Goa Netravali Forest Trek
The Real Taste of Goa
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TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy
TREK DURATION
3 days
AGE LIMIT
8 to 62 years
PICK UP POINT
Margao
The Real Taste of Goa
When one utters the word "Goa," the mind invariably conjures images of sun-kissed beaches or, for the more discerning, the forts that stand guard along the coastline. Yet, in Goa, there is a network of stunningly beautiful treks that show us the real beauty of the state.
These treks take you to parts of Goa that only a few know about. Lush jungles, secluded villages, and ancient ruins are hidden in these areas.
At Indiahikes, we love these treks. One of our favourites is the Goa Netravali Forest Trek. It combines the best of the beaches and the jungles, revealing a side of Goa that few have experienced.
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Goa Netravali Forest Trek - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on any trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a surface level experience.
Use this section to learn about the Goa Netravali Forest Trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into putting down this content for you. Don’t miss the ‘Frequently Asked Questions' section.
Day 1
Drive from Madgao KTC Bus Stand to Jakem Village. Reach basecamp.
Drive Distance: 50 km | Duration: 1.5 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: next to Margao Bus Terminal, Goa.
We will pick you up at 12 PM from the Margao Bus Terminal. Have lunch on the way and reach Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary before evening.
Note: Transport will be arranged at 12.00 pm. This cost has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver.
Day 2
Drive from Basecamp to Siddha Parvat. Trek to Siddha Parvat End Point and drive back to base
Trek Distance: 4.5 km | Trek Duration: 4.5 hrs Drive Distance: 20 kms | Drive Duration: 1 hour
Start your day early from NWLS basecamp. You travel for 20 km in your vehicle till you arrive at the starting point of the Siddha Parvat. This hill is one of the tallest in the state, standing at 1392 ft.
After the trek, you drive back to NWLS campus.
Day 3
Trek to Savri waterfalls through Netravali Sanctuary. Drive back to Margao
Trek Distance: 9.8 km | Trek Duration: 6-6.5 hours | Drive Distance: 30 kms | Drive Duration: 1 hour
Start your trek from Netravali Sanctuary to Savri waterfalls. You will walk along the forest trails and go to Savri waterfalls.
You will come back to Netravali forest gate and drive back to Margao.
Note:
- We will arrange a vehicle for trekkers to pick you up from Margao Bus Terminal and drop you back at the same location. This will also include the travel to the beachside hotel on Day 2 and the return to Margao on Day 3. The total cost of the vehicle is 24,000rs for the entire duration. Expect to pay a total of around Rs 1,000–1,200 for the vehicle per trekker for the entire trek.
- We recommend you book any train or flight only after 7 pm. It is best to keep a buffer of at least 3 hours.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a photocopy of their photo ID along with the mandatory Disclaimer form.
➤Stay facility: Please note that you will be staying in tents on the first day and a hotel on the 2nd. Trekkers need to make their arrangements for a stay in Goa on Day 0 or after the trek.
Day 1
Drive from Madgao KTC Bus Stand to Jakem Village. Reach basecamp.
Drive Distance: 50 km | Duration: 1.5 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: next to Margao Bus Terminal, Goa.
We will pick you up at 12 PM from the Margao Bus Terminal. Have lunch on the way and reach Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary before evening.
Note: Transport will be arranged at 12.00 pm. This cost has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver.
Day 2
Drive from Basecamp to Siddha Parvat. Trek to Siddha Parvat End Point and drive back to base
Trek Distance: 4.5 km | Trek Duration: 4.5 hrs Drive Distance: 20 kms | Drive Duration: 1 hour
Start your day early from NWLS basecamp. You travel for 20 km in your vehicle till you arrive at the starting point of the Siddha Parvat. This hill is one of the tallest in the state, standing at 1392 ft.
After the trek, you drive back to NWLS campus.
Day 3
Trek to Savri waterfalls through Netravali Sanctuary. Drive back to Margao
Trek Distance: 9.8 km | Trek Duration: 6-6.5 hours | Drive Distance: 30 kms | Drive Duration: 1 hour
Start your trek from Netravali Sanctuary to Savri waterfalls. You will walk along the forest trails and go to Savri waterfalls.
You will come back to Netravali forest gate and drive back to Margao.
