Chembra Peak: Wayanad’s Trekkers Paradise

Situated amidst lush tea plantations, and verdant valleys, this natural wonder has been carefully preserved by the forest department. The complete guide to Chembra Peak trek will help you navigate through evergreen forests, and cascading waterfalls to a heart-shaped lake (that legend says never dried). Whether you’re drawn by the breathtaking views, exotic flora and fauna, or a serene nature walk, Chembra Peak promises an adventure that is truly memorable!

Top Things To Do At Chembra Peak

1. See Amazing Views

About 1 km from where you buy tickets, there’s a watchtower. This is where the hike starts. Climb up to see great views of the valley and city. On a clear day, you might even see the peak. You can drive or walk to the watchtower. 

2. Take Lots Of Pictures

Chembra Peak is a beautiful place for photos. You’ll see pretty views from the start of your drive. There are green tea and spice farms along the road. As you hike up, you’ll see lots of green nature all around. At the top, there’s a heart-shaped lake, a highlight of your trek! Bring your camera to capture these sights!

3. Hike To The Chembra Peak Lake(heart-shaped lake)

Enjoy the best guided tours offered by the local tourism office (DTPC) of Wayanad.

Best Time To Visit Chembra Peak 

The best time to visit Chembra Peak is in winter between December and February. Everything is green and fresh after the rains during these months.  

Skip the summer season as it is too hot and humid to have a fun trek and avoid rainy seasons as the path gets slippery and dangerous for a trek. 

Tip: Start your trek early in the morning during winter. This way, you can enjoy the cool, dewy air as you climb to the top.

Suggested Read: Explore Edakkal Caves In Wayanad: A Prehistoric Marvel

How To Reach Chembra Peak From Wayanad

By Road:

• Buses run from cities like Bangalore, Kochi, and Mysore. Take a bus to Kalpetta or Meppadi. From there, hire a jeep/ Auto rickshaw to the trekking point.
• You can also drive yourself, enjoying the mountain views.

By Train:

• The nearest train station is in Kozhikode, 100 km away.
• Trains come from big cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai.
• Local trains from Kochi and Trivandrum are also available.
• Take a bus or taxi from the station to Wayanad.

By Plane:

• The closest airport is Kozhikode Calicut International Airport, 100 km away.
• Flights come from Indian cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai.

Chembra Peak Wayanad Timings And Entry Fee

Chembra Peak Wayanad Entry Fee:

• Indians: INR 20 per head

• Foreigners: INR 30 per head

Trekking Fee: 

• Indians: INR 750 for 10 people 

• Foreigners: INR 1500 for 5 people

Camera Fee: 

• Indians: INR 40 per head

• Foreigners: INR 80 per head

Parking Fee: 

• 2-Wheelers: INR 10

• 4-Wheelers: INR 25

Chembra Peak Wayanad Timings

7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. 

Please note that you can hike at Chembra Peak every day, starting at 7 AM. The area stays open until 5 PM. However, you need to arrive by 2 PM. They won’t let anyone start hiking after 2 PM.

Time To Explore Chembra Peak Wayanad 

The whole hike takes about 5-6 hours if you go at a relaxed speed. Here’s how to make your trek successful:

1. Start to watchtower: About 1 hour walking
2. Watchtower to Heart Lake: About 2 hours. On your way, you will pass through the tea farms and forests. 
3. At the Heart Lake: You can rest for an hour or walk around and enjoy the views. And you can return the same way back. 

Find the detailed trekking plan below!

Suggested Read: Trekking In Wayanad: 9 Best Trails For Adventure Seekers

Chembra Peak Trekking Plan

• Walk from the ticket counter
• Drive your own car to the parking area near the tower
• Take a jeep ride from the ticket counter

Before you can hike Chembra Peak, you need to get permission from the forest department. They only let 200 people hike each day, and it’s first-come, first-served. You can buy your ticket at the counter when you arrive. The ticket price includes a guide. While you don’t have to have a guide, it can make your hike more fun. Guides know lots of interesting stories about Chembra Peak and the area around it. So if you want to learn more while you hike, having a guide is a good idea.

From the watchtower, it is about 2 km to the heart-shaped pond. Locals call this pond “hridhayathadakam” in their language. The pond is situated in a pretty spot surrounded by green grass fields. From here, you can see amazing views of the whole valley spread out in front of you. 

After spending time at the lake, make sure to head back to the entrance (where you bought your tickets) before evening – you’re not allowed to stay overnight on the peak. Many people say this trek is the best one you can do in all of Kerala.

The whole trail to Chembra Peak is about 4.5 km long. After walking 1 km from the ticket counter, you will find a watchtower. From there, it’s a 2 km uphill walk to reach the lake. While the peak is another 1.5 km beyond the lake, guides don’t let visitors go that far. So, you will actually end up walking about 3 to 3.5 km in total.

The hike is a bit challenging, but not too hard. First, you walk through tea gardens and forests. This part can be a bit tough. Then, you come out into open areas. This second part is easier to walk through. Overall, most people who are in good to ok shape can do this hike if they take their time.

Things To Remember For Your Chembra Peak Trek

1. There’s a daily limit of 200 trekkers, so plan accordingly.
2. Skip this trek if you have any health issues.
3. Don’t forget to bring your ID card.
4. If your group is smaller than 10 people, try joining others to split the permit cost.
5. Stay with your group throughout the trek.
6. It’s best to go with a guide.
7. Stick to the marked paths.
8. Bring enough water to stay hydrated.
9. You can bring snacks, but make sure to keep the trail clean.
10. Choose comfortable shoes with a good grip.
11. Pack an umbrella or raincoat in case it rains.
12. Make sure you’re back at the entrance before dark.

Suggested Read: 30 Top Places To Visit In Wayanad | Kerala’s Hidden Gem

Conclusion

Chembra Mountain in Kerala stands as a testament to the natural beauty of the region. As the highest peak in Wayanad, it offers an unforgettable trekking experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. From lush tea plantations to the heart-shaped lake, every step of the journey is filled with wonder. While the trek can be challenging, the breathtaking views and serene atmosphere make it all worthy. Remember to respect the environment and follow the guidelines. Chembra Peak isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that lasts long.