Goa Netravali Forest Trek
The Real Taste of Goa
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy-Moderate
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, a network of stunningly beautiful treks shows us the real beauty of Goa.
They take you to parts of Goa that only some know about. In these parts, there are jungles, secluded villages, and ancient ruins.
At Indiahikes, we love these treks. One of them is the new Goa Netravali Forest Trek. It combines the best of the beaches and the jungles and shows us the Goa few know about.
Imagine us camping on a beach, the sound of waves near tents, and a sunset casting a romantic glow.
This trek is in official partnership with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).
The following day, our trail takes us to an extraordinary sight of the palm-lined shoreline and the azure ocean from the Cabo de Rama hilltop.
The trek, though, starts in the more interior part of the state, at the lush green Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
Walking through this green sanctuary is like entering a botanical wonderland where flora and fauna coexist. There is an infinite variety of birdsong and forest sounds. They stay with us all along the trek.
The forest trek is a visual delight. For example, on the way, we rest beside a cascading waterfall, the waters of which form a clear pool. Not too deep, but enough to allow us to dip our feet to our knees in a cool embrace.
Later, we pass through secluded villages where modernity hasn’t had much of an impact. This is the real Goa. We witness their culture and heritage closely.
In the evening, we get to our camp on the Cabo de Rama beach—a secluded small bay surrounded by palm fronds. We watch the sun go down and take a dip in the water without any tourist crowds.
The next day, before returning to Margao, once we finish our trek, we soak in the mediaeval fort of Cabo de Rama that Shivaji built in 1679. The cannons and the bastions are still in place. From the vantage point of the fort, the Arabian Sea's boundless blue waters stare at us.
The true essence of Goa is woven into this beautiful trek of beaches, forts, forests, villages, and history. It is a trek that will delight the trekker in you.
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, a network of stunningly beautiful treks shows us the real beauty of Goa.
Photo Gallery
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 Margao to Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (NWLS Campus). Stay at the Forest guesthouse/Camping in tents
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 11 AM from the Margao Bus Terminal. Have lunch on the way and reach Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary before evening.
Note: The cost of transport for the entire duration of the trek is Rs 20,000 and has to be divided equally amongst all trekkers.
Day 2
Trek through the Netravali Sanctuary from Verlem via Mainapi Waterfalls. Drive to Cabo De Rama and Camp on the beach
Trek Distance: 9.8 km | Trek Duration: 6-6.5 hours | Drive Distance: 56 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hrs
Start your trek from Verlem, trek to Mainapi Waterfalls NWLS Campus to Mainapi Waterfalls. Spend an hour at the waterfalls and then head to Verlem. Head to Cabo De Rama in vehicles before sunset. Camp on the beach
Day 3
Trek from Cabo De Rama to the viewpoint. Explore the fort and leave to Margao by evening.
Trek Distance: 5-6 km | Trek Duration: 4.5 hrs, Fort Exploration: 2 hrs | Drive Distance: 30 kms | Drive Duration: 1 hour
Trek from Cabo De Rama beach to the top. Trace back to the start point of the trek and head to explore the fort. Reach back to Margao by 12 pm
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 all days of the trek. Trekkers need to make their arrangements for a stay in Goa on Day 0 or after the trek.
Day 1
Drive from Margao to Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (NWLS Campus). Stay at the Forest guesthouse/Camping in tents
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 11 AM from the Margao Bus Terminal. Have lunch on the way and reach Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary before evening.
Note: The cost of transport for the entire duration of the trek is Rs 20,000 and has to be divided equally amongst all trekkers.
Day 2
Trek through the Netravali Sanctuary from Verlem via Mainapi Waterfalls. Drive to Cabo De Rama and Camp on the beach
Trek Distance: 9.8 km | Trek Duration: 6-6.5 hours | Drive Distance: 56 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hrs
Start your trek from Verlem, trek to Mainapi Waterfalls NWLS Campus to Mainapi Waterfalls. Spend an hour at the waterfalls and then head to Verlem. Head to Cabo De Rama in vehicles before sunset. Camp on the beach
Day 3
Trek from Cabo De Rama to the viewpoint. Explore the fort and leave to Margao by evening.
Trek Distance: 5-6 km | Trek Duration: 4.5 hrs, Fort Exploration: 2 hrs | Drive Distance: 30 kms | Drive Duration: 1 hour
Trek from Cabo De Rama beach to the top. Trace back to the start point of the trek and head to explore the fort. Reach back to Margao by 12 pm
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 all days of the trek. Trekkers need to make their arrangements for a stay in Goa on Day 0 or after the trek.
Day 1: Drive from Madgaon to Verlem village via 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 Verlem village via Netravali sanctuary.