Note:
- We will arrange a vehicle for trekkers to pick you up from Margao Bus Terminal and drop you back at the same location. This will also include the travel to the beachside hotel on Day 2 and the return to Margao on Day 3. The total cost of the vehicle is 24,000rs for the entire duration. Expect to pay a total of around Rs 1,000–1,200 for the vehicle per trekker for the entire trek.
- We recommend you book any train or flight only after 7 pm. It is best to keep a buffer of at least 3 hours.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a photocopy of their photo ID along with the mandatory Disclaimer form.
➤Stay facility: Please note that you will be staying in tents on the first day and a hotel on the 2nd. Trekkers need to make their arrangements for a stay in Goa on Day 0 or after the trek.
Day 1: Drive from Madgaon to Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Camping in tents
Drive distance: 50 km | Duration: 1.5 hours
Arrive at the Madgaon Bus Terminal on your own. The first day is kept for the drive from Madgaon to Netravali sanctuary. We will pick you up at 12 PM from the Margao Bus Terminal. Have lunch on the way and reach Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary before evening.
This is a scenic one that takes you through some of the most interior villages in Goa. As you exit the highway, you next enter the quaint roads and lanes filled with amusement for travellers.
Keep an eye out during this travel. It is an interesting journey. Amid the farmlands and the flora growing around, you have brightly coloured houses peeking, old and new. Notice the common trees of areca nut, coconut, cashew nut, papayas, banana plantations, chikoos, and mango trees adding to the charm.
Driving through these remote corners of Goa is an experience that most travellers miss out on.
When you reach Sanvordem village, you are now closing down on reaching the Wildlife Sanctuary. You cross the check-post and drive further into the sanctuary.
Arrive at the Madgaon Bus Terminal on your own. The first day is kept for the drive from Madgaon to Netravali sanctuary. We will pick you up at 12 PM from the Margao Bus Terminal. Have lunch on the way and reach Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary before evening.
This is a scenic one that takes you through some of the most interior villages in Goa. As you exit the highway, you next enter the quaint roads and lanes filled with amusement for travellers.
Keep an eye out during this travel. It is an interesting journey. Amid the farmlands and the flora growing around, you have brightly coloured houses peeking, old and new. Notice the common trees of areca nut, coconut, cashew nut, papayas, banana plantations, chikoos, and mango trees adding to the charm.
Driving through these remote corners of Goa is an experience that most travellers miss out on.
When you reach Sanvordem village, you are now closing down on reaching the Wildlife Sanctuary. You cross the check-post and drive further into the sanctuary.
Day 2: Drive from Basecamp to Siddha Parvat—Trek to Siddha Parvat End Point and back to base
Trek distance: 4.5 km | Trek Duration: 4.5 hours | Drive Distance: 20 km | Drive Duration: 1 hr
Trek gradient: Moderate. Trek through the forest section through Tudau village until you reach a junction. Climb back to the junction and gradually descend towards the forest checkpost.
At 8 am, we will start the trek and drive 20 km (around 1 hour) to the starting point of the Siddha Parvat trek.
The trail begins with a gradual ascent, leading you through grasslands that are golden brown during the dry season and lush green after the monsoon. After walking for about 600 meters, you will come across a cashew plantation. As you continue further, the trail leads to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and its surroundings.
You will reach the summit by around 1 PM. Here, you will take a break to enjoy the panoramic views of the region. Afterwards, if you wish, you will trek down to the Salolium Dam, which is 10 km away (a 30-minute drive). The view from the dam is serene, and it offers a peaceful end to the trek.
Drive back to the basecamp and retire for the night.
At 8 am, we will start the trek and drive 20 km (around 1 hour) to the starting point of the Siddha Parvat trek.
The trail begins with a gradual ascent, leading you through grasslands that are golden brown during the dry season and lush green after the monsoon. After walking for about 600 meters, you will come across a cashew plantation. As you continue further, the trail leads to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and its surroundings.
You will reach the summit by around 1 PM. Here, you will take a break to enjoy the panoramic views of the region. Afterwards, if you wish, you will trek down to the Salolium Dam, which is 10 km away (a 30-minute drive). The view from the dam is serene, and it offers a peaceful end to the trek.
Drive back to the basecamp and retire for the night.
Day 3: Trek to Savri Waterfall and back to Netravali gate. Drive back to Margao
Trek distance: 9.8 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Drive Distance to Margoa: 30 km | Duration: 1 hour
Trek gradient: Easy-Moderate. Walk under the cold canopy of the forest and take a dip in the Savri waterfall.
