Mangaluru: Even after the Forest Department introduced a regulated entry system to curb unchecked access to popular trekking destinations in the Western Ghats, the Kudremukh forest division alone recorded 1,26,685 visitors last year.

In 2025, Netravati Peak emerged as the most popular trekking destination in the Kudremukh region. Widely promoted on social media, the trek has overtaken Kudremukh Peak in popularity. As many as 51,657 trekkers visited Netravati Peak during the year. Located in the Kudremukh range near Samse, the peak derives its name from being the origin point of the Netravati river.

Kudremukh Peak stood second in terms of footfall, attracting 33,340 visitors, while 13,340 trekkers visited Kurinjalu Peak, which is situated close to Kudremukh.

Among other trekking destinations, Kodachadri recorded 11,786 visitors, Gangadikallu 10,114, Narasimha Parvata 3,800 and Valikunja 1,662.

The evergreen trekking trails of the Western Ghats continue to draw enthusiasts not only from the coastal region but also from other districts and states.

With the number of trekkers increasing every year and management becoming challenging, the Forest Department has made prior booking mandatory for all treks. Trekkers are now required to register through the Aranya Vihara website, which has helped streamline and regulate trekking activities.

A daily cap of 300 registrations has been imposed for each trek. Once the quota for a particular day is filled, trekkers must choose another date, enabling better control over visitor numbers and helping protect the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats.