The story of the origin of the Netravathi River is intricately tied to the Netravathi Peak, an
unexplored and underrated gem that has recently started gaining attention for its natural wonders.
Situated in the same region as the Kudremukha mountain ranges, the Netravathi Peak promises a
trekking experience that is both enchanting and relatively easy.
Our journey began with a night ride on the Airavata KSRTC bus from Bangalore to Kalasa. As we
reached Kalasa in the early morning, we eagerly prepared ourselves for the adventure ahead. Kalasa
served as our starting point, and from there, we sought a mode of transport to reach Samse, the
gateway to our off-road jeep adventure towards the base of the trek.
After a brief attempt at hitchhiking, we eventually found an auto that took us to the jeep
pickup point. There, we hired a Bolero 4x4 to accommodate our group of four, and the cost amounted
to 1600 rupees. Our off-road journey began with a few initial bumps, but as we ventured deeper
into the terrain, the ride grew progressively more rugged.
The pickup truck had an open back, and we stood at the rear, fully exposed to the elements. The
morning was shrouded in fog, with the melodious chirping of birds echoing all around us. The
off-road journey was uncomfortable but thrilling, especially with a light drizzle keeping us on
our toes. We gripped the truck's rods tightly, holding on for dear life.
Half an hour into the ride, we reached a forest checkpoint, where we had to present our
registration details, ID proofs, and complete some forms. Security measures had been heightened
following a recent incident involving a heart attack at the summit. As a result, access to the
peak was restricted to only 300 visitors at a time.
Before setting off on our trek, we packed some lemon rice from a nearby resort and began our
ascent around 9:30 am. Given our previous experiences in the Kudremukha range, we were prepared
for leeches, but surprisingly, there were very few this time.
The trail was moderate, comprising grasslands and occasional rocky terrain. Along the way, we
refilled our water bottles from a freshwater stream and captured videos and photos as we trekked.
The landscape unfolded before us, with green rolling mountains and rich flora spreading the beauty
of the surroundings.
As we continued our hike, the sun emerged, clearing the clouds and revealing the breathtaking
views. The sight of the mountains with their lush vegetation was simply amazing. We encountered a
sizable stream that needed to be crossed, providing a convenient resting point for many trekkers.
After capturing some moments and refilling our water bottles, we resumed our journey.
The final stretch of the trek consisted of a long incline, which, once conquered, marked the
beginning of the summit. From there, we could spot people at the peak, motivating us to move
forward quickly. However, we decided to take it slow and savor the experience.
Step by step, we made our way to the top, engaging in conversations and laughter along the way. It
turned out to be a remarkably easy trek, and within just an hour, we had covered nearly 70% of the
journey. We decided to pace ourselves and reached the summit effortlessly.
At the summit, we were greeted by a majestic sight—the clouds gathered in a spectacular assembly
over the rolling mountains, creating a mesmerizing view. It was truly worth every step of the
6-kilometer hike. The clouds seemed to respect a boundary set by nature, never crossing it.
As is our routine during treks, we enjoyed a packed lunch at the summit, despite the rain. We wore
our raincoats, waiting for the shower to pass before beginning our descent.
Upon reaching the forest office, we eagerly awaited our Bolero ride back. What followed was an
exhilarating off-road experience. At one point, we encountered a waterlogged, clay-soiled section
where vehicles were struggling with traction. Even a sturdy vehicle like the Thar CRDe was having
a tough time, with its wheels spinning in the muddy clay. Eventually, with some tire smoke
generated by the friction, the vehicles managed to regain traction and navigate the challenging
terrain.
Our Bolero, on the other hand, breezed through the tough spot, leaving other people amazed and
surprised. It was a triumphant feeling to conquer that challenging phase, and we celebrated the
feat with great enthusiasm. After our trek and off-road adventure, we decided to explore the
nearby Yelneeru Falls. A short 850-meter walk led us to the falls, which felt more like a private
paradise. With only the four of us in attendance, we reveled in the cold, safe waters. The
waterfall's gentle yet forceful flow brought tranquility to my soul. I found myself sitting
beneath it in a meditative position, experiencing a profound sense of peace and mental clarity.
Our time at the falls was pure bliss, and I couldn't help but think that the 50 rupees we spent
for the experience was the best investment we could have made. After playing and capturing more
memories, we returned to the caretaker's house, changed, and packed our bags.
To conclude our adventure-packed day, we enjoyed a hot cup of tea from the nearby tea estate. It
felt like destiny had planned every detail perfectly, ensuring that our trip exceeded our
expectations.
Our journey continued as we took a direct auto to the Hornadu temple, but not before making a
brief stop at the famous Ganesha temple located amidst the tea estate. Its unique location and the
fact that it had been featured in a film added to its charm.
In Hornadu, I was determined not to miss the prasada (blessed food offering) this time, unlike my
previous visit during the Kudremukha trek. It felt like a fitting end to a journey filled with
unforgettable experiences and meaningful accomplishments.
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