🌿 KUDREMUKH NATIONAL PARK • 4,990 FT

Netravathi Peak Trek

Ascend the cloud corridors of the Western Ghats. Traverse emerald Shola ridges, pristine mountain springs, and the iconic heart-shaped meadow rising above the mist.

4,990 FT
Summit Altitude
12 KM
Trek Distance
MODERATE
Trail Grade
2D / 1N
Duration
The Expedition

Trail Overview & Experience

Perched high in the protected core of the Kudremukh National Park forest range, Netravathi Peak is revered among South India's most breathtaking ridges. The trail winds through dense evergreen Shola forests, ancient moss-covered tree canopies, and crystal-clear mountain streams before unveiling the celebrated heart-shaped meadow tucked between rolling mist-laden summits.

Standing atop the windswept ridge, you are treated to unbroken 360-degree vistas across the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage boundary. This expedition balances raw highland wilderness with restorative cultural stops at the historic Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, picturesque Samse tea plantations, and the thunderous Soormane Falls.

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Forest Department Permit Advisory

Netravathi Peak falls under strictly regulated conservation limits by the Karnataka Forest Department with capped daily entries. Forest permits incur an additional government fee of INR 505. When booking with Hikers Horizon, our trek leads coordinate your slot confirmation. Self-trekking travelers can follow our comprehensive Aranya Vihara Netravathi Permit Booking Guide.

Visual Journey

Highland Moments & Scenery

Trip Schedule

Detailed 2-Day Trek Itinerary

Day 0 Bangalore Departure & Night Journey

Depart Bengaluru in a comfortable Non-A/c Push-back Tempo Traveler or Minibus. Boarding begins at convenient pickup hubs across the city:

  • 10:00 PM: Banashankari Bus Stop
  • 10:15 PM: BTM Layout (Near Udupi Garden signal)
  • 10:30 PM: Silk Board (Near skywalk)
  • 10:45 PM: Bellandur Petrol Pump
  • 11:00 PM: Marathahalli (Opposite Kalamandir)
  • 11:30 PM: Tin Factory Bus Stop
  • 11:50 PM: Indiranagar (Domlur Bridge)
  • 12:00 AM: Halasuru Metro Station
  • 12:10 AM: MG Road (Near 1MG Mall)
  • 12:30 AM: Mekhri Circle
  • 12:40 AM: Yeshwanthpur Metro Station
  • 12:50 AM: Goraguntepalya (Last pickup point)
Trip Notice: Travel times may vary based on weekend traffic and ghat road conditions. Our drivers and leads ensure a steady, secure journey.
Day 1 Homestay Check-in, Samse Tea Gardens, Temple & Waterfalls
  • 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM: Arrive at our rustic Malnad homestay nestled among coffee and areca nut plantations. Check in and unwind.
  • 07:00 AM – 08:30 AM: Freshen up and enjoy a hearty hot Malnad breakfast with fresh filter coffee.
  • 09:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Stroll through the misty slopes of Samse Tea Estate for photography and panoramic valley views.
  • 10:45 AM – 01:00 PM: Visit the sacred Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple. Experience divine darshan and traditional temple prasadam lunch.
  • 02:30 PM – 04:30 PM: Embark on a thrilling local 4x4 jeep ride to Soormane Falls; dip your feet in the natural mountain pools.
  • 05:15 PM – 06:15 PM: Walk across the picturesque Kalasa Hanging Bridge over the Bhadra River during golden hour.
  • 07:30 PM Onwards: Return to homestay. Savor a piping hot vegetarian dinner, campfire stories under starlight, and rest for the summit day.
Dress Code Reminder: Traditional attire is mandatory inside Horanadu Temple (Dhotis/Kurta for men; Sarees/Salwar for women). Shorts and sleeveless garments are not allowed on temple premises.
Day 2 Netravathi Summit Hike, Shola Forests & Return Journey
  • 05:30 AM: Wake-up call amidst chirping birds and misty mountain breeze.
  • 06:00 AM – 07:15 AM: Freshen up, eat energizing breakfast, and collect packed summit lunch & trail snacks.
  • 07:30 AM – 08:30 AM: 4x4 Jeep transfer to the forest checkpost and base trail point.
  • 08:45 AM – 01:30 PM: Trek through Shola forest patches, cross cascading mountain brooks, climb the emerald grassy saddles, and reach the iconic Heart-Shaped Meadow and Netravathi Peak (4,990 ft).
  • 01:30 PM – 02:15 PM: Enjoy packed lunch with 360-degree horizon views above cloud layers.
  • 02:15 PM – 05:30 PM: Begin careful descent back to the base checkpoint.
  • 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM: Reach homestay, freshen up, enjoy hot evening tea & snacks, and pack bags.
  • 08:00 PM: Depart for Bangalore; stop for dinner en route (*self-sponsored).
Day 3 Early Morning Arrival in Bengaluru
  • 05:00 AM: Arrive back in Bengaluru refreshed with memories, friendships, and stunning peak photos.

