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Mist-capped ridge lines on the peak make the hike to Nethravathi Peak a must. Crossing the multi-tiered Nethravathi waterfall and numerous small streams, hiking uphill onto open terrains with 360° views in the Kudremukh National Park all while feasting on one-of-a-kind views, makes this hike stand out from the rest. 

When we decided to hike the Nethravathi Peak, we did not find much information on Google. All it showed was group packages from Bangalore during weekends. For instance, we couldn’t find the starting place of the hike. So we decided to write this blog covering all the essential things you need to know to hike to the most beautiful Nethravathi Peak.

By following this guide, you’ll save more than 50% on the Nethravathi tour packages offered by different companies. This also gives you absolute flexibility to do the hike in your own way.

Nethravathi Peak Hiking Guide

How To Reach Nethravathi Peak From Bangalore?

Many people from Bangalore visit the Nethravathi Peak. The most convenient and best option to reach the Nethravathi Peak from Bangalore is by road and we also recommend the same. By train, the connectivity and feasibility are not that great.

By Train

Chikmagalur Railway Station (CMGR) is the nearest railway station to Nethravathi Peak. There is only one unreserved direct train to reach Chikmagalur from Yeshwantpur junction, Bangalore on Fridays. From there, you are entirely dependent on roadways.

If you are traveling from Mysore, Hassan railway station (station code: HAS) or Saklespur railway station (station code: SKLR) is the nearest railway station. After which you should follow the roadways.

By Bus

There are many state-run KSRTC and private buses from Bangalore to Kalasa. Kalasa is the closest town you can reach to the Nethravathi Peak, directly from Bangalore. From Kalasa, transit to another bus to reach Samse.

If you board the bus from Bangalore to Chikmagalur, hop onto another bus to reach Kalasa. To reach Nethravathi Peak from Horanadu, you have to reach Kalasa and hop on another bus to reach Samse.

To reach the Nethravathi Peak from Mysore, you have to reach Hassan or Mudigere first, then hop on another bus to reach Samse. Note that the frequency of the buses on this route is very low, only once or twice a day.

The Samse Circle is the starting point of the Nethravathi peak. From the Samse Circle, walk for about 2 Km by marking the map to the Nethravathi Trek parking point, from where the trek actually starts. You can also hire a jeep to reach the hike starting point. Auto or shared-auto drivers generally disagree with dropping you here as the path is a mix of road and muddy terrain.

Here is where you’ll find a forest official and a guide. Remember, until you reach this point you are on your own. Should you be confused or stumped on the way, we encourage you to ask for directions if needed.

You can find more on why we chose our accommodation at Horanadu below.

Nethravathi Hike Details

Hike Distance

Nethravathi Peak is located 330 Km from Bangalore, 250 Km from Mysore, and about 93 Km from Chikmagalur.

Nethraavthi Peak Entry Fee

Rs. 500 per person for forest entry + Rs. 1000 for the guide for 1-10 persons. The fees are mandatory and fixed.

Registration

Prior registration or pre-online booking for Nethravathi is mandatory. You can register the tickets online from the official website. Offline bookings or bookings done at the starting point are strictly not allowed.

Unlike the Kudremukh Peak Trek, the Nethravathi hiking route has no proper forest check-post office building. Forest officials can be found standing near the starting point of the hike collecting entry fees. 

Timings

The opening hours for the Nethravathi Peak trek are from 6 AM to 5 PM. We recommend you start your hike early at the opening time. The hikers are not allowed to start the hike post noon.

To check if the Nethravathi trek is closed or open, open the official site. The information updated is true and reliable. The bookings for the trek are allowed only if the trek is open.

Hike Duration

It takes 3-4 hours for the ascend and 1:30 – 2 hours to descend.

Summit Height

1520 m is the maximum altitude that you’ll reach during the hike.

Nethravathi Hike Distance

16 Km in total, including both the ways

Nethravathi Trek Difficulty Level

Moderate – highly subject to your fitness level.

