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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.

The trek begins as we drive from Margao to the heart of Goa’s greenery—the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, we camp inside the sanctuary that immerses us in the wild surroundings. The silence of the jungle, interrupted only by birdsong, begins to work its magic as soon as we arrive.

The next day, we begin the main part of our trek in the Goa Netravali Sanctuary. Walking through Netravali is like entering a hidden botanical paradise. The trail is surrounded by dense forests, and a chorus of birdsong accompanies us all the way. 

Later in the day, we go to the pristine Agonda Beach, where we unwind at a basic beachside accommodation. The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the sun setting over the horizon creates an unforgettable experience. It's a tranquil end to a day of exploring Goa’s jungles.

We head toward the famous Cabo de Rama fort on our final day. Our trail takes us along a scenic path that leads to a viewpoint with panoramic views of palm-fringed beaches. The sight is nothing short of spectacular.

We then explore the historic Cabo de Rama Fort, built by Shivaji in 1679. The fort, with its ancient cannons and bastions, tells the story of Goa's rich past. From the fort’s vantage point, we take in the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea before we make our way back to Margao.

This trek is a journey through Goa’s hidden gems—its untouched forests, peaceful villages,  beaches, and fascinating history. It’s not just about reaching a destination, but about experiencing the real essence of Goa. And it’s a trek that will captivate the adventurer in you.

This trek is in official partnership with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). 

This fee includes everything from Netravali to Cabo De Rama

Please note: The insurance has to be claimed within 7 days from the specific incident for it to be deemed valid.  

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.

➤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.

Drive from Madgao KTC Bus Stand to Jakem Village. Reach basecamp.

Drive Distance: 50 km | Drive Duration: 1.5-2.0 hours | Pickup Point for Indiahikes trekkers: Madgao KTC Bus Stand | Pickup Time: 12.00 pm

Transport will be arranged at 12.00 pm.  This cost has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. 

Drive from Basecamp to Verlem village. Trek to Netravali Gate.

Drive Distance: 14 km | Drive Duration: 30-45 minutes 

Drive from Basecamp to Siddha Parvat. Trek to Siddha Parvat End Point.

Drive Distance: 20 km | Drive Duration: 1 hour

This transport cost has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. 

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

On top of the surreal experience of Goa, I learnt a lot too.

It was a surreal experience. I am definitely repeating this trek

An unforgettable adventure indeed

The trek was awesome and an unforgettable experience.

An amazing trek for beginners and those seeking a quick escape from real life.

For those seeking to immerse themselves in the unspoiled natural beauty of Goa, the Goa Netravali Trek is an absolute must.

This trek combined the best of forests Goa has to offer and the beaches Goa is always known for.

Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Drive from Madgao KTC Bus Stand to Jakem Village. Reach basecamp.

Drive Distance: 50 km | Drive Duration: 1.5-2.0 hours | Pickup Point for Indiahikes trekkers: Madgao KTC Bus Stand | Pickup Time: 12.00 pm

Arrive at the Madgaon KTC Bus Stand by 12 pm on your own. We will pick you up at 12 PM and begin our scenic drive to Jakem Village, the base camp for the trek. The 50 km drive will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, with a stop for lunch around 1 PM.

As you travel from the Madgaon to the remote village of Jakem, you'll notice a shift in the landscape. The urban surroundings slowly give way to the lush green countryside.

Upon reaching the base camp by 4 PM, you will get a tour of the area from the trek leaders. The evening is reserved for settling into your tents, a trek briefing, and enjoying a simple dinner together.

Day 2: Drive from Basecamp to Verlem village. Trek to Netravali Gate.

The wake-up call is at 6 am. Enjoy breakfast and prepare for the day’s adventure. At 8 am, we will start for the day and drive 14 km (around 30-45 minutes) to Verlem Village, the starting point of today’s trek.

The trek to Netravali Gate takes you through a variety of landscapes—from bamboo groves to gravel paths. You will spot vibrant butterflies, birds, and perhaps even the occasional langur. 

By around 1:30 PM, you will arrive at Netravali Gate, where you will enjoy a packed lunch. Afterwards, we will drive back to the base camp. If permission is granted, you may visit the Interpretation Center to learn more about the rich biodiversity of Netravali.

By 4 PM, you will return to camp, with the evening free to explore the surroundings. You can visit the nearby Green Land, Pandav Cave, and Ganesh Temple, or take a dip in one of the natural water bodies nearby. Dinner will be served at the camp, and you will spend the night in tents.

Day 3: Drive from Basecamp to Siddha Parvat—Trek to Siddha Parvat End Point.

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.

By 3 PM, we will begin the drive back to Madgaon, arriving at the bus stand by 5 PM. From here, you can catch your return bus or train with plenty of time to spare.

A easy-moderate 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.

But if you extend the trek further on your own, which is not part of the itinerary, then it can be a moderate trek, depending on your itinerary. During our exploration, we did check out the possibility of connecting to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary or more beaches after Neum. For this, you need a lot more fitness. 

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)

The Goa Netravali Forest Trek is rated as 'Easy-Moderate' with 5-6 hours of trekking on both the days. 

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

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)

Knee Cap (Optional), if you are prone to a knee injury

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.

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.

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.

We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a 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. 

To do this trek comfortably, as the Goa Netravali Forest trek comes under easy-moderate category and is a 2-day trek, the fitness requirement is different than our traditional Himalayan treks. 

While we suggest running as the best exercise to get fit for the trek, being able to brisk walk 5 km under 45-50 minutes should be sufficient to do the trek comfortably. Share your fitness screenshot in the WhatsApp group with your experience coordinator once you register for the trek. 

How to achieve this fitness? 

Start with walking at least 4 days a week 

If you cannot brisk walk/jog 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.

Once you’re able to reach 5 km, increase your pace day by day. 

Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 45 mins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Goa Netravali Forest Trek

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