Your Handy Guide to Netravati Peak Trek, Chikmagalur

Your Handy Guide to Netravati Peak Trek, Chikmagalur

Lying at the crossroads of Chikmagalur, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts, Netravathi Trek is just another name for adventure, sanctity, and bliss. If you’re planning to hike through the Netravati peak, here’s a brief guide to help you navigate easily through your journey. Keep reading to learn more.

Table of Contents ●

Mythical History Behind Netravati Trek

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Base Camp for Netravati Stay

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Permits and Local Guides

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Through the Netravati Trek Trail

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The Best Time to Go for Netravati Trek

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Things to Carry on Your Trek

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Mythical History Behind Netravati Trek As per the locals, the Netravati Trek was first discovered by Sages residing in Dharmasthala, who once came to collect the holy water.

In another story, it’s believed that the almighty in his third of the tenth incarnation as Varaha protected Mother Earth sank into the deep bottoms of the ocean. Relieved from the state of despair, Mother Earth, out of pure bliss, shed tears which led to the formation and birth of the Netravati river.

Base Camp for Netravati Stay You can set your base camp in either Samse, Belthangady, or Dharmasthala.

Samse: Samse is 14km from the base of the Netravati trek which is the shortest distance you’d need to cover to reach the destination. However, what’s important to note here is that no buses are available for the trek base. Hence, you’ll either need to hire a tempo, request a lift, or get your own vehicle to reach the location.

Belthangady: Belthangady makes for yet another ideal basepoint for the trek. It is located at a distance of 30 km from the trek base.

Dharmasthala: Dharmasthala is a famous Hindu pilgrimage located around 25 km from the Netravati trek base. Here, you can find several homestays and resorts to make up for a comfortable stay.

As you move towards the Netravati basepoint from Samse, you’ll come across multiple homestays, resorts, coffee, areca, and chili plantations.

Permits and Local Guides In the earlier days, the Netravati peak trek was free for trekkers. But now, considering its growing popularity, the Forest Department has imposed a fee of INR 500 / person. The amount is collected right at the beginning of the trek.

A local guide is a must for every group of 12 people. Hiring one guide would cost you anywhere around INR 1000. The amount is quite reasonable as the local guides work really hard and will help you a lot during your trek.

Through the Netravati Trek Trail All in all, you’ll need to cross three sections during the trek trail:

#1: From the base to the two-tiered waterfall and dense forests

You’ll start your journey from the Kudremukh National Park which serves as the base point of the trek.

Initially, you’ll have to go through a steep elevation with bumpy rocks but the path soon flattens off after you cross a mile or so. Hereafter, you’ll find a beautiful 2-tiered waterfall and drive through the thick forest section 2: From Netravati River to Grasslands

As you move further, you’ll be able to hear the sound of gushing water flowing through the stream, well this is the sound of the Netravati river. This is a very soothing experience altogether.

The Best Time to Go for Netravati Trek The best time to go for the Netravati trek is during the post-monsoon season i.e., from August to October. During this time, the place enjoys a beautiful blend of spring energy and greenery all around. The weather also remains quite favorable for joining on a trek.

Things to Carry on Your Trek Here’s a list of must-carry items for your trek:

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Water (2 liters)

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Lunch box

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Identity Proof

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Raincoat (in the monsoon season)

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Cash

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Sanitizers

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Face masks

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A comfortable pair of shoes

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First aid kit

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Extra pair of clothes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q. Is the Netravati trek difficult?

A. Not actually. However, make sure you’re physically fit and are not dealing with any medical condition before heading for a venture.

Q. How long is the Netravati trek?

A. The Netravati trek is approximately a 12km long trail. It takes around 4.5-5 hours to complete the trek.

Q. What is the fee for the Netravati Peak trek?

A. A fee of INR 500 is charged for the Netravati Peak trek.

Q. Does Netravati Trek have leeches?

A. Yes, especially if you visit during the monsoon season you’ll often find these slimy creatures sticking to you, sucking blood. In case you find one stuck to your shoes, cloth, or skin, jerk it off using your thumb and index finger until it falls off.

Q. What is the altitude of the Netravati peak?

A. The Netravati Peak is heightened at an elevation of 1,520 meters from the ground level.

Q. How to plan the Netravati peak trek from Bangalore?