Tudau village, stream in the middle and waterfall
You will reach the gate of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary by 7.30 am. From the gate, you start walking towards Savri waterfalls.
As you start the trek in the early morning, the forest comes alive with butterflies fluttering and birds chirping. Big cobwebs hang down, home to signature spiders and funnel web spiders. Sunlight dances on the forest floor, creating a magical, playful atmosphere.
As you walk, you’ll notice the forest changing. It starts with deciduous trees and slowly gives way to bamboo groves, with gravel paths under your feet. Be careful where you put your bag down—there are many active ant colonies in the forest, and they’re easy to miss!
After spending time at the waterfall, you will head back and reach the Netravali Sanctuary gate by 2:00 pm. You will have your packed lunch here.
Drive back to Margao from the base. It will take you 1 hour to reach the bus depot. Keep some buffer time and plan your train/ bus back only after 7 pm.
You will reach the gate of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary by 7.30 am. From the gate, you start walking towards Savri waterfalls.
As you start the trek in the early morning, the forest comes alive with butterflies fluttering and birds chirping. Big cobwebs hang down, home to signature spiders and funnel web spiders. Sunlight dances on the forest floor, creating a magical, playful atmosphere.
As you walk, you’ll notice the forest changing. It starts with deciduous trees and slowly gives way to bamboo groves, with gravel paths under your feet. Be careful where you put your bag down—there are many active ant colonies in the forest, and they’re easy to miss!
After spending time at the waterfall, you will head back and reach the Netravali Sanctuary gate by 2:00 pm. You will have your packed lunch here.
Drive back to Margao from the base. It will take you 1 hour to reach the bus depot. Keep some buffer time and plan your train/ bus back only after 7 pm.
Easy
The Goa Netravali Forest Trek is rated as 'Easy' with 5-6 hours of trekking on both the days.
Here, we rate Goa Netravali Forest Trek as a ‘easy’ trek. It demands stronger legs to cover long distance and ideal judgment on footings for tricky descents.
There is no fitness approval process for this trek but, it is recommended to follow the given fitness regime.
1. Install any free running app like Strava or Nike on your phone.
2. Go for a 5 km walk and cover it in less than 50 mins.
Note: If you are a cyclist then you should be able to cycle for 18-20 kms in 2 hours.
3. Jumping jacks, squats and stair climbing along with stretching will help you prepare well.
A easy rating difficulty refers to marginally longer trekking days with a few steep climbs (For example: Descending down and up the Mainapi Waterfalls or the trek towards the cliff point). Sections like this make being fit essential for this trek.
Goa, being in the torrid zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. So the heat can also add on to the difficulty while trekking.
The trek has easy exits and there are less technical sections.
Also, be careful during the steep ascent and descent during the rainy season. Wearing good-quality trekking shoes with a great grip really helps here. (For details read: How To Choose The Best Trekking Shoes In India)
Medical emergencies can strike on any trek. The key to dealing with them lies in knowing your exit points. Know how to get out and reach the nearest hospital quickly.
On the Goa Netravali Forest Trek, your best bet is to exit towards Margao for any emergencies where major hospitals are available.
In case of a medical emergency, the closest hospital to Netravali on Day 1 is Canacona. This is about 45 minutes away. If you need serious medical attention, you will get better facilities at Margao.
For Day 2, from Cabo De Rama, you can head to Margao again, which is about an hour away. This is where, if you need serious medical attention, you will get better facilities
The best time to do the Goa Netravali Forest Trek is from September to March. These months are worth it if you are going for the trek.
Post-monsoon, the greenery is still the forest and the region of South Goa. The weather is pleasant and cool until January and February. You can expect temperatures to go up to 27 degrees during the afternoon.
Having said that, even the other months of the year can be trekked. Goa, being in the torrid zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. There aren't too many variations, and it never gets unbearably hot, thanks to the ocean breeze.
The monsoon months will have very lush greenery all around—in the forests, farmlands, and the entire region of Goa. However, the rain can be uncomfortable for a few. But if you are into a monsoon trek, then even these months can be considered for this trek.
