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

The trek begins through whispering bamboo groves and emerald-green coffee estates, before diving deep into the forest. The first few kilometers were gentle, letting us settle into the rhythm of the jungle. But then came the real ascent—through slippery slopes, mossy stones, and mist that clouded everything beyond five feet.

At every bend, I had to pause—not just to breathe, but to take in what was around me:

Trees that looked centuries old

Distant waterfalls humming like lullabies

Rain-drenched leaves glistening like glass

Our guide told us we were walking through elephant territory, and that only a few groups trek here in a year. That thought both thrilled and humbled me.

Summit Dreams: Atop Netravati Peak

After nearly 4 hours of steady climbing, we reached the final stretch. The trees gave way to open meadows and windswept ridges. The sky above was silver-grey, and clouds floated like ghosts over the hills. That’s when I saw it—Netravati Peak, standing still and silent like a guardian.

We climbed the last 200 meters on all fours—slippery, breathless, but determined. And when we finally stood at the top, I swear, the world melted away.

What lay below were waves of green hills, valleys tucked under fog, and not a single sign of human life. It was the kind of view that doesn’t beg to be photographed—it just demands to be felt.

When to Go, What to Know: Essential Trekking Info

Best Time to Visit

October to February: Ideal weather, fewer leeches, great views

Avoid June to September: Heavy monsoons make the trail risky, but magical for experienced trekkers

Things to Carry

Trekking shoes with strong grip

Rainproof jacket or poncho

Salt, Dettol spray, or leech socks

2L of water + energy bars

Power bank (there’s no electricity at base camps)

Dry clothes and basic first-aid

Permit & Cost Info

Forest Entry Permit: ₹250–₹500 (mandatory)

Guide Charges: ₹500–₹800 (per person or group)

Local Homestay: ₹800–₹1200 per night with meals

Total Budget (from Bangalore): ₹2,500–₹4,000 per person

After the Ascent: What Else to Explore Nearby

Don’t just trek and leave. The region around Netravati is a treasure chest for slow travellers. Here’s what I explored:

Kudremukh Peak Trek: A bit longer, more famous, but equally beautiful

Hanuman Gundi Falls: Just a short drive, perfect for post-trek relaxation

Kalasa Temple & Horanadu: Ancient temples that blend serenity with architecture

Coffee estate walks: Ask your homestay host to show you around—it’s peaceful and aromatic

You can easily turn this into a 2-day escape: Day 1 for the trek, Day 2 for chilling, exploring, and heading back.

Final Words: Why Netravati Trek Changed Me

I came to the Netravati trek expecting a break. What I got was a shift—in perspective, in presence, in peace. It stripped away the noise and filled me with something simpler, something truer.

It’s not a trek for everyone. It’s not easy, it’s not always pretty, and it certainly doesn’t come with five-star comfort. But if you’re seeking the real joy of trekking—mud, silence, sweat, sky—Netravati delivers.

And in the end, when you’re back home, sipping coffee with sore legs and a heart full of fog-kissed memories—you’ll know it was worth it.