Chembra Peak, in Wayanad district, Kerala, is a guided day trek that climbs through tea estates and shola-grassland to a heart-shaped lake on the way to the district’s highest summit. According to Kerala Tourism, the peak rises to 2,100 m (6,890 ft) above sea level, which makes it the highest point in the Wayanad hills. The trek runs on a mandatory permit from the forest department at Meppadi, with a daily visitor cap and an on-foot, leave-no-trace stretch past the Vana Samrakshana Samithi (local forest protection committee) office.
Chembra Peak is a half-day guided trek near Meppadi in Wayanad, Kerala, that ends at a heart-shaped lake known as Hridaya Saras. You need a permit from the Meppadi forest office, a forest guide comes with the group, and the trek runs best from about September to May, outside the heavy monsoon.
Key takeaways
- Chembra Peak stands at 2,100 m (6,890 ft) and is the highest point in Wayanad district, Kerala, according to Kerala Tourism.
- The trek needs a mandatory permit from the Meppadi forest office; the DTPC Wayanad listing says only offline booking is available (as of October 2026).
- The heart-shaped lake, called Hridaya Saras by Kerala Tourism, sits roughly 1,100 m up the trail; the summit above it has been restricted for wildlife protection, so most treks end at the lake (as of October 2026).
- Entry is 7 am to 3 pm; the DTPC trekking fee is ₹4,000 for a group of five Indian trekkers plus ₹800 per extra person, indicative and to be reconfirmed (as of October 2026).
- The trailhead is about 13 km from Meppadi and roughly 20 km from Kalpetta; the nearest airport is Kozhikode (Calicut), about 95 km away, per Kerala Tourism.
- Best season is roughly September to May; the trail closes or thins out during the monsoon and in dry fire-risk spells.
About Chembra Peak and the heart-shaped lake
Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad district, Kerala, rising to 2,100 m (6,890 ft) above sea level, according to Kerala Tourism. It sits in the Western Ghats near the town of Meppadi, south of Kalpetta, and the climb crosses three kinds of country in a short distance: tea-estate slopes at the base, then open shola-grassland, with pockets of shola (high-altitude evergreen forest in the valley folds) higher up.
The feature most people come for is a small heart-shaped lake on the ascent. Kerala Tourism calls it Hridaya Saras; the DTPC Wayanad listing uses the Malayalam name Hridaya Thadakam. It is said to hold water through the year, and it sits roughly a third of the way below the true summit. The lake, not the top, is the usual turnaround point today.
On a clear morning the ridge gives long views over the Wayanad plateau and the surrounding Ghats, including the Vellarimala range. The grassland can look bare in the dry months and bright green after rain, so the scene changes a lot with the season.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Meppadi, Wayanad district, Kerala |
| Height | 2,100 m (6,890 ft); highest point in Wayanad (Kerala Tourism) |
| Heart-shaped lake | Hridaya Saras / Hridaya Thadakam, roughly 1,100 m up the trail |
| Trek type | Guided day trek, moderate; around 3–4 hours up-and-down (Kerala Tourism) |
| Managed by | Kerala Forest Department / DTPC Wayanad, via the local Vana Samrakshana Samithi |
| Permit | Mandatory, from the Meppadi forest office; offline booking (DTPC, as of October 2026) |
| Best season | About September to May |
Is the summit open? What the trek covers now
As of October 2026, most Chembra Peak treks end at the heart-shaped lake rather than the true summit. The DTPC Wayanad listing states that “the latter half of the trek has now been restricted due to wildlife activities,” and independent trek operators such as Indiahikes report that climbing to the highest point is not currently allowed. Treat the summit as closed and plan for the lake as your turnaround; confirm the live position with the Meppadi forest office before you travel, as this has changed before.
The restriction is not new. Outlook Traveller reported that the peak was shut in February 2018 after a forest fire destroyed grassland and wildlife habitat, and after heavy rain washed away part of the Meppadi access road, which cost about ₹1.8 crore to rebuild. When the trek reopened, the daily visitor cap was cut sharply (see the permit section). Onmanorama reported in 2022 that the forest department had made the summit area a protected zone and restricted human presence there.