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. Drive for half an hour to reach Verlem village. This is also known as the strawberry village because of the many farms here. You pitch your tents at the village playground here after a quick tour of the village.
On top of the many strawberry farms that you will see, the village also has many temples and remains of Portuguese architecture.
Arrive at the Madgaon Bus Terminal on your own. The first day is kept for the drive from Madgaon to Verlem village via Netravali sanctuary.
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. Drive for half an hour to reach Verlem village. This is also known as the strawberry village because of the many farms here. You pitch your tents at the village playground here after a quick tour of the village.
On top of the many strawberry farms that you will see, the village also has many temples and remains of Portuguese architecture.
Day 2: Trek from Verlem to Netravali Sanctuary via Mainapi Waterfalls. Drive to Cabo De Rama and Camp on the beach
Trek distance: 9.8 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Drive Distance: 56 km | Duration: 1.5 hrs
Trek gradient: Moderate. Trek through the forest section through Tudau village until you reach a junction, where the trail then descends to Mainapi Waterfalls. Climb back to the junction and gradually descend towards the forest checkpost.
Tudau village, stream in the middle and waterfall
Start the day from Verlem village. The trek initially starts on the tar road that you take affter coming out of the village. and soon enters the forest trail. Once you hit the forest trail, you are surrounded by a canopy of trees.
You have plenty of butterflies and bird activities happening around you while big cobwebs droop down with signature spiders and funnel web spiders. As the light hits the forest floor and plays hide and seek, it is a beautiful trek early in the morning.
Walking for around 2 km into the trek, you start seeing cashew plantations on either side of the road. You have now arrived at the periphery of Tudau village. This village is famous for its cashew farming. But please be mindful about plucking some. Only reach out for the rare fruits after seeng permission from the villagers.
Tudau is also the village where you can fill up your water bottles. You will find a flowing water source right in the middle of the village besides the broken tar road that you will be walking on. The tar road is not in the best of its condition. However, this enables accessibility through vehicles from Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Walk past the houses and observe the village routine and work happening. Go past the playground/government school of the village.
After the village you will suddenly see the forest changing. From a deciduous forest to forest filled with bamboo groves and path full of gravel. Be mindful of keeping your bags down on an active ant colony. You will find them aplenty after Tudau.
1.2 km from Tudau, you come to a clearing with stone/ cement benches with signboards pointing towards Mainapi waterfall. Until now, you had the trek all to yourself. Not anymore. Mainapi waterfall is visited by many tourists.
Descend half a kilometer towards the waterfall. The path is well laid out. Mainapi waterfall is a huge waterfall, almost 50 feet tall. A word of caution and notice: Recently, in 2021, there were a few deaths over here, and the waterfall had to be shut down. With enough safety protocols and practices as Indiahikes, we are reopening this for our trekkers. But one has to be very cautious and not get carried away. There are boundaries around the deeper part of the waters marked by forest officials. Indiahikes prohibits swimming in the waters also there are no changing rooms in the vicinity. However, just sitting on the banks of the water can be a therapeutic experience.
Climb back the same way you came after spending time at the waterfall. This is the only ascent remaining for the day. After regrouping at the stone benches, make your way towards the forest checkpost. Make sure to use sun hats or umbrellas as the tree cover is less because of the wide mud track. The 4 km trail is a gradually descending one. In the middle, you find straw huts where you can rest from the hot sun.
You find a pakka tar road after walking 3 km. Take a right from here towards the forest checkpost. A bus will be waiting here for you that will take you to Cabo de Rama beach.
This forest checkpost has pakka washrooms. Use them to as you see fit, fill up your water bottles and get ready for the journey ahead that will take another 1.5 hrs.
The setting of Cabo De Rama has a rock plateau on the top, and then down below is the beach. If your vehicles are unable to go further from the tar road, then be prepared to trek for about 1.2 km from the roadhead towards your campsite.
Pitch your tents and enjoy the rest of the evening watching the sunset across the western coast of our country. The soothing experience of the waves while you camp on the beach is a therapeutic experience.
Start the day from Verlem village. The trek initially starts on the tar road that you take affter coming out of the village. and soon enters the forest trail. Once you hit the forest trail, you are surrounded by a canopy of trees.
You have plenty of butterflies and bird activities happening around you while big cobwebs droop down with signature spiders and funnel web spiders. As the light hits the forest floor and plays hide and seek, it is a beautiful trek early in the morning.
Walking for around 2 km into the trek, you start seeing cashew plantations on either side of the road. You have now arrived at the periphery of Tudau village. This village is famous for its cashew farming. But please be mindful about plucking some. Only reach out for the rare fruits after seeng permission from the villagers.
