Starts From
A walk in the park might give you a few moments of peace, but if you really want to break free from the monotony of your everyday life, you need to get away from it all. Bangalore folk often look for weekend getaways, and we at Plan The Unplanned have something pretty picture perfect!
Note:
Permits for Netravati Peak Trek are limited and issued by the forest department via Aranya Vihara.
We recommend booking 15 days in advance to secure your slot.
Our team handles the entire permit process for you.
Last-minute bookings are possible, subject to availability — reach out and we’ll do our best to get you in.
Talk to anyone who has ever gone to the Western Ghats, and they will tell you that some of the most amazing trails lie in this region, and one such trail has to be the Nethravathi Peak. It’s straight out of a postcard! And the homestay? Some of our trekkers swear that it brought back nostalgic memories of Karnataka's serene charm.
Sandwiched between Samse and Belathangady, this 12 km trail sits cocooned in Chikmagalur and offers excellent views and an incredible adventure. As you walk, listening to the serene sound of a stream on its way to becoming a mighty river, you will get to spot local birds and perhaps some elusive animals too.
Break the monotony of your daily routine. As you scale this mountain and descend down with the clouds, you will go back home a changed person for sure!
What makes the Nethravathi Peak trek so unique and special is the fact that the terrain changes every few miles. One minute you are climbing up a rugged hill, and the next you are on grassy flatlands. While you have a river for company, natural streams will provide you with the hydration you need. Here is a sneak peek into all that you will get to experience:
Your journey from Bangalore to Netravati Peak might take just a handful of hours, but we assure you that the experiences and friendships you gain will last you a lifetime! So, come join our tribe and discover brand new worlds, just a few hours from bustling Bangalore.
Starting From : INR 4799/-
per person
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Meals Not Applicable | (No Dinner break)
Private Vehicle | (Non-AC ( Push Back Seats ))
Stay Not Applicable | (Multiple sharing basis separate for men and women Doms / Rooms / Tents)
Details
Your journey to Samse begins at Bengaluru when you are lost in the star-studded sky, with the city lights fading in the background. With excitement in the air, we begin with a few ice-breaking sessions - the best way to get to know your fellow trekkers and unwind from the long weekday stress. As the night lingers on, it’s best to settle down and fall into a short slumber - allowing your bodies and minds to get that much needed rest. Enjoy the calm and relax as we arrive at our start point for an exhilarating adventure ahead.
All Meals
Trek | (Non-AC ( Push Back Seats ))
Homestay
Details
At 5:30am we will be in Samse right as the sky starts to lighten. With a short break and a hearty breakfast, our trek leads will take everyone through a short warm up, and explain to you what the day entails in terms of the trail, what it offers and how to pace yourself.
Soon you will jump into jeeps that will take you through 14 km deep inside the wilderness till the trek base. It is not a ride you expect, you will be standing in the back of the jeep and bumping along rough roads, muddy routes and over mist laden banana, tea and areca plantations. It is a rough and rocky road but also one of those travelling experiences where the destination is as thrilling as the journey itself.
There will be a brief halt at the forest department checkpoint to do materials check and get permits and a plastic check. There is always a chance that you have to pass your bags through the inspection process of forest guards, so choose to pack wisely and carefully. Although you may carry plastic items, do remember to take them back. Cameras and drones permitted but at an extra cost, everything else including local guides and permits are included.
It starts with an adventure or rather something of a challenge; a rocky steep climb that gets the heart pumping. However, only a kilometre down the road, the trail starts to level-off and you will also find yourself inside a dense forest with the sunlight barely able to penetrate the canopy. Your reward? The most beautiful two-level waterfall deep in the wilderness, the kind of sight that makes you stop at your tracks and breathe - taking it all in.
The woods begin to get scantier, and as you go on the path begins to lead out on undulating grassland. It is at this moment of silence that you are going to hear the murmur of a stream near you - this is the Nethravathi River. You may see the water flowing or not see it at all depending on the season but its presence is always felt.
The scenery here will not await: forests dissolve into fields, and hills will make a shy appearance, and disappear. You have already traveled approximately 4 km, and when you believe that you are approaching the peak, mountains begin to play small games: this peak is the false one. As you move up, you get to see yet another higher ridge - nature is teasing you!
