Chembra Peak
Wayanad's best-known trek, centred on a naturally heart-shaped lake partway up the peak — worth checking current summit access before planning around it.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Chembra Peak Trek Overview
Wayanad's best-known trek, centred on a naturally heart-shaped lake partway up the peak — worth checking current summit access before planning around it.
Distance, route & access
Distances depend on route variant and may not include road transfers.
Recorded start: Meppadi · Estimated trip duration: 1 day. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Elevation information
Catalogue altitude reference
This is a catalogue figure without a route-specific linked elevation source. It is not a verified GPS maximum, starting altitude or total ascent.
A measured walking-route profile is not available. Have a reliable published route or GPX file? Send a correction or source.
Chembra Peak Trek Planning Guide
Chembra Peak is a moderate trek in Wayanad, Kerala, Kerala. Panth records the route as approximately 8 km over 1 day, reaching a maximum elevation of 6,890 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Chembra Peak
The Panth catalogue currently lists Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
The current Panth itinerary contains 1 planned day, including Meppadi to Heart Lake viewpoint. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
A permit or ILP is listed in the catalogue, but current rules must be confirmed. The recorded base location is Meppadi, and the nearest listed rail connection is Kozhikode (Calicut), then a road journey to Meppadi, Wayanad. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A moderate rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Chembra Peak. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including Confirm current summit-access rules before travel — the Forest Department has varied the permitted turnaround point in different years and Permits are capped and sell out on weekends in peak season; book ahead. The current packing notes include Leech socks for the shola forest sections, Sun protection for the exposed upper grassland. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Kerala
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Chembra Peak with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Day-by-day itinerary
Climb through tea estates and shola forest to the heart-shaped lake, the usual permitted turnaround point.
Safety notes
- Confirm current summit-access rules before travel — the Forest Department has varied the permitted turnaround point in different years
- Permits are capped and sell out on weekends in peak season; book ahead
What to pack
- Leech socks for the shola forest sections
- Sun protection for the exposed upper grassland
Frequently asked questions about Chembra Peak
Where is Chembra Peak located?
Chembra Peak is listed in Wayanad, Kerala, within the Kerala trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Chembra Peak trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Moderate. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Chembra Peak?
Panth currently lists Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Chembra Peak?
A permit or ILP is currently recorded as required.
How long is the Chembra Peak trek?
The catalogue records 1 day and approximately 8 km. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.