Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak
4.5
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Thaila S
San Mateo, CA61 contributions
Dec 2022
This place is so incredible! Stunning views, so scenic. We enjoyed a 1 hour walk, we walked until the watchtower and that was a good amount of walking for my young kids and elderly mother in law.
Be warned that there are many monkeys around who will hound you for food - they were not aggressive but they definitely came close.
The views are amazing, we felt fortunate to see such beauty in India.
Be warned that there are many monkeys around who will hound you for food - they were not aggressive but they definitely came close.
The views are amazing, we felt fortunate to see such beauty in India.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hosamani
11 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
its beautiful and perfect trekking spot in wayanad (chambra peak).must visit place for all trek lovers. its moderate deficult trek. the view from the peak is just fabulous. the heart shaped lake is so beautiful to watch.This trek gave me passion in my life
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kunnal_Shah
Mumbai, India50 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
It's a shame that we could trek to this place. February being start of fire season, this place is closed by Forest Department recently. This place will remain closed up to April/May. So please check with your respective hotels before going to this place. Actually can't review it without going, but have to rate in order to post this. This post is more to provide information that the peak is closed, so kindly ignore the rating given.
Written 21 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karan Sharma
Bengaluru, India39 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
I visited Wayanad last week and was very excited to go to Chembra. The resort people had informed me that the trekking has stopped but one can go till the lake.
I started for Chembra on 30th April early morning and to my surprise the road towards Chembra is closed for all tourists for unknown reasons. It was a waste of 2 hours drive.
I started for Chembra on 30th April early morning and to my surprise the road towards Chembra is closed for all tourists for unknown reasons. It was a waste of 2 hours drive.
Written 4 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niraj B
2 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
This place is closed. Do not go to this place n waste your time.If you are planning to visit wayanad I must tell you that many tourist places are shut down.
Only the following places are open
Pookot lake
Kuruva island- But it gets closed at 1pm. Make sure you reach before it gets closed.
Banasura Sagar dam
Karapuzha dam
Sunrise Valley
Neelimala View point
Edakkal Caves
Wayanad Heritage Museum
Sultan Bathery Jain Temple
Chain tree
Pazhassi Tomb
Thirunelli Temple
Pallikkunnu Church
Varambatta Mosque
Only the following places are open
Pookot lake
Kuruva island- But it gets closed at 1pm. Make sure you reach before it gets closed.
Banasura Sagar dam
Karapuzha dam
Sunrise Valley
Neelimala View point
Edakkal Caves
Wayanad Heritage Museum
Sultan Bathery Jain Temple
Chain tree
Pazhassi Tomb
Thirunelli Temple
Pallikkunnu Church
Varambatta Mosque
Written 6 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
subith86
Kitchener, Canada41 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
My opinion
- Very scenic place.
- Easier to trek. Not so fit people can also try.
- A bit expensive fees.
- Reducing 1 star for the cost of trek (750 for a 2-3 km trek)
How to reach:
- Reach the town of Kalpetta first. Use google maps to reach Meppadi.
- Better option - take a bus going to Vaduvanchal from Kalpetta's new bus stand. Get down at Meppadi stop.
- Distance from Kalpetta to Meppadi - 12 Kms. 30 mins in bus. Rs.12/head
- From Meppadi, Chembra 7 kms to the right.
- This 7 kms road is okay till first 3-4 kms. Then it's pathetic.
- Cars not recommended. Bikes are still fine.
- Best option is to walk these 7 kms to the trekking base. It's a scenic path.
- No vehicle and not ready to walk? Then there are jeeps from Meppadi to the base. But they are world class cheaters. They charge too high for the 7 kms especially if you don't know to speak Malayalam. Recommended only if you are a group of 7 or 8 so that you can share the jeep expense.
- After 3-4 kms of walk/drive uphill there will be a ticket counter. Pay for visit/trek/camera etc. Without this ticket you wont be allowed beyond the base.
- Again walk/drive 3-4 kms uphill and you will reach the base.
- You have parking facility at the base if your vehicle makes it till there.
- Autos rarely take you to the base since the road is very bad. One option - take auto till the ticket counter and walk the remaining.
Procedure for trekking
- Before reaching Wayanad, call up the tourism information center and make sure trekking is allowed at Chembra.
