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
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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.