Chembra Peak - Wayanad's Highest Trekking Point

Wayanad, KeralaADVENTURE

Trek to Wayanad's highest point, famous for its scenic trail through tea estates and the beautiful heart-shaped Hridaya Saras lake.

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Info

ADVENTURE

Info

Half day (3-4 hours)

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

Chembra Peak stands as the highest point in Wayanad, reaching an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level. The main activity here is a guided trek to its upper reaches, managed by the local Forest Department. The trek is known for its incredible views and journey through varied landscapes, starting with lush tea plantations that blanket the lower slopes and transitioning into dense forests and finally, open grasslands as you ascend. A major highlight along the trail is 'Hridaya Saras' or the Heart-Shaped Lake, a natural waterbody that is believed to have never dried up. Visitors find the trek moderately challenging, typically taking a few hours to reach the lake and return. Access to the absolute summit is often restricted by the Forest Department to preserve the delicate ecosystem. The entire experience is a mix of physical activity and immersion in the natural beauty of the Western Ghats, offering panoramic views of the entire Wayanad district from its slopes.

Contact Information

Phone: -206979

Email: info@dtpcwayanad.com

Why This Place is Special

• Being the highest peak in Wayanad district at 2,100 meters
• The naturally formed, perennial heart-shaped lake (Hridaya Saras)
• Guided trekking through tea plantations and grasslands
• Panoramic views of Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram districts
• A well-managed eco-tourism destination
• Rich biodiversity and part of the Western Ghats

Ideal For

Adventure seekersNature loversPhotographersGroupsCouplesSolo travelers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Guide services
• Information center
• Seating areas at the base

Visitor Tips

• Start the trek early, between 7-9 AM, to enjoy the cool weather and avoid the harsh afternoon sun.
• Weekdays are the best time to visit to avoid the heavy weekend rush from nearby cities.
• Carry at least 1-2 liters of water per person, energy bars, and a small first-aid kit. Food is not available on the trail.
• Wear sturdy trekking shoes with good grip. The trail can be steep and slippery, especially after rains.
• During and after the monsoon (June to November), wear leech-proof socks as they are common in the forest sections.
• Check with the VSS Forest Office at the entrance about the current trekking status, as it can be closed during heavy monsoons or extreme fire risk in summer.
• Hiring a guide is mandatory and is included in the trekking fee. Always follow their instructions for your safety.
• The trek is usually permitted only up to the heart-shaped lake. Inquire about summit access beforehand, but expect it to be restricted.

Rules & Restrictions

• Plastic is strictly prohibited on the trail. Your bags may be checked at the entrance.
• Do not stray from the marked trail.
• Camping and overnight stays are not allowed.
• Consumption of alcohol and smoking are strictly forbidden.
• Do not feed or disturb wildlife.
• Drones are not permitted.

Safety Information

• Always trek with the mandatory guide provided by the Forest Department.
• Stay hydrated by carrying sufficient water, as there are no water sources on the trail.
• The trail has steep sections and can be slippery, especially after rain. Watch your step.
• Do not attempt the trek if you have respiratory or heart conditions, as it is moderately strenuous.
• Cell phone network coverage is poor to non-existent on most parts of the trail.
• Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell or encounter any wildlife.
• Ensure you start your descent well in time to reach the base before 5:00 PM.

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Location & Address

Chembra Peak VSS Forest Office, Near Meppadi, Wayanad, Kerala 673577, Meppadi, Wayanad, Kerala, India

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Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Chembra Peak is from September to February. During these post-monsoon and winter months, the weather is pleasant and cool, and the landscape is lush and green. The skies are generally clear, offering excellent views. The summer months from March to May can be quite hot, making the trek strenuous. The monsoon season, from June to August, sees heavy rainfall, which makes the trail very slippery and prone to leeches, and trekking is often suspended by the authorities.
Peak Crowd: December-January, weekends, and public holidays due to pleasant weather and holiday season.
Moderate Crowd: September-November and February on weekdays.
Low Crowd: March-May due to heat, and June-August when trekking is often closed due to heavy monsoons.

How to Reach

Air

Calicut International Airport (CCJ) is the nearest airport, located about 92 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach Meppadi, which takes about 3 hours.

Train

The nearest major railway station is Kozhikode (Calicut) Railway Station (CLT), approximately 79 km away. It is well-connected to major Indian cities. Taxis and buses are available from the station to Wayanad.

Road

Wayanad is well-connected by road to cities like Bangalore (280 km), Mysore (140 km), and Kochi (270 km). From Kalpetta, the district headquarters, Meppadi is about 15 km away. KSRTC and private buses operate frequently.

Local Transport

From towns like Kalpetta or Sulthan Bathery, take a local bus to Meppadi. From the Meppadi bus stand, hire a jeep or auto-rickshaw for the final 8 km journey to the trek's starting point at the Forest Office.