Chembra peek in Wayanad - How’s and Why’s
You have to be among the first 80 people in the line, in order to get ticket for chembra trekking.
22 Jul 25by Afeef K K
Chembra Peak, Wayanad: The Hows and Whys of Kerala’s Iconic Trek
Chembra Peak stands tall as the highest peak in Wayanad, Kerala—rising about 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level. Shrouded in mist and mystery, it’s not just a destination for trekkers, but a soulful experience for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking to feel humbled by the grandeur of the Western Ghats.
In this post, we explore the Hows (how to get there, how to plan the trek) and the Whys (why you should go, what makes it unique) of Chembra Peak.
🌄 Why Chembra Peak?
1. The Iconic Heart-Shaped Lake (Hridaya Saras)
Arguably the most Instagrammed spot in Wayanad, the heart-shaped lake is nestled about halfway up the peak. Locals believe it has never dried up—ever. It’s romantic, serene, and seems almost otherworldly.
2. Breathtaking Views
From the top, you can see panoramic views of Wayanad, Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), and Vellari Mala (Kozhikode). During the trek, the changing landscape—from tea plantations to dense forest trails to open grasslands—feels like walking through different climate zones in a day.
3. Flora & Fauna
Chembra is part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and while the actual trail is kept safe and monitored, the broader ecosystem is home to elephants, wild boars, deer, and a rich variety of birds and butterflies.
🧭 How to Get There
📍 Location
Chembra Peak is located near Meppadi, about 8 km from Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad.
🚗 By Road
- From Kalpetta: 30 minutes by car.
- From Bangalore: Around 6-7 hours by road (~280 km).
- From Kozhikode (Calicut): About 2.5 hours (~90 km).
🚌 Public Transport
Buses run regularly to Kalpetta and Meppadi from major towns. From there, you can hire a jeep or autorickshaw to the Forest Office base camp.
🥾 How to Trek Chembra Peak
✅ Step 1: Get Permission
The peak is within a protected forest area. You’ll need to:
- Visit the Chembra Trekking Office at Meppadi.
- Get permission from the Forest Department.
🕒 Timings: 7 AM to 2 PM (Entry closes by 2, exit by 5 PM)
- Hire a guide (mandatory).
💰 Trek Fee: ₹1,500–₹2,000 per group (up to 10 people)
✅ Step 2: The Trek Itself
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate (good stamina needed, especially in monsoon)
- Terrain: Forest trails, grassland, and rocky paths
- Noteworthy Spot: The Heart-Shaped Lake is the highest point currently allowed for tourists (access to the peak itself is restricted for ecological reasons).
🧳 What to Carry
- Water (minimum 2L)
- Snacks (non-plastic, biodegradable)
- Rain gear (especially from June–September)
- Trekking shoes with grip
- Sunscreen & hat
- Camera or binoculars (optional but rewarding!)
🌦️ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Feb | Clear skies, cooler climate | Best for views |
| Mar–May | Hot, but dry | Start early to avoid heat |
| Jun–Sep | Monsoon magic | Lush green but slippery & leech-prone |
💚 Why You Should Go (Beyond Just the Trek)
- Eco-conscious Travel: The forest department tightly controls access to prevent over-tourism and littering. It's a good example of how trekking and conservation can go hand-in-hand.
- Unplug from Chaos: No mobile signal. No Wi-Fi. Just you and the wind rustling through the trees.
- Cultural Connect: Combine the trek with a visit to Wayanad’s tribal villages, ancient Edakkal Caves, or a spice plantation tour.
Final Thoughts
Chembra Peak isn’t just a trek; it’s a window into the wild heart of Wayanad. It’s where stories in mist unfold, where silence speaks louder than words, and where your breath quickens not just from the climb, but from awe.
Go for the lake, stay for the soul.