- Purchase tickets at the ticket counter mentioned in the how-to-reach section.
- Only visiting (till the base) is 20 per head.
- Trekking costs Rs.750 for a group of 10. If you are single or couple, it's the same.
- Camera charges extra (I forgot how much).
- Show your ticket at the base. You will be allotted a guide.
- Trekking up and down takes around 3 hours of time. Around 2-3 kms one direction.
- Allowed time - 7 AM to 2 PM. It means if you reach the trekking base after 2 PM, you wont be allowed to trek.
- Visiting time - 7 AM to 5 PM.
Suggestions
- Only 2 or 3 members? then wait for another group at the ticket counter and share the trekking expense.
- Start trekking as early as possible. Chembra is the best early in the morning.
- Recommended only in monsoon or winter. (June-Feb)
- Combine Soochippara and Kanthanpara Falls along with this trek since both are nearby in the same route. See my reviews for both the falls for more details.
- Very scenic place.
- Easier to trek. Not so fit people can also try.
- A bit expensive fees.
- Reducing 1 star for the cost of trek (750 for a 2-3 km trek)
How to reach:
- Reach the town of Kalpetta first. Use google maps to reach Meppadi.
- Better option - take a bus going to Vaduvanchal from Kalpetta's new bus stand. Get down at Meppadi stop.
- Distance from Kalpetta to Meppadi - 12 Kms. 30 mins in bus. Rs.12/head
- From Meppadi, Chembra 7 kms to the right.
- This 7 kms road is okay till first 3-4 kms. Then it's pathetic.
- Cars not recommended. Bikes are still fine.
- Best option is to walk these 7 kms to the trekking base. It's a scenic path.
- No vehicle and not ready to walk? Then there are jeeps from Meppadi to the base. But they are world class cheaters. They charge too high for the 7 kms especially if you don't know to speak Malayalam. Recommended only if you are a group of 7 or 8 so that you can share the jeep expense.
- After 3-4 kms of walk/drive uphill there will be a ticket counter. Pay for visit/trek/camera etc. Without this ticket you wont be allowed beyond the base.
- Again walk/drive 3-4 kms uphill and you will reach the base.
- You have parking facility at the base if your vehicle makes it till there.
- Autos rarely take you to the base since the road is very bad. One option - take auto till the ticket counter and walk the remaining.
Procedure for trekking
- Before reaching Wayanad, call up the tourism information center and make sure trekking is allowed at Chembra.
- Purchase tickets at the ticket counter mentioned in the how-to-reach section.
- Only visiting (till the base) is 20 per head.
- Trekking costs Rs.750 for a group of 10. If you are single or couple, it's the same.
- Camera charges extra (I forgot how much).
- Show your ticket at the base. You will be allotted a guide.
- Trekking up and down takes around 3 hours of time. Around 2-3 kms one direction.
- Allowed time - 7 AM to 2 PM. It means if you reach the trekking base after 2 PM, you wont be allowed to trek.
- Visiting time - 7 AM to 5 PM.
Suggestions
- Only 2 or 3 members? then wait for another group at the ticket counter and share the trekking expense.
- Start trekking as early as possible. Chembra is the best early in the morning.
- Recommended only in monsoon or winter. (June-Feb)
- Combine Soochippara and Kanthanpara Falls along with this trek since both are nearby in the same route. See my reviews for both the falls for more details.
Written 29 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sujay K
Bengaluru, India777 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Chembara Peak is top one destination for nature lovers in Wayanad District. Without Chembara, Kerala exploration isn't complete at all. It offers a great trekking experience and its much closer to green.
LOCATION & TRAVEL: Its very near to Kalpetta. Road till the VSS office (where you need to purchase ticket) is quite good. But the 5 KMs stretch post VSS office till Chembara parking spot is really terrible. Road is literally ripped and poses real threat at the corners. So, take extra care while driving this stretch. We witnessed two minor accidents while descending.
CHARGES & TIMINGS: Chembara VSS is responsible to issue the permission/ticket for the visitors. Recently they have almost doubled the charges. There are two options for the visitors. One is to trek till the heart shaped lake, another one is just to visit watch tower located near starting point of the trek. Prices are as mentioned below:
Trekking Charge: Rs. 750 for the group of size 2 to 10. If the group exceeds 10 members you have to pay another 750 bucks. They assign a guide for every group for the same amount. But ultimately guide will expect Rs.100 tips from you.