Terrain

Grasslands, waterfall, valley, and stones

Hiking Route

Apply Dettol or any leech-repellent spray while you start as leeches are prevalent on this trail during monsoon seasons. For the first 2 Km, you’ll hike a forest trail frequented by humans. As you progress exploring this trail it feels almost as if the glory of the Kudremukh forest range cannot contain itself.

After walking for a few more minutes, you will be within earshot of the thundering harmony of the waterfall. Step carefully on slippery stones, and the multi-tiered Nethravathi waterfall comes into full view. Crossing from here would lead you to a hiking path and subsequently to the viewpoint. You can rest for a while here, enjoy the waterfalls, and then resume your hike.

You’ll enjoy hiking in the abundantly green western ghats. The monsoon rains rejuvenate this entire experience. Crossing multiple small streams en route is evident in the forest trail of Nethravathi.

After a Km, the route is accompanied by the high screeches of insects and a huge stream that could be very easily mistaken for another waterfall. The stream is wide and powerful enough that bamboo stems were tied to 2 trees to aid the crossing of hikers. Be very mindful of your surroundings as the rocks are slippery and the water tide and flow are high during rains and monsoon season.

Fortunately, after crossing the stream, the leeches became less prevalent. It is a straight open uphill climb for 4 Kms, and trust us when we say, the view gets progressively beautiful with each step. The muddy terrain is slippery with dead leaves and water flowing to the very top.

The last climb to the summit is slightly steep. Turn around and soak in the view from all directions. This is one of the few trails where stopping to soak in the sights happens to be very true. The last arduous push to the summit is truly rewarding. A pile of stones balanced atop the other marks the final summit.

The return is also the same route as you came through. So ensure you apply Dettol once more as you cross the river.

At The Nethravathi Summit

The green forest of Kudremukh National Park can be comprehensively admired from the peak. Spend as much time as you can to witness the beauty of this place.

Mist is accompanied by drizzles and crystal-clear views, this place of conundrums is guaranteed fun. We did enjoy every bit of nature’s drama.

Nethravathi Hike Guide Contact

Due to the recent spike in the popularity of the hike, the locals and forest department have come together to assign guides in a circular fashion. You need not arrange for a guide in advance. Go to the hike starting point. The forest department will assign a guide for you before you start the hike.

Cost Breakdown For One Person

• Room rent in Horanadu – Rs. 125, (Rs.250 for 2 persons)
• Breakfast in Horanadu – Rs. 30 (Idly)
• Bus between Horanadu and Kalasa – Rs. 34 (includes return ticket to Horanadu)
• Bus between Kalasa and Samse – Rs. 36 (includes return ticket to Kalasa)
• Jeep ride from Samse to hike starting point and back – Rs. 100 (costs between 1K – 2K for around 1-30 persons)
• Guide charges – Rs. 100 (Rs. 1000 for 1-10 persons)
• Forest entry fee – Rs. 500
• Energy bars, snacks – Rs. 100

Total for the hike = Rs. 1025

• Bus from Bangalore – Horanadu – Bangalore costs Rs. 754 (Karnataka Sarige)

Grand Total = Rs. 1779

Free water and free dinner are available at the Horanadu temple premises. You can also do the Kudremukh trek and cover all the places near Kalasa. The only downside is lunch, but you can adjust for a day with the snacks and energy bars you bring with you.

The next best option would be to opt for the Kalasanka Homestay which will cost approximately the same.

Important Things To Remember

• A guide is mandatory to hike the Nethravathi Peak.
• The use of plastics and smoking is strictly prohibited. As a hiker, it is incumbent on you to be responsible and not litter. Collect and bring back the waste with you and dispose of it in proper dedicated bins.
• Illegal trekking is strictly prohibited, and trespassers will be prosecuted.