Then it does, the actual summit greets you with open skies and valleys that are draped with clouds. It is the theatre of lightness and mist and you are sitting in the front row. During bright days you are even able to see the Kudremukh Peak glistening in the distance, almost 15 km away.
We will stop here and eat our packed lunch and enjoy the views that are almost like taken out of a dream. After everyone has relaxed and ready, you will go back the same route to the base, about 1.5 hours downhill, assuming weather permits.
Jeeps will be waiting at the base to drive you back to the homestay. At 5pm, we will go back to the homestay, muddy boots, hearts still full, and stories to be told. With a good bath, you finally get to relax, having snacks around the bonfire and having cozy chats. The sounds of the forest will remain with you as the night falls and we go to bed after having dinner.
Breakfast
Trek
Stay Not Applicable
Details
Start your day with a relaxed morning—freshen up, soak in the calm surroundings, and enjoy a wholesome breakfast before heading out for a scenic exploration through the Western Ghats. Begin with a visit to Samse Tea Estate, one of the most picturesque tea estates near Chikmagalur. Surrounded by rolling hills and misty landscapes, this British-era plantation is known for its vast green stretches and tranquil vibe, making it a perfect spot for photography and a peaceful nature walk. Continue towards the offbeat Kodige Falls, a hidden waterfall tucked deep within the forests of Karnataka. Unlike crowded tourist spots, Kodige Falls offers a raw and untouched experience, especially during the monsoon season when the waterfall is at its fullest. The lush surroundings and the sound of cascading water make it one of the best offbeat places to visit near Chikmagalur. Pause for a self-sponsored lunch at a local eatery en route. Do note that food options in this region are simple and limited, adding to the authentic travel experience of exploring the Western Ghats. If time permits, visit the iconic Chennakesava Temple in Belur, a 12th-century architectural masterpiece built by the Hoysala Empire. Famous for its intricate carvings and detailed sculptures, this temple is one of the top heritage places to visit near Chikmagalur and a must-see for history and architecture lovers. Wrap up the day by beginning your return journey to Bengaluru. Enjoy the scenic drive through ghat roads and forest stretches, reaching the city by around 10 PM with memories of tea estates, waterfalls, and timeless heritage experiences.
✅ Soft copy of your Aadhaar or Voter ID (mandatory for permits)
✅ Lunch box and reusable cutlery to carry your packed lunch
✅ Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
✅ Extra cash for any meals not covered in your itinerary
✅ A comfortable pair of trekking shoes with good grip
✅ Compact raincoat or backpack cover to stay dry
✅ Power bank and charging cable for your phone
✅ Portable chargers for other electronics
✅ Flip-flops for lazing around the campsite
✅ Torch or headlamp for visibility at night
✅ Extra pairs of clothes to change into
✅ Poly bags to pack your wet clothes
✅ Warm layers and jackets
✅ 2x one litre water bottles
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
| Intimation Period | Cancellation Fee |
| 7 Days or more | 10% of the total invoice value |
| 3-6 days before the trek date | 50% of the total invoice value |
| 0-2 days before the trek date | 100% of the total invoice value |
NOTE:
The following is our cancellation policy in the unlikely event that we have to postpone your trek:
During and After the Trek: In the event of severe weather, taking the trekkers' safety into consideration, a day may be shortened or the trek may be abandoned entirely. There will never be a refund of any kind.
Prior to the trek: Make a plan in the event that a trek is canceled due to a natural disaster (such as a rainstorm, flood, landslide, earthquake, or unanticipated political disturbance, curfews, local riots, government orders, or directives from the forest department). A VOUCHER for the full value of your ticket will be issued by The Unplanned.
The payment gateway fees will be deducted from any refunds that are granted.
If we have to cancel your trek because there aren't enough reservations for that particular batch or we don't have enough participants, PLAN THE UNPLANNED will refund you 96% of the trek money ( Payment Gateway charges shall be deducted )
In order to make this a smooth and enjoyable process for all involved we ask that you read and follow the below guidelines:
Starting From : INR 4799/-
per person
Download PDF
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