During the summer season, the crowd will be smaller. If you tackle the heat, then you will be treated to some of the most clearest skies. The temperatures can go up to 35 degrees during the peak of the day. However, the good news is since your first day is through the forest section, you have shade throughout the day. The second day will be exposed and challenging for trekkers.
Day time temperature: Between 20° C and 27° C | Night time temperature: Between 18° C and 24° C
A Quick Guide to Plan Your Travel
It is great to see you going on the Goa Netravali Forest Trek, one of the most beautiful treks in India. While it is a great trek to do, you need to get your travel plan worked out perfectly.
Indiahikes pick-up is arranged from Margao Bus Terminal at 12 pm. So, if you are choosing our pick-up, then you will have to reach Margao on your own.
If you miss our Indiahikes pickup or are planning to come on your own, then you have two options.
- Drive in your vehicle or take a taxi to reach the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (NWLS Campus) on your own
- Taking a public bus from Margao to Sanvordem first and then taking another bus from Sanvordem to Netravali.
Note: The buses plying between both places are not very frequent enough. You can expect buses from Margao to Sanvordem every one hour. The first bus starts at 6.15 am and the last bus leaves at 7.30 pm. These buses usually travel when the bus reaches a certain capacity.
And the frequency for the second leg, the bus from Sanvordem to Netravali, is even less. The last bus usually leaves at 6 pm towards Netravali or one to Verlem
Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Goa Netravali Forest trek:
If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.
Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card, medical certificate, and disclaimer certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.
Essentials:
Trekking Shoes:
The Goa Netravali Forest Trek requires trekking shoes that are sturdy, have good grip, have ankle support. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.
| Buying Tip: The Trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There really isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.
And learn the difference between a trekking shoe and a sports shoe here.
Backpack:
For a trek like Goa Netravali Forest Trek, you need a 30-40 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support, and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.
| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from.
Clothes
On a trek, carry fewer clothes than you would normally need. Do not pack for ‘what if situations’. That will only add to the weight of your backpack and not be used on the trek. Once your clothes get warmed up on a trek, you will not feel like changing. Just maintain personal hygiene.
- One layer of warm cloth: Carry one fleece sweater/jacket. The evening at Netravali Forest or while camping at the beach can get chilly.
- Two trek pants: Carry light quick dry trek pants. One trek pant while trekking and an another pant inside the backpack. Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking.
- Three t-shirts: You will wear one t-shirt while trekking and the rest two t-shirt inside your backpack. Carry light, full-sleeved t-shirts that prevent sunburns on the neck and arms. Let one of these be a dry-fit t-shirt. It will dry quickly in case you are trekking on a rainy day.
Crocs/Sandals/Aquashoes
You need a pair of either sandals or floaters with straps, or even Crocs will be good. You can use an existing one itself. These will be helpful around the campsites and also when you are walking on the beach or travelling in between.
Alternatively, you can even think of getting the Aquashoes from Decathlon, which are very light and easy to carry. Trekkers have found this good during treks where you walk on the beach or have some stream crossings.
Accessories:
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses are mandatory. This is to protect you from the harsh sun.
- Sun Cap: In the jungles, even though there is heavy tree cover, the harsh sun can dehydrate you very quickly. A sun cap comes in handy to prevent the moisture to escape when you are sweating.
- Socks (4 pairs): Your normal cotton/ sport socks are good, but make sure they are all high ankle socks
- Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory + extra Batteries.
- Trekking pole: Watch this video to understand why you need a trekking pole.
- Ponchos: In a jungle, unexpected rain is possible at any time, and hence it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that you don’t get wet.
- Umbrella: To protect yourself from the sun
Others
- Toiletries: Sunscreen, light towel, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer. Do not carry wet wipes since these are not biodegradable. We do not like biodegradable wet wipes because they take a long time to decompose in the mountains. Use toilet paper instead.
- Sanitary waste: Make sure you bring your used sanitary napkins back to the city with you. Carry a zip lock bag to put used napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose of sanitary napkins in the mountains.
- Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their cutlery for hygiene reasons. We do not allow biodegradable or disposable cutlery on our treks.
- Two water bottles: 1 litre each.
- Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.
- Odomos or any other insect repellant
Note: We strongly recommend not carrying trolley bags. Our campsite is not very close to the roadhead, and it becomes a hustle to carry trolley bags. A duffle bag or backpack is recommended.