Drop-offs follow the exact sequence as Day 0 pickup points for seamless convenience.

Trip Package Details

Inclusions & Exclusions

✓ What's Included
To & Fro Non-A/c push-back group transport from Bangalore (12 Pickup Points)
Homestay / Dorm accommodation with clean bedding & hot water facilities
Fresh vegetarian meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Packed Trail Lunch, and 1 Dinner
Certified, experienced Trek Leaders from the Hikers Horizon team
Local sightseeing: Samse Tea Estate, Horanadu Temple, Hanging Bridge
Campfire & group activities (weather permitting)
Emergency First Aid Kit & safety coordination
✗ What's Not Included
Karnataka Forest Department Permit charges (~INR 505 per person)
Jeep ride to base checkpost / Soormane Falls (~₹150-₹200 sharing)
Any kind of travel or medical insurance
Meals on Day 0 and Day 2 return journey dinner
Personal expenses, bottled beverages, packaged snacks
Anything not expressly cited in the inclusions list
Packing Guide

Things to Carry

Daypack (20L - 30L)
Trekking shoes with solid grip
2 reusable water bottles (1L each)
Raincoat / Poncho & bag cover
Quick-dry trekking trousers & tees
Government ID proof (Aadhar/Voter)
Traditional wear for Horanadu Temple
Torch or headlamp with batteries
Power bank & charging cables
Personal medicines & Odomos/salt
Flip-flops for homestay relaxation
Dry fruits & energy bars
Fair & Transparent Rates

Pricing Packages

Self-Drive Package

Join us directly at the homestay in Kalasa

₹3,499 ₹2,299 / trekker
  • ✓ 1 Night Homestay / Dorm Accommodation
  • ✓ 2 Breakfasts, 1 Packed Lunch, 1 Dinner
  • ✓ Certified Trek Leads on the Mountain
  • ✓ Campfire & Evening Experience
  • ✓ Basic First Aid Support
  • ✗ To & Fro Travel from Bangalore
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Community

Hiker Stories & Common Questions

★★★★★

"Standing on the Netravathi ridge surrounded by floating clouds was pure magic. The homestay food was super homely and the trek leads took great care of the group."

— Rohan K., Bangalore
★★★★★

"The heart-shaped meadow looks even better than photos. The permit process was handled smoothly by Hikers Horizon. Perfect weekend escape!"

— Ananya P., Software Engineer

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Netravathi Peak hike?
The trek is rated Moderate. The overall round-trip trail is approximately 12 kilometers across rolling Shola meadows with steady elevation gain. A basic level of cardiovascular fitness is recommended.
What about leeches along the trail?
Leeches are commonly found in Shola patches during the monsoon and post-monsoon months (July to October). Wearing full-length trek pants, gaiters, and applying salt or insect repellent easily prevents discomfort.
Can solo travelers or women join this trek?
Yes, absolutely! More than 45% of our trekkers join solo. We ensure respectful, verified group dynamics, safe separate dorm rooms, and friendly female trek-lead support.
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