Chembra Peak is the 2100m above sea level and is the highest peak in Wayanad. The place is a hotspot for adventure tourism and trekking. The scale up the rugged terrains of the Chembra Peak is enjoying every bit and the sight heart shaped lake on the top of the lake makes all the trouble worth it. Many trek Chembra just to catch a glimpse of this ethereal water wonder which is believed to have never dried up.
Things to know
Chembra is located 8 km south of Kalpetta; near the town of Meppadi. Chembra peak and adjacent mountains are a part of the Wayanad hill ranges in the Western Ghats adjoining the Vellarimala in Kozhikode district. Visits to this peak are organized by ‘the Chempra Peak VSS’ under the control of South Wayanad Forest Development Agency. You can only the mountain with permission from the Forest Department. The guides and trekking equipment are provided on hire charges to tourists by the District Tourism Promotion Council.
Trek packages are available as one-day treks and two-day wildlife treks. You can trek as a group of up to ten people or hike on your own, accompanied by a guide.
You can reach the foot of the hill by either renting a jeep or using own car. The Jeep gets you right where the trekking starts but private vehicles are parked little far from there. It is better to use a jeep for commute than a private car as the roads are bumpy and you will need to walk a lot before the trekking starts.
At least a day before trekking contact the forest department and make sure that trekking is available next day. Under circumstances like a forest fire, harsh weather or sometimes when wild elephants encroach the trek paths, the trekking facility would be halted for a few days.
The ascend to the peak can take up to 3 hours and the descend takes 1 hour to finish. The trekking charge for a group of 10 members is Rs.750 and for international tourists, the amount is Rs.1000 for a group.
Avoid trekking during monsoon season; it would be difficult to scale the mountain when it has slippery slopes.
The trek
The trek is strenuous yet super exciting and fun. The trek path is covered with dense forest in almost all portions and whenever you reach a small clearing you can see the town of Meppadi down. You don’t need to carry water with you as many fresh water streams are bound to cross your path during the trek.
If you are lucky, you might be able to spot some wild fauna lurking in the bushes far away. When you finally reach the top, you will forget all the troubles and bruises of your arduous trip when you see the ‘heart-shaped lake’. The pond has fresh water and it is home to many rare exotic fishes. You are not allowed to dip your feet in the water but are allowed to collect small quantity of the ‘heart water’. A selfie with the heart lake in the background is assured to look stupendous.