Essential Things To Carry

• Ensure you carry at least 1L of water per person.
• Take sufficient snacks and energy bars, as there are no shops nearby. Fill your snack box at Samse itself.
• Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the summer heat.
• Carry a poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
• Above all, ensure you wear comfortable shoes with good traction and grip.
• Carry leech-repellent spray like Dettol as leeches are plenty during the rains.

Kudremukh Trek Vs Nethravathi Peak Trek

We have done both the Kudremukha and Nethravathi treks that lie in the same Kudremukh National Park. Both hikes are located close to each other near the village of Samse, Kalasa. The Nethravathi hike is much easier and less challenging when compared to the Kudremukh. The Nethravathi hike is known for its breathtaking mist views on the summit ridge while the Kudremukh hike is more about the hiking journey. Nethravathi’s hiking journey involves crossing a waterfall and a stream while no such things exists in the Kudremukha hike.

If you’re looking for an easier hike with scenic views, choose Nethravathi. The Kudremukh hike is physically demanding with a difficulty level of moderate to difficult. It is perfect for hiking enthusiasts and those who enjoy physical challenges and the outdoors.

Network Availability

Along the trail, we were only able to find intermittent availability of Airtel and Jio with poor to moderate reception of the internet and cellular network. BSNL performed better in this region. 

At the summit, all network operators offered good connectivity.

ATM Availability

No ATMs are available on this route. You can find reliable ATMs only in Kalasa and Samse. For guide and forest department entry, you’ll need cash. So, ensure to carry sufficient cash.

Languages Spoken

The regional language of Kannada is the only language spoken by the people in this region. Few guides are familiar with other languages.

Parking Availability

Park your vehicle in Samse and hire a jeep to arrive at the hike starting point. There is a limited parking space available yet it is best to park near the Samse circle. You’ll have to park your vehicles on the side of the road or in front of shops.

Restroom Facilities

No restroom is available at Samse. Come prepared as you will need to answer nature’s call with nature.

Best Time To Do the Nethravathi Peak Trek

The Nethravathi fall that you encounter midway through the hike gushes with abundance during the monsoon months of late June, July, and August. Western ghats are worth hiking during the peak monsoon season, as it is bustling with spring energy. However, the hike will be closed if the region experiences abundant rainfall.

The best time to visit Nethravathi Peak is during the post-monsoon months between September and December. At this ideal time, you get to see the majestic mountains in all their glory, in different shades of green, and with no obstruction from mist or bad climate.

We recommend going on weekdays as weekends as holidays are crowded.

Where To Stay?

The nearest homestay to the Nethravathi hike starting point is the Kalsanka Homestay (+91 9740360365 / +91 9900182092). They have dorm rooms with attached restrooms and tent stays for budget hikers, INR 1100 including 4 times food and refreshments.

We stayed in the Horanadu Devasthanam rooms as they were quite budget-friendly and cost about Rs. 250 per night for 2 people. We commuted from there by bus. If you are on a budget, we encourage you to do the same. Make sure to book in advance as weekends are usually crowded.

Most accommodations at Samse are not listed online. Here are a few of the best homestays,

• Hotel Mudra Midtown Suites & Rooms
• Nature Valley Homestay
• Balekhan Homestay – Heritage and mountain view
• Badamane Jungle Stay

Where To Eat?

The homestay where you stay will offer food if you enquire with them. That is the best option. The restaurants and shops in Samse are limited but Kalasa which is 9 Km away from Samse has quite a few.

Also, do not forget to buy energy bars and snacks before you start your hike from Samse. We recommend you to carry at least one litre of drinking water which can be refilled along the way.

Other Things To Do In Nethravathi

Apart from hiking the ever-green Nethravathi hills, people also do a short hike to the Netravati waterfalls located en route to the peak. If you have more time to spare, hike to the Kudremukha Peak and Valikunja which are located nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you find this blog helpful in planning your trip to Nethravathi Peak, comment below. For more extensive hiking guides such as this and travel tips stick with us, the traveling twins.

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