Chembra Peak Foothills Wayanad - Image 1
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Chembra Peak Foothills Wayanad

4.6
·2k reviews·Meppadi, India

Trek to the highest peak in Wayanad, famous for its heart-shaped lake and breathtaking panoramic views of lush green hills.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the crowds & heat

CrowdLow
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Chembra Peak Foothills Wayanad - Image 1

Chembra Peak Foothills Wayanad

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the crowds & heat

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Trek to the highest peak in Wayanad, famous for its heart-shaped lake and breathtaking panoramic views of lush green hills.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Awesome, actually it's heaven,,, But we should go with full preparation lik shoe, umbrella or raincoat or water bottle."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Get Tickets Early

Only 80 tickets daily! Arrive before 7 AM or stay at Zostel for easier access.

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trekking involves muddy, uneven paths. Waterproof, grippy shoes are essential for safety.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 2,128 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Heart-Shaped Lake (Hridayasaras)

Heart-Shaped Lake (Hridayasaras)

On the trek route to the summit

The iconic heart-shaped lake, a stunning natural formation offering a unique photo opportunity and a serene stop on the trek.

Panoramic Summit Views

Panoramic Summit Views

Summit of Chembra Peak

Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Wayanad's lush green hills, tea plantations, and valleys await trekkers at the top.

Trek Through Tea Plantations

Trek Through Tea Plantations

Trail to Chembra Peak

An invigorating trek winding through vibrant green tea estates and dense forests, offering a sensory delight.

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Planning Your Visit

Secure Your Trekking Spot Early

Only 80 tickets are issued daily for the Chembra Peak trek. Arrive at the ticket counter very early, ideally before 7 AM, or consider staying at nearby Zostel for convenient access. This ensures you get a spot to experience the heart-shaped lake and summit views.

Monsoon Preparedness is Key

Wayanad experiences heavy monsoon from June to July. While roads are generally decent, expect muddy trails and potential for slippery conditions. Carry rain gear, sturdy waterproof shoes, and a walking stick for extra support during your trek.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Beat the crowds & heat
Crowd
Low
When
Midweek
Why
Fewer people, easier tickets
Crowd
Low
When
Post-monsoon (Oct-Feb)
Why
Clear skies, lush greenery
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Heart shaped lake , Wayanad -kerala

This is on the way to Chembra peak in Wayanad. Currently trekking is allowed till the lake, but the entry is heavily restricted. However, the photo here is taken on way to the peak beyond the lake. The trek beyond lake is no longer allowed. I have been to the top long time…

🎟️ Get Tickets Early

Only 80 tickets daily! Arrive before 7 AM or stay at Zostel for easier access. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trekking involves muddy, uneven paths. Waterproof, grippy shoes are essential for safety. Reddit

reddit.com

Two wheeler drive through Wayanad in Jun-Jul’24, is it safe?

Visiting Meppadi, Wayanad from 27June-1Jul’24. Seems to be peak monsoon. We’ll be renting a two wheeler from Kalpetta to Meppadi (16kms, 28mins ride). We aren’t familiar with the terrain. Will there be active landslides? Is there anything we need to worry about? Please help.

☔ Pack Rain Gear

Monsoon season (June-July) means rain. Carry a raincoat or umbrella. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and energized on the 5km trek. Limited facilities on the trail. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Get Tickets Early

Only 80 tickets daily! Arrive before 7 AM or stay at Zostel for easier access. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trekking involves muddy, uneven paths. Waterproof, grippy shoes are essential for safety. Reddit

☔ Pack Rain Gear

Monsoon season (June-July) means rain. Carry a raincoat or umbrella. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and energized on the 5km trek. Limited facilities on the trail. Reddit

🚶 Bamboo Stick for Support

Consider a bamboo stick for extra stability on slippery, muddy sections, especially during monsoons. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Chembra Peak is lauded for its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly the iconic heart-shaped lake and panoramic summit views. Trekkers appreciate the moderate challenge and the scenic journey through tea plantations. However, the strict daily ticket limit and the relatively high group trekking fee are common points of contention.

