- Where
- Near Meppadi, about 8 km from town
- Trek window
- About 7 AM–12 noon
- Fee
- Charged per group of 5 (about ₹4,000–5,000 for Indians); confirm at the counter
- Guide
- Included and mandatory
- Daily cap
- Yes (75–88 people reported)
- Best season
- October to March
- Time needed
- Half a day with the drive
- From Coffee Haven
- About 16 km as the crow flies; allow more by road
Our tip
Wayanad's highest peak at 2,100m. The heart-shaped lake halfway up is the iconic stop. Start by 7 AM sharp; registrations open at the forest checkpoint near Meppadi. A guide is mandatory. For now treks go only as far as the lake; the upper section is closed because of wildlife. Daily entries are capped, so arrive early.From our guest guidebook
Staying nearby? Our coffee-estate homes in Kakkavayal are about 16 km away as the crow flies. Book a stay →
What to expect
You register at the eco-tourism centre near Meppadi, where a forest guide is assigned to your group. A jeep takes you to the drop-off point, and from there you walk through tea, shola forest and open grassland to Hridaya Saras, the heart-shaped lake. Since the 2024 reopening, the section above the lake has been closed because of wildlife activity, so the lake is the turnaround point.
Plan your visit
- Leave Coffee Haven by about 6:15 AM to be at the counter when it opens.
- Groups are priced as a block of five, so it is cheaper to go as a group of five than as two.
- Carry water, a snack and a light rain layer. There is little shade on the grassland.
- Avoid June to August: trails are slippery and the centre closes on red-alert days.
Good to know
Chembra closed from February to October 2024 after a High Court order and reopened with a smaller daily cap. Fees quoted online vary a lot between sources, so treat any number as a guide and confirm locally.
Getting there
Questions
Can you still climb to the top of Chembra Peak?
Not at the moment. Treks currently go only as far as the heart-shaped lake; the upper section is closed because of wildlife activity.
What time should I reach Chembra Peak?
Be at the counter early. The trek window runs from about 7 AM to noon, and the daily cap can fill on weekends.
Is a guide compulsory at Chembra?
Yes. A forest guide walks with every group and is included in the fee.
Is Chembra open in the monsoon?
It often closes on heavy-rain and red-alert days. October to March is the best season.