In practice this means the headline experience, the heart-shaped lake and the grassland views on the way up, is intact. You are simply not permitted to continue to the rocky top. This is a conservation measure, and the rules on the ground can tighten further in a bad fire season.
Best time to trek Chembra Peak
The best time to trek Chembra Peak is the dry, cooler stretch from roughly September or October to March, extending into May in many years. Kerala Tourism lists the trekking season as October to March. During the south-west monsoon (broadly June to August) the grassland trail turns muddy and slippery, visibility drops, and leeches are common, so treks are often suspended or limited.
The flip side of the dry season is fire risk. In very dry spells the forest department can close the grassland trail at short notice to prevent fires, which is part of why the 2018 closure happened. Mornings are the window in any season: start at the 7 am opening, both for cooler walking and for the clearest views before cloud builds over the Ghats.
| Months | Conditions | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|
| Sep–Nov | Post-monsoon; green grassland, lake full, some cloud | Very good; carry rain cover |
| Dec–Feb | Dry, cool mornings, clearest views | Best overall; busiest |
| Mar–May | Warm, grassland drying out; possible fire-season closures | Good early morning; check status |
| Jun–Aug | Heavy monsoon; mud, leeches, low visibility | Often closed or limited |
How to reach Chembra Peak
Reach Chembra Peak by road from Meppadi, about 13 km from the trailhead, or from Kalpetta, around 20 km away, according to Kerala Tourism. There is no public transport to the forest gate itself, so most trekkers drive, take a taxi, or catch a bus to Meppadi and continue by private vehicle or auto to the Vana Samrakshana Samithi office, where vehicles stop and the walk begins.
By air, the nearest airport is Kozhikode (Calicut) International Airport, about 95 km away, and Kannur International Airport is roughly 118 km away, per Kerala Tourism. The nearest railway station is Kozhikode (Calicut), about 91 km away, on the Shoranur–Mangaluru line with frequent trains from across Kerala. From Kozhikode the road climbs to Wayanad through the Thamarassery ghat, a two-to-three-hour drive in normal traffic.
| From | Distance (approx) | How |
|---|---|---|
| Meppadi town | ~13 km | Taxi / auto / own vehicle |
| Kalpetta | ~20 km | Taxi / own vehicle; bus to Meppadi then local transport |
| Kozhikode (Calicut) railway station | ~91 km | Train, then road via Thamarassery ghat |
| Kozhikode (Calicut) airport | ~95 km | Taxi (2.5–3 hours) |
| Kannur airport | ~118 km | Taxi (3–4 hours) |
For the wider region, our Wayanad travel guide sets out how the main sights, including Chembra, string together on a two- or three-day trip.
Permit, fees, group size and eco rules
A permit from the Meppadi forest office is mandatory to trek Chembra Peak, and the DTPC Wayanad listing says only offline booking is available (as of October 2026). Permits are issued on a first-come basis, usually on the morning of the trek, so arrive early. A forest guide is assigned through the local Vana Samrakshana Samithi; several operators describe the guide as mandatory and part of the group’s charge.
The DTPC Wayanad listing publishes a fee structure, which should be treated as indicative and reconfirmed on the spot, because sources disagree and rates change. As of October 2026 it lists trekking at ₹4,000 for a group of five Indian trekkers, with ₹800 for each additional person; a student rate of ₹1,000 for five, plus ₹200 per extra person; and ₹8,000 for five foreign trekkers, plus ₹1,600 each beyond that. A separate visit fee of ₹50 (₹80 for foreigners) and camera charges of ₹53 (still) and ₹301 (video) are also listed.
