Whispers of the Netravati: Sagar’s Solo Trek Review with Thrillophilia
I had always been a dreamer who found solace in the mountains, where the sky meets the earth and the winds whisper secrets meant only for wanderers.
The monotony of life in Bangalore had begun to feel suffocating, and I longed for an escape. So, on the night of November 1st, 2024, with my backpack slung over my shoulder and a heart filled with curiosity, I set off on a solo journey to conquer Netravati Peak.
The streets of Bangalore shimmered under the streetlights as I stood at the pick-up point, waiting for Thrillophilia’s bus. A mix of excitement and nervousness churned within me. Was this a mistake? Was I ready for this? As soon as the bus arrived, my doubts were drowned in the chatter of fellow trekkers with their faces glowing with excitement. I took a deep breath and stepped in. This was it - an adventure I had no idea what to expect from.
Into the Wild
The overnight journey to Chikmagalur was a blur of half-slept dreams and the hum of the moving bus. By the time we reached Kudremukh National Park in the early hours, the mist clung to the landscape like a veil and added an air of mystery to the surroundings. I stretched my stiff limbs and inhaled the crisp mountain air that was fresh, untamed, and energetic.
After a quick breakfast at the base camp, we were ready to begin the 14-kilometre trek. Our guide and an enthusiastic local gave us a few safety instructions and set the pace. “It is not just about reaching the top,” he said, smiling, “It is about losing yourself in the journey.”
The initial stretch was easy, with a trail winding through thick forests and gently sloping terrain. Birds chirped melodiously, unseen but ever-present, and the faint sound of a distant waterfall echoed through the trees. The golden sunlight filtered through the dense foliage and created graceful patterns on the ground. I felt so, so alive at that moment!
A few hours into the trek, the path steepened. The laughter and easy conversations of the group faded as we focused on every step. The mountain tested us - loose rocks, slippery patches, and unexpected turns made the climb challenging. There were moments I doubted myself, my legs burning, and my breath worn out. But then, I saw the boundless beauty of the Western Ghats around and pushed forward.
Halfway through, we took a break for lunch. Sitting on a rock, I unwrapped my packed meal and gazed at the view before me - rolling green hills stretching endlessly, wrapped in a misty embrace.
Silence.
Pure and undisturbed silence.
At that moment, I realised why I had come here - to disconnect, heal, and simply exist.
Above the Clouds
The final ascent was the hardest. The air grew thinner, and each step felt like an eternity. But as I pushed forward, the landscape transformed. The trees gave way to open grasslands, and suddenly, there it was - the summit.
I stood at the peak, breathless from the exertion and the overwhelming beauty before me. Clouds floated below, shifting like waves in an ocean of white. The sun, now dipping towards the horizon, cast a golden hue over the entire valley. I felt insignificant yet infinite at the same time.
A deep sense of accomplishment settled within me. I had conquered not just the mountain but my fears and my doubts. The wind howled around me as if celebrating my victory. I closed my eyes and let it carry away all the worries I had brought with me.
As a group, we took photos, laughed, and simply absorbed the moment. But for me, the most profound memory was standing alone at the edge, staring into the endless sky, and feeling as though I had found a missing piece of myself.
Under the Starlit Sky
Descending was easier but equally mesmerising. On our way back, we stopped by the Netravati Waterfall. The cool water rushed over rough rocks to create a melody of nature. I dipped my hands in, and the icy touch jolted my senses.
Back at the base camp, a warm dinner awaited us, followed by a bonfire. The night sky stretched above, dotted with a million stars. Sitting by the fire and listening to stories from fellow trekkers, I realised how travel binds strangers in the most beautiful way.
I lay in my tent that night and heard the rhythmic sound of crickets in the background. As sleep claimed me, I knew that this journey had changed something deep within me.
Return to the Ordinary
The next morning arrived with a soft golden glow. After a healthy breakfast, we explored more of the Kudremukh National Park before stopping at the historic Belur Temple. The intricately carved stone pillars told tales of a time long past. It was a perfect end - a blend of nature’s majesty and human craftsmanship.
As we made our way back to Bangalore, I sat by the window and watched the landscapes blur past. I had come here searching for an escape, but I had found something much more crucial: a connection to nature, to people, and most importantly, to myself.
And so, as the city lights came into view, I knew that the mountains would always call me back. Because once you have stood above the clouds, you can never truly return to the ordinary.
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