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. ID cards of either Aadhar card or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- A Medical Certificate (mandatory for trekkers aged 58 and above). You must submit a medical certificate signed by an MBBS doctor, certifying your fitness and health for the trek. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be clearly outlined in this document. Trekkers under the age of 58 do not need this certificate. – Download medical certificate
- Personal Medical Record (mandatory for trekkers under 58): All trekkers are required to complete this document and submit it to the trek leader at the base camp - Download Personal Medical Record form
Please carry the above documents with you. The documents need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed, and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp. Please print these back-to-back on two sheets. Do not print separately and help in reducing paper usage.
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Crocin (Paracetamol) – 6 tablets (fever)
- Norflox TZ – 3 tablets (diarrhoea/ severe GI issue)
- Band-Aid – 4 strips
- ORS – 4 packets
- Volini Spray - aches, & sprains
- Knee Cap (Optional), if you are prone to a knee injury
- Anti Fungal Powder
- Odomos or any other insect repellent
Our trek leaders carry a medical kit with them. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
We recommend brisk walk as the best routine to get fit for this trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Recommended Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to walk 5 km in under 50 minutes. This is the minimum recommended fitness level that you should be aiming for.
Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, your core, and your lower body. To reach this fitness, there are just two things to work on - your cardiovascular endurance and your muscle strength. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe.
Follow this simple schedule and you will be trek-fit:
Weeks 1 - 4:
- Walking
- Week 1: Keep the distance of your walk to just 2 km
- Week 2: Keep the distance of your walk to just 3 km
- Week 3: Keep the distance of your walk to just 4 km
- Week 4: Keep the distance of your walk to 5 km
- Stair Climbing: When you climb stairs, target for at least 10 floors (20 stairs per floor), and repeat it for 2 sets.
- Stretching: Keep stretching every day. This video will help you with stretching:
Take your rest days seriously and rest. Your body recovers quickly when you rest.
Strength training tips:
Weeks 5 - 8:
- Once you can comfortably walk 5 km, the following weeks are focused on building speed.
- Everyday, walk 5 km with an intention to finish within 50-60 minutes. Do not worry if you are not there yet. You will get there by the end of Week 8.
- Once a week, go for 10 km walk at a stretch. This will help build your endurance. Do not worry about the time you take to cover this distance.
- Continue with stair climbing and stretching.
Important Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.
Three things happen when you are not fit:
- You do not enjoy the trek
- You struggle to be a part of the team
- You miss out on a deep transformative experience that trekking can offer
The good part is, it’s not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 45-60 days before the trek begins.
We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience :)
The Goa Netravali Forest Trek is close to 12-13 km long. This is spread over two days.
The trail mostly follows the section of forests and village trail on the first day. On the second day, it is mostly exposed in the open grasslands, taking you to the cliff point.
The Goa Netravali Forest Trek goes through the trails of South Goa.
It starts in the heart of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and then takes you around the region of Cabo De Rama.
This trek has been brought out with the collaboration of the Tourism and Forest Department. So unless you get permits to do this trek, you will not be allowed to trek in the sanctuary.
You can approach the concerned departments and authorities to get permits for this trek.
The temperatures during the trek will be pleasant. The maximum temperature during the day can go up to 27 degrees around the cities of Margao or Cabo De Rama. In the forest section of Netravali, it would be even 2-3 degrees cooler.
You will be trekking in one T-shirt and one pair of trekking pants. Since you are trekking on the coast, unexpected rains can happen. So you need to come prepared for occasional rain with either an umbrella or poncho.
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary has Indian bison, also known as guars. Apart from these, you do not have any other wild animals.
The sanctuary, however, has a variety of other smaller mammals, many species of birds, insects, spiders, and other living forms to keep you excited and entertained while spotting.
You will not get mobile connectivity as you approach Netravali. So the evening of Day 1 and until you finish the first leg of the trek, you don't have good network. After Day 2 evening and when you are driving back from Netravali to Cabo De Rama, you start getting connectivity.
Better to make sure you finish all your important telephone calls before starting your travel to the basecamp. Inform family members about poor connectivity during the trek, especially on Day 1 and until evening of Day 2.
As for electricity, you won’t have access to electricity or charging points anywhere during the trek duration. You need to bring your power banks to recharge your electronic equipment.
Yes, this trek is good for those who are over 7 years old. There is no limit, as such, for the larger age bracket. If you are fit and have a good active lifestyle, then this is a good trek to go for.
