Hey explorer,

Over the last 30 days, I have been much into exploring the northeastern states of India. I must say the experience was no less than amazing. But what if I tell you there is another place in South India that will attract you the same as those places we've been exploring so far?

Yes, it is Netravati Peak in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. I had to browse about it after going through a couple of IG reels, and here's all I found so you do not have to google it.

Why Netravati Peak?

Let me tell you a funny thing that always happened to me as a kid, and my parents used to get irritated and amused simultaneously. So, just like most normal kids, I was curious about what might happen if the sky fell (technically, clouds just above tall hills and mountains at a distance).

While the question was repetitive every time it rained, I am no longer scared about it (or at least after coming here). Imagine the pouring rain, walking on the narrow walking trails, cold air hitting you, the river rushing down the terrain, green hue all around, and best of all, clouds making a fog theme on one side of the mountain.

I am at a loss for words (haha!) putting down this experience. So, how about you check out the video above?

Overview

Netravati Peak holds historical significance dating back to ancient times, with mentions in local folklore and legends. It has been a site of spiritual importance for indigenous communities, with tales of sages and saints. 

Situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, lush greenery, dense forests, and rolling hills make it a unique part of the ghats. The panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and rivers from the peak are worth climbing, navigating through the narrow walking paths. 

Tribes living in the region follow deep traditions and cultures, celebrating festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Navratri with passion and happiness spread across their faces. The Karnataka people prioritize their state language, Kannada. Yet, you can hear people using Hindi and English. 

The basic Kannada phrases are:

- No: (ಇಲ್ಲ) - [il-li]
- Yes: (ಹೌದು) - [haa-du]
- Hello: (ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ) - [nuv-mah-skaa-ra]
- Thank you: (ಧನ್ಯವಾದ) - [dha-nya-vaa-da]
- Please: (ಕೃಪೆ (ಕೃಪೆಯಲ್ಲಿ)) - [kri-pe (kri-pe-yal-li)]
- You're welcome: (ಸಾಲೆ ಸಂಪಿಗೆ) - [saa-le sum-pi-ge]
- Goodbye: (ಶುಭ ದಿನಗವಳಿ) - [shu-bha di-na-ga-va-li]
- Excuse me: (ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ (ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ ಬೇಕು)) - [kṣa-mi-si (kṣa-mi-si be-ku)]
- How are you? (Informal): (ಯೇನ್ ಗುರು ಯೇನ್ ಸಮಾಚಾರ) - [yen gu-ru yen sa-maa-chaa-ra]
- Do you understand?: ( ನಿಂಗೆ ಅರ್ಥವಾಗುತ್ತದೆಯೇ? ) - [Nin-ge ar-tha-va-aa-gut-te-de-ye?]

Netravati Peak experiences a tropical climate. Winters are mild cold, and summers become a cookpot. Monsoon rains bring lush greenery to the terrain, making it an ideal time for trekking and exploring the region's natural beauty. 

Discovery Checklist

Although places and their geographies look similar, some factors exist, differentiating each other and people being picky in choosing one. So, here are a few must-do things to boost your experience. 

- Trek Netravti Peak
- Go on a wildlife safari
- Explore nearby waterfalls
- Get your photography skills out 

While the nearby places to explore must include:

- Kudremukh National Park (111 km away)
- Sringeri Sharada Peetha (about 107 km away)
- Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple (95 km away)
- Dharmasthala Temple (approximately 60 km away)

Since the indigenous tribal people live here in the woods, ensure you buy tribal handicrafts like bamboo baskets, wooden carvings, tribal jewellery, and local produce like coffee, spices, and aromatics. 

Travel Itinerary

A Guide to WH Questions

Transportation

Netravati Peak is accessible by various modes of transportation. You can opt for buses, taxis, or private cars from nearby towns and cities. The nearest transportation hub is Mangalore, approximately 115 km away, which is well-connected by air, rail, and road to major cities across India.

Hotels

The nearest town to Netravati Peak is Dharmashala, 60 km away. Since exploring the peak does not take more than a day, travelling to and fro to the nearby distances doesn't make a huge difference. So here are a few accommodation and eateries options for you to check in a 60 km radius. 

• Accommodation

Netravathi Resort - It's a 4-star rating hotel. 
Hotel Birwa Nelyadi - It's a 4.4-star rating hotel.
Aananda Wellness and Resorts - It's a 4.4-star rating hotel.

• Eateries

Hotel Tiffin Hall - Best for veg food. 
Hotel Fishland - Best for non-veg items. 
Vikram Bar & Restaurant - Best for the dhaba experience. 

Popular Food

The culinary scene around Netravati Peak showcases the rich flavours of Karnataka cuisine. Must-try dishes include:

- Bisi Bele Bath: It is a rice dish cooked with lentils, vegetables, and spices.
- Neer Dosa: Thin, crepe-like pancakes made from rice batter, served with coconut chutney.
- Mangalorean Fish Curry: A spicy and tangy fish curry cooked with coconut milk and traditional spices.

Travel Tips

- Stay hydrated and carry bottled water during outdoor activities.
- Pack light and comfortable clothing suitable for the tropical climate.
- Carry essential items like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially while visiting religious sites or interacting with indigenous communities.

Safety Tips

- Keep valuables secure in crowded tourist areas.
- Stay informed about weather conditions and potential natural hazards.
- Follow designated trekking trails and avoid going into restricted areas.
- In emergencies, contact local authorities or your accommodation provider for assistance.

Travel Expenses

The cost of travelling to Netravati Peak varies depending on factors like transportation, accommodation, dining preferences, and activities. On average, a budget traveller can expect to spend around ₹2,500 to 4,000 a day per head. It's advisable to plan and budget accordingly to make the most of your trip without overspending.

Conclusion

A journey to Netravati Peak gives you an unforgettable experience. From keeping yourself busy with trekking to occasional smiles at unique flora and fauna on your way up to witness the best views of surroundings that make you say, "Woah! I've never seen anything like this before," is just enough for your lifetime to remember what the unpolluted nature looks like.

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