The Nethravathi trek is managed through the Aranya Vihara portal, and getting a slot can be challenging, especially during weekends. This time, we decided to check weekday slots—and luckily, we found availability! 😍
Without wasting any time, we started planning the rest of the trip.
For our stay, Gani found a beautiful homestay close to the Nethravathi base camp.
🏡 Mavina Kombe Homestay
📍 Samse Village, Kalasa, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka
📞 7676850171 / 9380525143
🚗 Bengaluru to Kalasa – A Scenic Monsoon Drive
We started from Bengaluru on Thursday night and reached the homestay around 6:00 AM.
It was raining heavily, and Google Maps wasn’t exactly our best friend that morning! 😂 After a few U-turns and some left-right-left confusion, we finally reached the homestay.
But honestly, the journey itself was worth it. 🌧️💚
The heavy rains over the previous few days had brought the Western Ghats to life. Streams were flowing at full speed, and we spotted a couple of beautiful waterfalls along the roadside. Every turn offered a new monsoon view.
🏡 A Homestay That Felt Like Home
One small challenge is that TTs and larger vehicles need to be parked around 100 metres away from the homestay, followed by a short walk.
But the moment we reached the property, all the tiredness disappeared.
An old traditional house, beautiful surroundings, and a Tulasi Katte opposite the house welcomed us. 🌿🏡 The very first interaction with the hosts felt warm and homely.
We chose the tent stay, and the washrooms were clean and well maintained.
After freshening up, we were treated to delicious Malnad-style local food. 😋
🥾 Time for the Nethravathi Trek!
After a hearty breakfast, we packed our lunch and got ready for the main adventure—the Nethravathi Trek.
The homestay team helped arrange a Jeep ride to the trek base camp, making the journey much easier.
The trek itself was everything we expected from a monsoon adventure—lush greenery, misty surroundings, wet trails, and the raw beauty of the Western Ghats. 🌿⛰️🌧️
After years of waiting, finally standing there felt incredibly satisfying!
🌙 Food, Nature & a Peaceful Night
After returning from the trek, we were welcomed with another delicious meal. 🍛
With tired legs and happy faces, we simply relaxed and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. No city noise, no traffic—just nature, rain, and the sound of the Western Ghats. ❤️
🐦 A Beautiful Morning
The next morning brought another pleasant surprise. We got an opportunity to spot some beautiful birds around the homestay. 🐦🌿
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo:
A beautiful black bird known for its long, racket-shaped tail. It is active and playful, often seen flying between the trees.
Lesser Yellownape:
A small greenish bird with a bright yellow patch on the back of its neck. It loves staying around forest trees and can be quite quick to spot.
Asian Fairy-bluebird:
A stunning bird with bright blue feathers and a beautiful dark head. Seeing this colourful bird in the green forest was a special moment.
Rufous Babbler:
A friendly-looking forest bird usually seen moving around in small groups. Its soft brown colour helps it blend beautifully into the forest surroundings. 🌿
After spending some time capturing photographs, we packed up and headed towards our next destination—Varahi Backwaters.
And just like that, our monsoon adventure continued! 🚗💚
💚 Final Thoughts
The Nethravathi Trek had been on our bucket list for years, and finally completing it during the monsoon made it even more special. From the beautiful drive to the warm homestay, delicious Malnad food, misty mountains, and the trek itself—this was a perfect escape into nature.
If you love trekking, monsoon rides, mountains and peaceful homestays, Mavina Kombe Homestay should definitely be on your list. 🌧️🥾🌿