We will have our Bio-toilet system in place. If you are familiar with Indiahikes, you know how it would look like. Otherwise, you can go through the article which explains how it works - https://indiahikes.com/blog/deep-pits-vs-shallow-pits-toilets-himalayan-treks
No, The Goa Tourism Department have restricted camping on the beach because of safety and environmental concerns; hence, you will be staying at a basic beachside accomodation on Day 02.
All meals, from dinner at Netravali on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3 are included. We provide simple, nutritious vegetarian food on all days of the trek.
Yes.
We will arrange a vehicle for trekkers to pick you up from Margao Bus Terminal and drop you back at the same location. This will also include the travel from Verlem to Cabo De Rama on Day 2 and return to Margao on Day 3.
The total cost of the vehicle is 24,000rs for the entire duration. This will be divided amongst all the trekkers who are taking the vehicle, individually.
No, you do not need fitness approval to do the Goa Netravali Forest trek.
Expert Speak
Suhas Saya
Head, DIY Team
Suhas Saya
Head, DIY Team
Suhas is the head of the DIY and Documentation Team. He has been working at Indiahikes for the past 8 years. Nature, adventure, and wildlife are the top things that get his heart racing. He has done more than 14 Himalayan treks. Along with that, he has done explorations in the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and around Bengaluru. And it was he who explored the grand Phulara Ridge trek. Suhas was also involved in the exploration of other treks like Ranthank Kharak, Pir Panjal Lakes, Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek and the Goa Netravali Forest Trek.
Highlights of the Goa Netravali Forest Trek
Suhas Saya
Head, DIY Team
Suhas is the head of the DIY and Documentation Team. He has been working at Indiahikes for the past 8 years. Nature, adventure, and wildlife are the top things that get his heart racing. He has done more than 14 Himalayan treks. Along with that, he has done explorations in the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and around Bengaluru. And it was he who explored the grand Phulara Ridge trek. Suhas was also involved in the exploration of other treks like Ranthank Kharak, Pir Panjal Lakes, Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek and the Goa Netravali Forest Trek.
1. The Forest Walk in the Heart of Netravali Sanctuary
One of the big highlights of this trek is the opportunity to walk through the heart of the Netravali Sanctuary. On the eastern side, it is bounded by Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, and on the northern side, by Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary.
The first day involves a stay in the Netravali Sanctuary. You are woken up by the melodious dawn chorus of birds living in the forest. As the sun rises and the rays of light pass through the trees, you are transported to a scene from a movie.
Hidden inside the sanctuary, you visit the Mainapi waterfalls. The charming waterfalls and the experience of witnessing this, will take you to a world that you wouldn’t have thought of when starting in the forest.
The trek also takes you through some of the most quaint villages, Tudou and Verlem, which are nestled in this southern part of Goa. Here, you get to trek and travel to the remotest hamlets, where the basics are enough for people to survive.
Trekking in the forests of Netravali. Picture by Suhas Saya
2. The Stunning View from Cabo De Rama Top
What stands out as another big highlight of this trek is the view that you see from the top of the Cabo De Rama cliff point. It almost makes you question if you are truly in India and getting to see something like this!
The trek takes you through a nice mud trail. It has sections of grassland, a rocky plateau, and then a cliff with the ocean spread across the horizon. This is definitely a sight to witness!
The splash and contrast in the hues of blue, green, and brown is an experience worth going for.
View from Cabo De Rama Top. Picture by Nithyam Nachappa
Trekker Stories and Experiences with Indiahikes
Mahesh P
Goa Netravali 24th Feb 24
Rekha Shah
Goa Netravali 8th March 24
Pavan Kumar Rao
Goa Netravali 8th March 24
Sreeshyla HS
Goa Netravali 1st March 24
Vinuta Malleshappa
Goa Netravali 24th Feb 24
Arpit Sharma
Goa Netravali 24th Feb 24
Pavan Kumar Rao
Goa Netravali 8th March 24
Mahesh P
Goa Netravali 24th Feb 24
Rekha Shah
Goa Netravali 8th March 24
Pavan Kumar Rao
Goa Netravali 8th March 24
Sreeshyla HS
Goa Netravali 1st March 24
5 Reasons Why Indiahikes
We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.
We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.
More than 30,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.
We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.
For us, sustainability is not just writing on the wall. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.
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