The daily visitor cap was cut to 200 trekkers after the reopening, down from about 1,000 earlier, Outlook Traveller reported. Entry is 7 am to 3 pm per the DTPC listing, though press and operators often quote a last-start time around 1–2 pm, so reaching the gate by 7–8 am is the safe plan. Carry a government photo ID for the permit.
| Charge | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Trekking, group of 5 (Indian) | ₹4,000 | +₹800 per extra person |
| Trekking, group of 5 (students) | ₹1,000 | +₹200 per extra person |
| Trekking, group of 5 (foreign) | ₹8,000 | +₹1,600 per extra person |
| Visit fee | ₹50 (₹80 foreign) | Separate from trekking |
| Still / video camera | ₹53 / ₹301 | As listed |
| Booking | Offline only | Meppadi forest office, morning of trek |
The site is run as eco-tourism. Kerala Tourism asks visitors to avoid plastics and not to litter, and the standard forest-department practice here is to stop vehicles at the Vana Samrakshana Samithi office so the forest stretch is walked, not driven. Expect bag checks, a ban on single-use plastic and alcohol, and a no-fire rule on the grassland. Treat these as conditions of entry.
The trek, step by step
The Chembra Peak trek is a moderate up-and-down of about 3 to 4 hours in good conditions, per Kerala Tourism, starting from the Vana Samrakshana Samithi office near Meppadi. The route begins gently through tea estates, then climbs more steeply onto open grassland where there is little shade. Watch towers and a marked trail help with orientation, and the guide sets the pace for the group.
- Base to grassland: an easy warm-up through tea gardens, then a steady climb onto the ridge. Views open up quickly.
- Grassland to the heart-shaped lake: the main effort, on exposed slopes. The lake, Hridaya Saras, sits in a fold roughly 1,100 m up and is the usual turnaround.
- Return: the same way down. Allow time for photographs and rest at the lake, then descend before afternoon cloud or heat.
Carry at least 1.5–2 litres of water per person, as there is no safe drinking source on the trail, plus snacks, sun protection and a light rain layer. Shoes with grip matter more than anything else; the grassland is slippery when damp.
Where to stay near Chembra Peak
Stay in or near Meppadi or Kalpetta for the easiest early start to Chembra Peak. Meppadi puts you closest to the trailhead; Kalpetta is a larger town with more choice and is central for the rest of Wayanad. Both have homestays and estate stays set among tea and coffee, which suit a trekking trip better than a long transfer on trek morning.
Room rates are planning estimates, dated October 2026, and vary with season and demand, so book ahead for weekends and the December–February peak.
| Type | Indicative rate / night (double) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Budget homestay / lodge | ₹1,200–₹2,500 | Early start, simple comfort |
| Mid-range homestay / estate stay | ₹2,500–₹6,000 | Most trekkers; plantation setting |
| Upper-range resort | ₹6,000–₹15,000+ | Spa, pool, longer stay |
For planning the whole state around this base, our Kerala travel guide covers how Wayanad fits with the backwaters, hill stations and coast.
Budget for a Chembra Peak day
A Chembra Peak day for two, staying locally, runs roughly ₹4,500–₹8,000 including the shared trek permit, a night’s stay and meals, on the indicative DTPC rates (as of October 2026). The permit is the big variable: it is priced per group of five, so a pair pays the same ₹4,000 base as a group of five, which makes a larger group far cheaper per head. Travelling with others, where practical, cuts the cost sharply.
| Item | Estimate (two people) | Assumption |
|---|---|---|
| Trek permit (group of 5 base) | ₹4,000 | Cheaper per head in a bigger group |
| Visit fee | ₹100 | ₹50 each |
| Local transport / taxi | ₹800–₹1,500 | Meppadi base; return to trailhead |
| One night’s stay | ₹1,500–₹3,000 | Budget to mid homestay |
| Meals and water | ₹600–₹1,000 | Two people, local eateries |
| Rough total | ₹7,000–₹9,600 | Lower per head with a larger group |
Safety and leave-no-trace rules
The main safety points on Chembra Peak are heat, slips and weather, not altitude; at 2,100 m there is no real risk of altitude sickness. The grassland is exposed, so sun and dehydration are the common problems, and wet grass is genuinely slippery on the descent. Stay with your guide and the group, keep to the marked trail, and do not attempt to continue past the lake toward the restricted summit.
- Start early: use the 7 am opening for cool air, clear views and time to descend safely.
- Carry out everything: no littering, no single-use plastic. This is an eco-tourism site and bags are checked.
- Weather: cloud and rain roll in fast over the Ghats; turn back if visibility drops.
