Chembra Peak trek is a famous expedition in Kerala, and being one of the highest mountains in the Western Ghats, it features impeccable surroundings. With an altitude of about 6,890 ft above sea level, the peak is visible from different parts of Wayanad. It is about 8 km from Kalpetta, and the trek starts from the town of Meppadi.
The verdant vicinity of the Chembra Peak trek boasts wildlife activities, making it impossible to trek to the highest point. However, visitors get permission for excursions to the heart-shaped lake, perched about 1.5 km below.
About Chembra Peak Trek
The mysterious route that goes through the lush greens of the benevolent mountains gives you a chance to know the regional flora and fauna, along with having a refreshing escape amid nature with your group of friends or loved ones.
The journey to Chembra Peak commences from Meppadi, and on your way to the starting point lies the forest office, Chembra Peak VSS, from where you need to take permission and also get a local guide to ensure that you have a safe experience. From here, it takes about two and a half hours to reach Chembra’s heart-shaped lake.
The following are the three sections of the Chembra Peak trek:
Forest Office to the Starting Point: Distance of 2.2 km which takes about 40 minutes
The Starting Point to Chembra heart-shaped lake: Distance of 2 km which takes about 2 hours
Heart-shaped Lake to the top point of Chembra Peak: Distance of 1.5 km which takes about 1 hour 30 minutes
The watchtower is the starting point of the Chembra Peak trek, which is 2.2 km from the Forest Office. You can choose to start your journey from here. You also have an alternative to drive to the watchtower and start your excursion from the actual starting point of the trek. The first section takes you through the tea estates and rolling gardens. You will also be capturing glimpses of the villages full of fragrances of the herbs and spices grown.
As you proceed from the watchtower towards the lake, a trail will lead you through the rolling tea garden, which remains uncomplicated for the next 15 minutes. You will traverse the forest and overgrown grassland, and almost the remaining journey towards the lake is moderately arduous.
The next stop will be the Chembra heart-shaped lake which is the final destination these days. The serene site is called Hridaya Thadakam by locals and at times it gets hidden between the overgrown blades of grass.
Kindly note, that trekking to the top point of Chembra Peak is not allowed due to prominent wildlife activities. From the lake, you can go towards the west until the end to witness panoramic views of the surroundings from a cliff.
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Things to do
The following are the best things to do during expediting to Chembra Peak:
1. Trekking
The Chembra Peak trek makes you traverse the tea plantations, thick forest, and overgrown grassland. Trekking is one of the best things to do here, and the mesmerizing views are truly rejuvenating. On this excursion, you hike through the rugged trails and verdant vegetation where the chirps of birds echo through nature and make you feel rejuvenated.
2. Jeep Safari
You can also opt to complete the journey through a jeep safari. Exploring the charms of the trekking trail to Chembra Peak on a thrilling ride is a unique experience to behold in your memory. The safari ride also takes you to the exclusive sites that are worth witnessing.
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3. Sightseeing
Apart from the lake and viewpoint, there are also other admirable encounters like sneak peeking at the local village lifestyle, witnessing tea and spice plantations and the unique ways of cultivation, etc. You also capture information about the local flora and fauna where you get refreshed amid natural surroundings.
Places To Visit During Chembra Peak Trek
Apart from exploring the enormous Chembra Peak, the following are the prime attractions worth experiencing on the expedition:
1. Chembra Heart-shaped Lake
Chembra Lake features the shape of a heart, and its charm is enchanting for nature lovers. It is an offbeat site in the region and has tranquil surroundings with pristine waters worth taking a few dips with your travel mates. According to the locals, the lake has a healing capacity, and people visit the lake for bathing and spiritual respite.
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2. Banasura Sagar Dam
Another place to explore during the Chembra Peak trek is Banasura Sagar Dam. The dam is perched across the Karamanathodu River, which is a tributary of the Kabini River. It is the largest earth dam in India and the second biggest in Asia and features a variety of water sports.
Best Time To Plan Chembra Peak Trek
The Chembra Peak trek can be taken during the non-monsoon months and September to March is the best time to plan a journey. You can start the journey early in the morning and can be completed in 4-5 hours.
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How To Reach
The nearest railway station to Chembra Peak is Kozhikode Railway Station which is about 79 km from the starting point of the trek. Calicut International Airport is about 92 km and from there you can continue the remaining journey by road. You can either board a bus to Kalpetta or Meppadi and hire a taxi or to the base.
Things To Remember
The following are the essential points that you must remember while trekking to Chembra Peak:
- The trail is moderately difficult and it’s advised to go with a local guide.
- Prior permission from the authorities is mandatory and you need to pay charges to the Forest Department.
- The group must comprise at least five people to make bookings for the Chembra Trek.
- The minimum age eligibility for Chembra Peak is 11 years.
- Make your bookings as early as possible in the morning because only 200 people can undertake the trek in a day.
- The trekking can be done from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Budget
The entry fee for the Chembra Peak is INR 15 for each student and INR 20 for Indian adults. The foreign nationals need to pay INR 30 per adult. The entry fee for trekking is INR 750 for a group of 10 nationals. An additional charge of INR 75 per person is charged if a group is bigger than 10 persons.
If you are holidaying in Wayanad, the Chembra Peak trek is certainly an offbeat activity to indulge in. The adventure is truly admirable and makes you capture the encounters of forestry surroundings. You can plan your future trip to Kerala for a perfect holiday with your loved ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chembra Peak Trek
Is Chembra Peak trek difficult?
Chembra Peak trek is a moderately difficult trek, however, if you are a regular trekker and keep taking such excursions then the journey is comparatively easy for you.
Is Chembra Peak steep?
There are a few portions of the Chembra Peak trek that are quite steep. However, if you are travelling with a local guide then the journey won’t be much challenging for you.
Is it safe to visit Wayanad during Covid?
Make sure that you have completed both the doses of vaccinations and get yourself tested at least 48 hours before your departure. You need to follow all the travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities.
Which is the highest peak in Wayanad?
Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad and has an altitude of about 6,890 ft. It is also among the highest peaks in the Western Ghats.
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