Kuduremukha Peak Vs Netravathi Peak - A Debate

Kuduremukha Peak Vs Netravathi Peak  - A  Debate

       I am often asked in the trekking community, as which trek to opt for, between popular Kuduremukha and Netravati for a weekend trek in western ghats. I really find it difficult to answer this cryptic question. It is very hard to choose between the charming locales, I too feel it embarssing, I feel am sandwiched between them.

Here, I have frankly pointed out the pros and cons of the www.Kudremukha.com peak and www.Netravathi.com, but consciously never taken a  firm decision on either of them.

So, eventually, for the first time, I take the freedom to choose one of them as a better trek, my personal choice may come as surprising to many!

Before that let us discuss a few finer aspects, as to why these both are great treks!

Kudremukha - What makes it a great trek?

To me Kudremukha is an apple of the eye, likewise too many fellow trekkers for 3 reasons. The velvet green and undulating landscape. The sheer peak itself resembles the horse's face. Because it's an eco-sensitive, bio-diversity hotspot. and shola forests here are the abode for the origin of major rivers such Bhadra, and Tunga rivers which are the lifeline of Kannadanadu or Karnataka.

Because of its rich biodiversity, floristic diversity, and vegetation it is been declared a National Park. One is really captivated at the sight of semi-evergreen meadows and the forest cover. The canopy walk mesmerizes with gurgling streams, trudging in knee-deep ice-cold water, a small creek next to bamboo thickets, the call of whistling thrush in the bushes, and the never stopping sound of beetles and cicadas. keeps you engaged.

As you surpass and enter the vast grasslands, you witness different shades of green. the impregnable wall of Gomukha and Kudremukha beckons you. The sight of the horse's face removes your tiredness and motivates you to walk. A  herd of deers grazing may be a visual retreat for you. The dung of the Indian gaur on the trails makes you feel you are in the sheer wilderness.

Photo by - arjun haarith

The play of light and shadow with moving clouds makes you feel like heaven. As you climb the ridge, you find a perennial stream at a high altitude to quench your thirst. A stopover before you reach the tip of the tabletop mountain. Such is the beauty of the place, The cool breeze, enchanting view of the valleys, and distance hills make you feel every step is worthwhile!

The Netravathi Peak trek on the other side has four interesting things to make it great.

           As I know and others, netravati was just the name of the river, until summiters explored it in 2018 and brought it to the limelight.as peak too, on the fringes of Kudremukha National Park. The peak though snugly located at 1542m, is shadowed by the Kudremukha range and adjoining Hirimaleguppe and Thirumaleguppa twin peaks.

As one passes the hamlets of Kalasa and Samse, the serpentine roads take one to Coffee and Tea plantations. On an uphill walk up to Eleneer falls, one enters the shola forests. You will be mesmerized to see a chain of hills which makes to fall in love at first sight.

The gushing sound of the waterfall, tumbling down on rocks is an ideal stopover. The pink impatiens flowers growing profusely on rocks is a feat for the eyes. Beware of slippery rocks.! 

The sunlight peeping through thick foliage keeps you warm. An open balcony offers a 360-degree view of the surroundings with scintillating views of the valley and hills as if kissing the sky!. As u hear the gushing sound of water, you will be motivated to reach the river Netravati flowing gently in the shola forest. You can notice the damselflies, hovering around and changing their colors, a butterfly fluttering in tickets and commune with nature. An ideal stopover to take a short break. and watch and admire closely the wonders of nature.

From here as one comes out to a clearing with an uphill climb onto grasslands. The view of stepped hills slows down the walk and admire the landscape. The elephant grass waving to the cool breeze, and pink iris flowers greeting you makes you stop for a selfie with a hill as a backdrop.

As you climb on, peak to peak, your curiosity never ceases to stop you, though you gasp for breath.The whole valley unfolds with towering hills engulfed with veil of mist as far as can you see and its never-ending . From the summit of the peak, the view of Kudremukha peak peeps lonely and comes Face to Face with The Jamalabad Fort, or Gadayikallu overlooking the western horizon, View river Netravati skirting looks like a silver line dotting the landscape. If you are lucky as we were, you can sight a Sleuth of black bears, and Indian Gaur ( locally called Kaati ) grazing in grasslands gracefully only if you maintain absolute silence.!

So which one among the two - Kuduremukha or Netravati do I choose as a Better Trek?

Well, after all, i still feel difficult to decide. But finally, I feel like Netravati Peak!

I finally like to conclude it convincingly. Kudremukha is something like an open theatre with a lot to explore similar to a pandora's box. There is no trekker who has not surmounted it or denied the fact that he has not seen it Face to Face, finally feeling he has fulfilled his dream.

Whereas, netravati peak is like Wikipedia less explored. It has options of weeklong treks options short walks and cascades to explore. It is well suitable for beginners or seasoned trekkers. All fascinating rolling hills, rivulets, streams, rivers, waterfalls, flora, and fauna. What else one can ask for?

Indeed it's a naturalist's paradise!

Well, don't get me wrong both a close to my heart. It is just my opinion, that's it!  

What you can do now?

1. If you are impressed and would like to know about the Kuduremukha trek you can visit this page.
2. If you would like to know about Netravathi Peak and know what trekkers say visit this page.
3. If you are inspired and want to do NETRAVATHI PEAK TREK or KUDUREMUKHA TREK to join us in explorations or want to work with us and lead interested to exotic locales. Do click this to join our team.
4. If you are willing to hike up, dont hesitate to contact us @ 9740360365
5. Readers and those who have already been on these trails please comment.about your expereinces and rare sighting
6. My sincere request to everyone planning.to visit to be a responsible trekker.