- Connectivity and cash: mobile signal is patchy on the trail; carry some cash for the permit and local shops, as UPI and ATMs are only reliable in Meppadi and Kalpetta.
- Health: the nearest hospitals are in Meppadi and Kalpetta; tell someone your plan if trekking as a small group.
Solo and small-group trekkers are fine on this guided, capped trek, but women travelling alone may prefer to join a larger permitted group for company on the quieter stretches. The guide stays with the group throughout.
Nearby places to add
Chembra Peak pairs well with the sights clustered around Meppadi and Kalpetta, so a two- or three-day Wayanad trip can cover a lot without long drives. Soochipara Falls is the closest headline add, and the towns themselves are the natural bases.
| Place | Distance from trailhead (approx) | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Meppadi | ~13 km | Nearest town; trek base, stays, food |
| Soochipara (Sentinel Rock) Falls | ~15–20 km | Three-tier waterfall; short forest walk |
| Kalpetta | ~20 km | Main town; transport hub, markets |
| Vellarimala range | Adjacent | Ghat ridgeline seen from Chembra |
| Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Muthanga/Tholpetty) | ~40–60 km | Safari; elephants, deer (separate booking) |
For a full itinerary that strings these together, see our Wayanad travel guide, and for the wider route across the state the Kerala travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit to trek Chembra Peak?
Yes. A permit from the Meppadi forest office is mandatory to trek Chembra Peak in Wayanad, Kerala. The DTPC Wayanad listing says only offline booking is available (as of October 2026), with permits issued on the trek morning on a first-come basis. A forest guide is assigned to each group, so carry photo ID and arrive early.
Is the Chembra Peak summit open or does the trek stop at the lake?
Most Chembra Peak treks now end at the heart-shaped lake, not the summit. The DTPC Wayanad listing says the latter half of the trek is restricted for wildlife, and operators report the top is closed to trekkers (as of October 2026). The lake sits roughly 1,100 m up. Confirm the current rule with the Meppadi forest office.
What is the best time to trek Chembra Peak?
The best time to trek Chembra Peak is the dry season, roughly September or October to March and into May in many years. Kerala Tourism lists October to March. Avoid the June–August monsoon, when the grassland is muddy, slippery and leech-prone and treks are often suspended. In dry fire-risk spells the trail can also close.
How much does the Chembra Peak trek cost?
The DTPC Wayanad listing shows trekking at ₹4,000 for a group of five Indian trekkers, plus ₹800 per extra person, with a student rate of ₹1,000 for five (as of October 2026, indicative, reconfirm). Foreign trekkers pay ₹8,000 for five. A ₹50 visit fee and camera charges apply separately, so larger groups cost less per head.
How do you reach Chembra Peak from Kalpetta or Kozhikode?
Chembra Peak’s trailhead is about 20 km from Kalpetta and 13 km from Meppadi by road, per Kerala Tourism. There is no bus to the forest gate, so drive or take a taxi. The nearest airport and railway station are both at Kozhikode (Calicut), about 95 km and 91 km away, a 2.5–3 hour drive via the Thamarassery ghat.
Is Chembra Peak difficult to trek?
Chembra Peak is a moderate trek of about 3 to 4 hours up and down, per Kerala Tourism, suitable for reasonably fit beginners. There is no altitude risk at 2,100 m, but the grassland is steep and exposed, with sun, heat and slippery wet grass the main challenges. Good grip shoes, water and an early start make it comfortable.
Last updated and sources
Chembra Peak suits anyone after a short, scenic Western Ghats trek with a clear payoff at the heart-shaped lake; go on a dry-season morning, book the permit at Meppadi, and plan the summit as off-limits. Pair it with Soochipara Falls and a Wayanad base for an easy two-day trip.
Last updated: 20 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Kerala Tourism, Chembra Peak trekking page (keralatourism.org); DTPC Wayanad, Chembra Peak listing (dtpcwayanad.com); Outlook Traveller, reopening report (outlooktraveller.com); Onmanorama, Chembra trekking adventure (onmanorama.com); Indiahikes, Chembra Peak trek (indiahikes.com). Accessed October 2026.