"Chembra Peak is Amazing!!!
We were at ticket counter by 3:30 AM and luckily got tickets for trekking as we were among 80 tickets or people.
They issue trekking tickets only 80 tickets or people per day.
Once 80 tickets overs then no further issues of tickets.
Start early to ticket counter.
Best way to get tickets is just stay at Zostel which is less than 1 km.
Once you get tickets they will allow you to trek after 7AM.
Around 5kms up and down trek.
It is average trek not difficult and not easy.
Please avoid trekking if it is raining.
Well maintained by Kerala forest department.
First come first serve for tickets.
Happy Trekking."

RAM GADADAR

"Definitely worth doing. Beautiful views of the Ghats and good exercise.

Medium level fitness is enough.

4.5km walk from the start point and back. Elevation 352m gain. Took 2 hours both ways with extra time at the top

Currently the summit is closed. Climb only allowed to the heart shaped lake.

You need to buy a permit to hike. Office opens at 7am. The queue was very small. It was midweek. I suspect it can be very busy during peak times."

Alwyn Abraham

"Awesome, actually it's heaven,,,
But we should go with full preparation lik shoe, umbrella or raincoat or water bottle. It is full of muddy road.
In rainy time we have to be extra careful ,for extra support we can take one Bamboo stick"

priya J

What People Like

Stunning heart-shaped lake
Panoramic mountain views
Invigorating tea plantation trek

What People Dislike

Strict daily ticket limit
High group trek fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Chembra Peak is located near Meppadi, about 16 km from Kalpetta. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Meppadi and then arrange for transport to the peak's base. Renting a two-wheeler is also an option, but be cautious of road conditions, especially during monsoon. Reddit

While roads are generally decent, monsoon can bring potholes and slippery conditions. Drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. Landslides are rare but possible in heavy rain. Reddit

The ticket counter is located at the base of the trek. Staying at Zostel, which is less than 1 km away, is a convenient option. Otherwise, hire a local auto-rickshaw or taxi from Meppadi. Reddit

Local buses run from Kalpetta to Meppadi. From Meppadi, you might need to hire a local vehicle or walk to the trek starting point. Reddit

Chembra Peak is situated in the Wayanad district of Kerala. The nearest major town is Kalpetta, approximately 16 km away. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Only 80 people are allowed to trek to the summit of Chembra Peak per day. It's a first-come, first-served system for tickets. Reddit

The ticket price for a group of 5 or less is Rs. 4000. However, you can walk to the Chembra watchtower for Rs. 50 per head. Reddit

The office opens at 7 AM. It's advisable to be there well before opening to secure your spot, especially on weekends or holidays. Reddit

Currently, tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the counter. Online booking is not available. Reddit

Currently, the summit is closed, and trekking is allowed only up to the heart-shaped lake. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The trek is considered moderate. It's about 5 km up and down, with an elevation gain of 352m. It requires average fitness and takes about 2 hours round trip. Reddit

Wear comfortable, sturdy trekking shoes with good grip. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is recommended. Carry a raincoat or umbrella, especially during monsoon. Reddit

The trek is approximately 4.5 km from the start point and back. It typically takes about 2 hours to complete, including time spent at the top. Reddit

Facilities are limited on the trail. It's best to carry your own water and snacks. The trail is well-maintained by the Kerala Forest Department. Reddit

Yes, photography is allowed and highly encouraged! The panoramic views and the heart-shaped lake offer stunning photo opportunities. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The heart-shaped lake is a prime spot for unique photos. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations, perfect for landscape shots. Reddit

Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoon can provide dramatic lighting as the sun sets. Reddit

No special permit is required for general photography. However, commercial photography or videography might require separate permissions. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the distance. Ensure your gear is protected from rain and humidity. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted in protected forest areas. It's best to check with the local forest department for current regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

Chembra Peak Foothills Wayanad (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide