CHEMBRA PEAK, WAYANAD, KERALA – WHERE LUSH GREEN FORESTS AND SERENE LAKES AWAIT

Chembra Peak is a mountain located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is a popular destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty and challenging terrain. The peak is also home to the famous heart-shaped lake, which is a major attraction for tourists.

At an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad and is part of the Western Ghats mountain range. The peak is surrounded by lush greenery, tea and coffee plantations, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The trek to the peak is challenging, but the stunning views from the top are well worth the effort.
Chembra Peak is also known for its diverse flora and fauna, including rare species of birds and animals. The forest surrounding the peak is home to several species of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and deer. The peak is also known for its rare species of flowering plants, making it a popular destination for botanists and nature enthusiasts.
What Makes it Special as a Tourist Destination
Chembra Peak is a special tourist destination for several reasons:
- Breathtaking Scenery: The Chembra Peak trek offers stunning panoramic views of the Wayanad district, with its lush green forests, rolling hills, and picturesque valleys. The view from the peak is especially breathtaking, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
- Heart-Shaped Lake: The heart-shaped lake is a unique feature of the Chembra Peak trek. Its crystal-clear water and stunning location make it a popular spot for visitors to take a refreshing swim and capture memorable photos.
- Adventure Activities: The trek to Chembra Peak is a challenging adventure activity, attracting adventure enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. The trek involves a steep climb, which adds to the excitement and sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit.
- Ecotourism: Chembra Peak is part of the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a hotspot for biodiversity. The trek to Chembra Peak takes visitors through dense forests and grasslands, giving them an opportunity to experience the rich flora and fauna of the region.
- Cultural Heritage: The Wayanad district has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience the local traditions and customs while exploring the region. There are several tribal villages in the area, and visitors can learn about their unique way of life and culture.

Popular Activities Enjoyed by Tourists
There are several popular activities that tourists enjoy when visiting Chembra Peak and the surrounding areas in Wayanad, Kerala. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Trekking: The Chembra Peak trek is a popular activity among tourists, as it offers a challenging and rewarding experience. Visitors can trek through the dense forests and grasslands, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Camping: Camping is a popular activity among tourists visiting Chembra Peak. Several tour operators offer camping packages, allowing visitors to spend the night in tents under the stars and enjoy a bonfire and local cuisine.
- Visit the Heart-Shaped Lake: The heart-shaped lake located on the trek to Chembra Peak is a major attraction for tourists. Visitors can take a refreshing dip in the lake, click photos and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- Wildlife Safari: The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a major attraction for tourists, and visitors can enjoy a wildlife safari to see animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer.
- Visit Tea Estates: Wayanad is known for its tea plantations, and tourists can visit the tea estates to learn about the tea-making process, taste different types of tea, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the plantations.
- Visit Waterfalls: Wayanad is home to several stunning waterfalls such as Soochipara Waterfalls and Meenmutty Waterfalls. Tourists can enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterfalls and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Top Attractions and Must Visit Places
Chembra Peak and Wayanad have several top attractions and must-visit places that are popular among tourists. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Chembra Peak: The peak itself is a major attraction, offering stunning panoramic views of the Wayanad district and the heart-shaped lake.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary is home to several species of animals and birds, and visitors can enjoy a wildlife safari to see them.
- Edakkal Caves: The Edakkal Caves are a prehistoric site with ancient rock carvings that date back to the Neolithic era.
- Pookode Lake: The Pookode Lake is a natural freshwater lake surrounded by lush green forests and hills. Visitors can enjoy boating and pedal boating in the lake.
- Meenmutty Waterfalls: The Meenmutty Waterfalls is a three-tiered waterfall that is surrounded by dense forests and is a popular spot for trekking and picnicking.
- Soochipara Waterfalls: The Soochipara Waterfalls is a picturesque waterfall that cascades down from a height of 200 meters (656 feet), offering breathtaking views.
- Banasura Sagar Dam: The Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India, and visitors can enjoy boating and trekking in the surrounding hills.
- Thirunelli Temple: The Thirunelli Temple is a historic temple located in a picturesque valley surrounded by hills and forests.
- Tea Estates: Wayanad is known for its tea plantations, and visitors can visit the tea estates to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy the scenic beauty of the plantations.
- Tribal Villages: Wayanad is home to several tribal communities, and visitors can explore their unique way of life and culture by visiting their villages.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Chembra Peak and Wayanad is between October and May when the weather is pleasant, and the monsoon rains have subsided. Here is a breakdown of the weather and events/festivals during different months of the year:
- October to February: This is the winter season, and the weather is cool and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F). This is the peak tourist season, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like trekking, camping, and wildlife safaris. Some of the popular events during this period include the Malabar River Festival, Wayanad Winter Carnival, and the Wayanad Flower Show.
- March to May: This is the summer season, and the weather is warm and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like trekking, camping, and visiting the waterfalls and lakes. Some of the popular events during this period include the Wayanad Splash Monsoon Festival and the Wayanad Summer Festival.
- June to September: This is the monsoon season, and the region receives heavy rainfall during this time. Trekking and camping may not be possible due to the rain, but visitors can enjoy the lush greenery and waterfalls that come to life during this time. Some of the popular events during this period include the Onam festival, which is a harvest festival celebrated in August or September, and the Wayanad Monsoon Carnival.

How to Reach
Chembra Peak and Wayanad are well-connected to major cities in South India by road, rail, and air. Here is a breakdown of the different modes of transportation:
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Calicut International Airport, which is located about 100 km (62 miles) from Wayanad. Visitors can take a taxi or bus from the airport to reach Wayanad.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station, which is about 110 km (68 miles) from Wayanad. Visitors can take a taxi or bus from the railway station to reach Wayanad.
- By Road: Wayanad is well-connected by road to major cities in South India. Visitors can take a bus or taxi from cities like Bangalore, Kochi, and Mysore to reach Wayanad. The roads are well-maintained, and the journey is comfortable.
- Local Transportation: Visitors can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to travel within Wayanad. The state-run KSRTC buses are also available, and visitors can take them to reach different parts of Wayanad.