Wayanad district · 11.509° N, 76.089° E
Wayanad's highest peak, with a heart-shaped lake and a steep, permit-controlled trek.
Photo: Ravi Dwivedi / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Best time
October to February. The monsoon makes the trail slippery and can close access.
Suggested stay
A half-day trek
Daily budget
₹1,500–₹3,500
Crowds
Moderate · High adventure
The guide
Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad, rising to about 2,100 metres near Meppadi. The trek is famous for a small heart-shaped lake about halfway up, and for views across the tea estates and the Western Ghats. Access is controlled by the forest department, with a daily limit on trekkers and a mandatory guide.
The walk is steep and can be muddy, and the upper section is sometimes closed for conservation or weather. The heart-shaped lake is a sensitive area; do not enter it or leave anything behind. This is a popular trek, so book early and start at dawn. It is not a technical climb, but it demands reasonable fitness and proper shoes.
Why go
The best short high-altitude trek in Wayanad, with a distinctive lake and wide Ghats views.
What makes it different
The heart-shaped lake below the summit has made Chembra one of Kerala's most recognisable trekking landscapes.
Logistics
By air
Calicut International Airport is about 90 km away.
By rail
Kozhikode is the nearest major railhead, about 80 km away.
By road
Drive to Meppadi, then to the forest checkpoint; the trail starts nearby.
Nearest airport
Calicut International Airport (CCJ), ~90 km
Nearest railway
Kozhikode (CLT), ~80 km
A hired car to the checkpoint; the trek itself is on foot with a forest guide.
Permits & access
A forest permit and mandatory guide are required. The upper trail may be closed for conservation.
What to do
Keep going
Also nearby
These are editorial suggestions, not verified attractions. Access may be seasonal or private; ask locally before setting out.
Sleep
Resort
ListedChembra Peak, Wayanad
A rainforest resort in the Vythiri area of Wayanad, known for its hillside setting. Check the official site for current rooms, activities and access; this is a name-and-website listing only.
Rates are not published on Kayal. Confirm directly with the property.
Listings are names and official links only. We publish rates, room types and review scores only after direct verification.
Context
What to eat
Tea-shop food and Kerala meals in Meppadi; carry water and snacks.
Custom & context
The forest is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere and has tribal communities nearby. Follow the guide and do not enter restricted areas.
Money
Per person, per day
₹1,500–₹3,500
Indicative, not a quotation.
Per person per day, excluding travel to Kerala. Assumes a shared vehicle, permit, guide and simple food.
Who it suits
With children
Better for older children used to hiking. Not suitable for young children.
Senior travellers
Only for fit older travellers; the climb is steep and hot.
Accessibility
Not accessible. Steep forest trail.
Practical
Read before you go
Wear grippy shoes and carry water, rain protection and a charged phone. Leeches and slippery roots are common. Do not swim in the lake or stray from the guide.
Medical
Nearest hospitals are in Meppadi and Kalpetta.
Police
Meppadi police station serves the area.
Cool and misty, 10–25°C, with heavy monsoon rain. The trail can be closed after heavy rain.
Questions
Yes. A forest guide and permit are mandatory, and daily numbers are limited.
No. Access can be restricted for conservation or weather. Check at the forest counter.
Sources & verification
Last editorially verified: 1 October 2026. Fees, opening hours, transport and access change; confirm important details with official sources before travelling.
Editorial rating: 4.6 / 5. A rewarding, well-regulated trek. Book early, go with the guide and respect the lake. No visitor reviews are published for this destination yet, so no visitor rating is shown.
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