Chembra Peak, Wayanad

Visitor Information

• Famous for:  Trekking, Lake, Hill ranges, Photography, History.
• Entrance Fee: 500 for Indian Nationals and Rs. 1000 for Foreign Nationals (only if you want to trek to the peak). Jeep ride to the peak costs extra.
• Visiting Time: 6AM to 6PM.
• Visit Duration: 4 to 5 hours.

The place where dark and dense evergreen deciduous forests, couple with lush green meadows and virgin waterfalls, amidst pristine and delicate ecosystems harbouring some of the rarest varieties of flora and fauna. This is a place which still safely harbours different communities within its great depths. Being the highest peak in Wayanad, Chembra overwhelms you with its panoramic views of rolling meadows, groves and waterfalls for as far as the eyes can see.

Traveler Tips

• You will need your ID proofs to gain access to some of the tourist sites at Wayanad, including Chembra.
• Chembra houses a delicate balance of flora and fauna which has to be well maintained and well preserved. So, make sure you don’t carry your litter into the biome.
• The trek to Chembra is a moderate one but it is still the highest peak in the Wayanad Hill ranges, so carry plenty of water with you.
• You can also pack handy snacks with you. Just make sure that you don’t carry plastic with you.

Things to Do at Chembra Peak

• The trekking trail to Chembra is quite fascinating. You can directly ascent the peak or avail a jeep ride which will take you through a different route through the dense forest.
• A dip in the Chembra Lake would be worth your time. The waters of the lake have never once dried up and are believed to have healing powers. If you have prior permission, then I guess you can definitely try out the lake.
• Plan a picnic for your loved ones, amidst tall pine and teak trees, with the cold breeze brushing your cheeks with love and care- with the heart shaped Chembra Lake in the background.

Availability of Guides

I normally would not recommend a guide at Chembra, since hundreds of people trek to Chembra peak every year and the routes are clearly marked and well made out. However, if you wish to trek through the more unexplored trails of Chembra then I would suggest that you avail the expertise of a guide. If you want to catch a glimpse of the tribal settlements then it helps if you have a guide experienced in the local culture and traditions. It is always safe to hire someone from the official tourism office at Wayanad, so that you will be in safe hands.

Best Time to Visit

Recent climatic changes have deemed the summers in Wayanad as hot and dry. The heat shrivels up the green blanket of Wayanad and the water in the rivulets and lakes usually dries up. The monsoons in Kerala, coupled with heavy lightning and thunder render it impossible to visit the place during the months of June and July. So that leaves the winters, which usually extends from mid-November till the month of February, as your best bet to visit the place.

How to Reach Chembra Peak

The nearest airport to Chembra is at Calicut. This International airport is commuted by both international and domestic flights. The airport is 70 kms away from Chembra. The nearest railway station to Chembra peak is also at Calicut. From Calicut Railway Station, the distance to the peak is approximated at 65 kms which can be easily covered by local transportation facilities.

Interesting Facts and Trivia about Chembra Peak

• Chembra Peak perched 7000 ft. above sea level is the highest peak in Wayanad.
• The hill ranges of Chembra is home to a number of ethnic tribes like Malayarayan, Malapandaram, Oorali, Kurumba and plenty more.
• Chembra played an important role in the guerrilla warfare of Pazhassi Raja.
• The dense forests in the foothills of Chembra Peak is said to harbour the ruins of megalithic settlements.
• Local myths have attributed divine origin to the Chembra Lake. It is believed that Sita Devi herself has bathed in the divine waters of the lake.
• The pristine waters of Chembra are believed to have remedial clouts and due to its rare varieties of flora and fauna, the very air at Chembra is believed to be medicinal and many have attested to its healing powers.

Nearby Attractions

• Pazhassi Raja Temple
• Lakkidi View Point
• Soochipara Falls
• Karalad Lake
• Kalpetta
• Karapuzha Dam
• Spice Market

Nearby Restaurants

• Café Coffee Grove
• Jubilee Restaurant
• Clay Hut Restaurant
• Tea Garden Restaurant
• Wilton Hotel and Restaurant
• Malabar Restaurant

The Wayanad Hill Ranges have always offered its visitors something in return. Each time you visit, the place only becomes more and more enticing. Chembra Peak has added to its already mesmerizing beauty. The peak is a siren call for all those who venture out into its dense secrets. There is nothing more apt than natural scenic wonders as far as the eyes can see to soothe those nerves.