Tudau is also the village where you can fill up your water bottles. You will find a flowing water source right in the middle of the village besides the broken tar road that you will be walking on. The tar road is not in the best of its condition. However, this enables accessibility through vehicles from Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Walk past the houses and observe the village routine and work happening. Go past the playground/government school of the village.
After the village you will suddenly see the forest changing. From a deciduous forest to forest filled with bamboo groves and path full of gravel. Be mindful of keeping your bags down on an active ant colony. You will find them aplenty after Tudau.
1.2 km from Tudau, you come to a clearing with stone/ cement benches with signboards pointing towards Mainapi waterfall. Until now, you had the trek all to yourself. Not anymore. Mainapi waterfall is visited by many tourists.
Descend half a kilometer towards the waterfall. The path is well laid out. Mainapi waterfall is a huge waterfall, almost 50 feet tall. A word of caution and notice: Recently, in 2021, there were a few deaths over here, and the waterfall had to be shut down. With enough safety protocols and practices as Indiahikes, we are reopening this for our trekkers. But one has to be very cautious and not get carried away. There are boundaries around the deeper part of the waters marked by forest officials. Indiahikes prohibits swimming in the waters also there are no changing rooms in the vicinity. However, just sitting on the banks of the water can be a therapeutic experience.
Climb back the same way you came after spending time at the waterfall. This is the only ascent remaining for the day. After regrouping at the stone benches, make your way towards the forest checkpost. Make sure to use sun hats or umbrellas as the tree cover is less because of the wide mud track. The 4 km trail is a gradually descending one. In the middle, you find straw huts where you can rest from the hot sun.
You find a pakka tar road after walking 3 km. Take a right from here towards the forest checkpost. A bus will be waiting here for you that will take you to Cabo de Rama beach.
This forest checkpost has pakka washrooms. Use them to as you see fit, fill up your water bottles and get ready for the journey ahead that will take another 1.5 hrs.
The setting of Cabo De Rama has a rock plateau on the top, and then down below is the beach. If your vehicles are unable to go further from the tar road, then be prepared to trek for about 1.2 km from the roadhead towards your campsite.
Pitch your tents and enjoy the rest of the evening watching the sunset across the western coast of our country. The soothing experience of the waves while you camp on the beach is a therapeutic experience.
Day 3: Trek from Cabo De Rama to the summit viewpoint. Explore the fort and leave by evening.
Trek Distance: 6-7 km | Trek Duration: 4.5 hrs | Fort Exploration: 2 hrs
Drive Distance to Margoa: 30 km | Duration: 1 hour
Trek gradient: Easy-Moderate. A flattish walk from the plateau of Cabo De Rama towards the top. Have your packed lunch, and then explore the historical fort.
Today’s trek is a completely different experience compared to your previous day. The day is a lot more exposed to the sun, and you need to be ready and prepared for that.
From your campsite, you need to first head up to the plateau and connect to the road. Take the road towards the Govt. Primary School, Gaval, and turn left on a trail wide enough for a bike to enter and go through. You need to follow this mud trail and reach where a two-wheeler can go. This is where you have a minor junction with a big tree - a trail going down towards the village of Neum through a series of steps or the one taking you to the top of the cliff point.
If we consider this walk from the campsite to this junction point, it will take 3 kilometres for trekkers to walk, each one is close to a kilometre.
Depending on the pace of the team and the morale, the trek leader can take a call to explore the trail to Neum, the fishing village. A flight of stairs goes down, and you enter this deserted village. The houses might look empty; however, the majority of the people would have either gone to the sea for fishing or looked for work in other towns/cities. Going down and up will be an extra 1.2 km.
If you skip this Neum village, then from the junction point, take the trail to your left, which is marked on the GPX file. There is a small structure that acts as a marker point. Take this fairly well-marked trail and start heading forward. This section contains trekking through the grasslands - golden brown during the autumn and spring seasons and lush during the monsoon.
About 600 meters is where your trail takes a turn to the left. Continue ahead. You will see again a plantation of cashews. Go ahead along the side of the wall with a small section of tree cover. The trail leads to the left when it heads towards the final plateau.
The trail on the left goes towards the view of the Cabo De Rama beach, the fort, and the route that you have taken from the campsite.
And the trail to the right goes to the stunning viewpoint from the cliff. Spend time embracing the views here. The sight of the palm-lined shoreline and the azure ocean from the Cabo de Rama hilltop is extraordinary. You won't get such a view often in your lives.
After spending enough time, you can retrace the route back to the diversion and further to the tar road.