Watch Tower Visiting Charge: Rs.20 per person
Camera Charges: Rs. 40 per Camera
Parking Charge at Chembara: Rs.10 for Two Wheeler & Rs.25 for Four Wheeler
Trekking Time: 7AM to 2PM
Watch Tower Visiting Time: 7AM to 5PM
TREKKING: Its quite difficult level of trekking. You need to trek 1KM to reach Watch tower from Parking area, from watch tower you need to trek in moderately dense jungle for 1.5KMs, there after you need to climb approximately 3-4 KMs of thick grass terrain to reach the heart shaped lake. Guide came with us was really helpful and co-operated well giving good amount of breaks. The thick grass terrain is made up of sandy black clay which is known for its slippery nature. So, you need put lot of effort & care while descending rather than while climbing. I saw many people slipping while descending.
If you want to enjoy the trek, you must start to trek by 7AM itself. By doing so, you can enjoy the mist at the peak and also you can avoid rain which usually starts by afternoon.
My serious suggestions to the first time trekkers are as follows:
>Trek with a good pair of shoe. I saw many disintegrated shoes on my way which clearly gives the idea how difficult this trek is.
>Carry plenty of water. Within 10-15 mins of your climb, you feel thirsty for sure due to the tropical weather.
>First aid kit is must as the chances of minor cuts and scratches are more.
>Never ever try to take support by holding grass. It will surely cut your hands.
>Obey guide at all cost. There are many natural pits which are covered by grass on the way. Don't try to overtake guide or try shortcuts.
>Look out for leaches and take precautionary measures to keep leaches away. My friend caught by a leach during summer!
>Finally, beware of snakes. As this terrain is like heaven for reptiles & snakes they are plenty in number.
EVERYTHING ELSE:
>There is a well maintained toilet at watch tower.
>This place is absolutely safe for couples as there will be a guide with you. I saw a single foreign lady trekking with confidence.
>Staffs are quite friendly at VSS office. The ticket issuing person will calmly give information in English/Hindi/Malyalam.
FINAL VERDICT: The total experience make me to crown it as the best destination of Kerala.
LOCATION & TRAVEL: Its very near to Kalpetta. Road till the VSS office (where you need to purchase ticket) is quite good. But the 5 KMs stretch post VSS office till Chembara parking spot is really terrible. Road is literally ripped and poses real threat at the corners. So, take extra care while driving this stretch. We witnessed two minor accidents while descending.
CHARGES & TIMINGS: Chembara VSS is responsible to issue the permission/ticket for the visitors. Recently they have almost doubled the charges. There are two options for the visitors. One is to trek till the heart shaped lake, another one is just to visit watch tower located near starting point of the trek. Prices are as mentioned below:
Trekking Charge: Rs. 750 for the group of size 2 to 10. If the group exceeds 10 members you have to pay another 750 bucks. They assign a guide for every group for the same amount. But ultimately guide will expect Rs.100 tips from you.
Watch Tower Visiting Charge: Rs.20 per person
Camera Charges: Rs. 40 per Camera
Parking Charge at Chembara: Rs.10 for Two Wheeler & Rs.25 for Four Wheeler
Trekking Time: 7AM to 2PM
Watch Tower Visiting Time: 7AM to 5PM
TREKKING: Its quite difficult level of trekking. You need to trek 1KM to reach Watch tower from Parking area, from watch tower you need to trek in moderately dense jungle for 1.5KMs, there after you need to climb approximately 3-4 KMs of thick grass terrain to reach the heart shaped lake. Guide came with us was really helpful and co-operated well giving good amount of breaks. The thick grass terrain is made up of sandy black clay which is known for its slippery nature. So, you need put lot of effort & care while descending rather than while climbing. I saw many people slipping while descending.
If you want to enjoy the trek, you must start to trek by 7AM itself. By doing so, you can enjoy the mist at the peak and also you can avoid rain which usually starts by afternoon.
My serious suggestions to the first time trekkers are as follows:
>Trek with a good pair of shoe. I saw many disintegrated shoes on my way which clearly gives the idea how difficult this trek is.
