Chembra Peak: Finding the Heart-shaped Lake in Wayanad, Kerala

“What’s the toughest part of a trek?” I remember asking one of the tour guides on my first trek. “Climbing down!” he said. “Not because of the rocky and dangerous terrain, but because you are leaving this beautiful peak behind you.”

I never understood the entirety of the conversation until I came across the Chembra peak.

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The sun started rising as I reached the base of the Chembra hill. I peered to get a glimpse of the peak hiding behind dense clouds. All I could see were hill ranges immaculately arranged in ascending order. The rays of light bounced off the green blankets giving a shimmering effect.

The peak is 10 km away from Meppadi, a modest town in Wayanad. You can hire an auto to reach the base of the trek.

Once you are there, you have to buy tickets to get entry. The ticket costs Rs.20 per person and includes guide fees. You won’t need a guide as the trail is marked very clearly. There’s usually a lot of rush and the Chembra Forest Division office strictly follows the rule of allowing only 100 members per day. So you might want to reach the place early to collect your ticket.

I know it is disheartening, but the area is very sensitive and highly prone to wildfires. Rules are necessary to preserve the ecological balance.

Gates open at 7 AM.

I reached very early and got bored waiting. Thankfully, there’s a small tea stall right beside the ticket counter which sells the most AMAZING Puttu and Kadala curry. Let’s not forget the coffee! The beautiful aroma of authentic Wayanad coffee is to die for.

You may choose to start your trek from the counter or drive further until you reach a watchtower. Don’t worry if you don’t have a vehicle of your own, there are usually a lot of jeeps on the route.

I would personally suggest you start the trek from the entry gate. It is a rather tiring walk, but I enjoyed every second. The terrain is covered with beautiful tea plantations and steep valleys tucked under blankets of fog. The entire hill is rich with tea estates and coffee plantations.

If you are a photography enthusiast, nothing can give you a better frame than Chembra tea plantations in the early morning light.

Each turn you take reveals breathtaking views. One more astonishing than the other!

Once you reach the watchtower, be careful and watch where you walk! The hill get steeper and it is important you make your grip stronger with each step. Chembra takes you through thick forests, boulders, and muddy water puddles.

I haven't told you about the best part yet.

As you reach the peak, you will come across a beautiful lake in the shape of a heart! Known as Hridhayathadakam, the heart-shaped lake might just be the most beautiful thing you ever see. The gentle breeze flowing through the shores of the lake will make you forget the world around you, almost magically!

Hiking further ahead of the lake, you will come across a narrow cliff-hanging over a valley.

The view from the cliff will make up for the trek.

Sadly, this is the farthest you are allowed to trek. You can enjoy the view of gorgeous green landscapes stretching across Meppadi town.

Unfortunately, you are allowed to be here for only 15 minutes. So, forget clicking pictures and enjoy the magnificence of nature around you. I wish I could stay here for the rest of my life, but I was angrily shooed away by a Forest Department official.

The descent is through the same trail. The trail is slippery, especially during monsoons. Watch your step so you don't slip and fall. Once you reach the watchtower, it isn't difficult to find an auto that will take you back to Meppadi.