Finish your lunch and then take some time to explore the Cabo De Rama Fort. If you are walking along the sides of the fort, you need an hour to go around. This fort stands on the cape, at the end of Cola village. This fort was under the Sunda Kings till 1763 and was subsequently seized by the Portuguese. It is surrounded by bastions of diverse forms. There is a deep moat at the entrance. A chapel of St. Anthony, a barrack, and two springs are inside the fort. During the 19th century, military barracks were used for infantry and also as artillery quarters.
However, if you keep visiting Pebble Beach down the fort, keep another 40 minutes planned for it. The drive from Cabo De Rama to Margao will take close to an hour. Have your return bus or train post evening time with some buffer kept in your itinerary.
Today’s trek is a completely different experience compared to your previous day. The day is a lot more exposed to the sun, and you need to be ready and prepared for that.
From your campsite, you need to first head up to the plateau and connect to the road. Take the road towards the Govt. Primary School, Gaval, and turn left on a trail wide enough for a bike to enter and go through. You need to follow this mud trail and reach where a two-wheeler can go. This is where you have a minor junction with a big tree - a trail going down towards the village of Neum through a series of steps or the one taking you to the top of the cliff point.
If we consider this walk from the campsite to this junction point, it will take 3 kilometres for trekkers to walk, each one is close to a kilometre.
Depending on the pace of the team and the morale, the trek leader can take a call to explore the trail to Neum, the fishing village. A flight of stairs goes down, and you enter this deserted village. The houses might look empty; however, the majority of the people would have either gone to the sea for fishing or looked for work in other towns/cities. Going down and up will be an extra 1.2 km.
If you skip this Neum village, then from the junction point, take the trail to your left, which is marked on the GPX file. There is a small structure that acts as a marker point. Take this fairly well-marked trail and start heading forward. This section contains trekking through the grasslands - golden brown during the autumn and spring seasons and lush during the monsoon.
About 600 meters is where your trail takes a turn to the left. Continue ahead. You will see again a plantation of cashews. Go ahead along the side of the wall with a small section of tree cover. The trail leads to the left when it heads towards the final plateau.
The trail on the left goes towards the view of the Cabo De Rama beach, the fort, and the route that you have taken from the campsite.
And the trail to the right goes to the stunning viewpoint from the cliff. Spend time embracing the views here. The sight of the palm-lined shoreline and the azure ocean from the Cabo de Rama hilltop is extraordinary. You won't get such a view often in your lives.
After spending enough time, you can retrace the route back to the diversion and further to the tar road.
Finish your lunch and then take some time to explore the Cabo De Rama Fort. If you are walking along the sides of the fort, you need an hour to go around. This fort stands on the cape, at the end of Cola village. This fort was under the Sunda Kings till 1763 and was subsequently seized by the Portuguese. It is surrounded by bastions of diverse forms. There is a deep moat at the entrance. A chapel of St. Anthony, a barrack, and two springs are inside the fort. During the 19th century, military barracks were used for infantry and also as artillery quarters.
However, if you keep visiting Pebble Beach down the fort, keep another 40 minutes planned for it. The drive from Cabo De Rama to Margao will take close to an hour. Have your return bus or train post evening time with some buffer kept in your itinerary.
Easy-Moderate
The Goa Netravali Forest Trek is rated as 'Easy-Moderate' with 5-6 hours of trekking on both the days.
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)
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 11 am. 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
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
Please carry the above document with you. The document needs 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Fitness target:
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.
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 or camp on the beach.
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
Yes, you will be camping in tents on the Goa Netravali Forest Trek. It will be 2 people sharing a tent.
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 shared vehicles for trekkers to pick you up from Margao Bus Terminal and drop you back at the same location. The cost of transport for the entire duration of the trek is Rs 20,000 and has to be divided equally amongst all trekkers.
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
3. Camping on the beach of Cabo De Rama
It is always a dream for a trekker to be able to camp on a beach. To be able to witness a sunset, watch the sun go down or go play in the waters. The calming sounds of the waves crashing on the beach shore and you getting a moment to reflect is a soothing experience.
Usually, when one opens a tent, trekkers at Indiahikes are used to having the view of snow-clad mountains in our mighty Himalayas. However, on this trek, when you open the flap of your tent, you get to an equally powerful force - the beauty of the ocean.
The experience of being able to do all these on the Goa Netravali Forest Trek is again something we are excited for trekkers to be part of.
The calming experience of camping on the beach. Picture by Suhas Saya
Trekker Stories and Experiences with Indiahikes
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Goa Netravali 24th Feb 24
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Mahesh P
Goa Netravali 24th Feb 24
Rekha Shah
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Pavan Kumar Rao
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Sreeshyla HS
Goa Netravali 1st March 24
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