>Carry plenty of water. Within 10-15 mins of your climb, you feel thirsty for sure due to the tropical weather.
>First aid kit is must as the chances of minor cuts and scratches are more.
>Never ever try to take support by holding grass. It will surely cut your hands.
>Obey guide at all cost. There are many natural pits which are covered by grass on the way. Don't try to overtake guide or try shortcuts.
>Look out for leaches and take precautionary measures to keep leaches away. My friend caught by a leach during summer!
>Finally, beware of snakes. As this terrain is like heaven for reptiles & snakes they are plenty in number.
EVERYTHING ELSE:
>There is a well maintained toilet at watch tower.
>This place is absolutely safe for couples as there will be a guide with you. I saw a single foreign lady trekking with confidence.
>Staffs are quite friendly at VSS office. The ticket issuing person will calmly give information in English/Hindi/Malyalam.
FINAL VERDICT: The total experience make me to crown it as the best destination of Kerala.
Written 4 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krishnakumar91
Calicut, Kerala, India9 contributions
Jan 2013 • Friends
Chembra Peak is the highest in Wayanad. The summit offers a breathtaking view of the entire district of Wayanad and even some of the adjoining districts. One must definitely include this in their itinerary if one were to visit Wayanad. Please allocate a complete day for the trek, because the peak really puts us to a test.
I read many reviews and none completely explain the nuances of the climb, the to-dos and don'ts. Here's a list of things that you must consider before going to Chembra. This will be highly useful for the first-timers (since our group was also first-timers to a proper trekking).
1. Only choose this trek if you're really up to the game, healthy and somewhat athletic. The trek unlike most people think is not just a winding path up the hill to some view point. It is an exhausting 3 hours climb just up hill and around 2 hours down hill. In the final stretches of the climb (beyond the Heart Shaped Lake towards the summit) the path is almost negligent and steep, huge rocks in between and steep cliffs on either side.
2. The peak opens from 7am-2pm only. The ticket fare is Rs.500 upto 10 persons. (So whether it is 6 persons or 10, you still have to pay 500). Camera charges are separate.
3. Wear loose garments, if possible track pants and in no case jeans or the like. Wear only shoes and if possible trekking boots.
4. The authorities will confiscate any flammable material, cigarettes, alcohol etc. But food items are allowed. I'd suggest all the trekkers to pack small sized-high energy food products. For example Snickers bars, or some chocolate bars. One each for a trekker would do. Carry lots of water (a 1l bottle for each). Again in this case, I'd advice you to add salt to the water you carry. When you sweat (and which you'll do a LOT, guaranteed), you'll lose a huge amount of salt which may result in dehydration, eventually unconsciousness or even sun stroke. So replenishing the salt is vital. Also some glucose powder to restore your energy levels. Also remember that the whole event, including reaching Chembra, the trek to the summit and return, completely put together will come to about 6-7 hours. So be it at any time you reach you would've clearly missed one meal time in your routine. So its absolutely necessary to pack some food as above mentioned. Don't pack too many for obvious reasons.
5. NEVER STOP IN BETWEEN TO SIT DOWN OR LIE DOWN. Or if you do, please make sure that there's someone to bully you to continue. We went as a group of 6. We used to stop at many places but we never sat down to take rest until we reached the summit. We just paused and then continued. And I must say, almost every other group which came and took rest, gave up half way and retreated. The trick is to keep a constant pace and move forward with regular pauses.
6. If possible carry a sunscreen lotion with you. We almost got sunburns after reaching the summit (at around 12.15pm) and we were forced to move to the southern slopes to find shades by the side of huge rocks.
7. Always remember, the ascend is laborious and excruciating while the descend is tricky. You have to be really careful not to slip and fall down while descending. It is almost like solving a puzzle. You have to find out the correct rock indentations to jump on to. Once you get the knack of it you can climb down really fast. We took only about 75 minutes, tops, to climb down the hill.
8. But all said and done, please for the love of God don't give up in between. The ecstasy you get when you reach the summit, the sense of accomplishment, the realization of your body's and mind's capabilities are some of the many emotions that make the climb totally worth the effort. Not to mention the breathtaking views of the valley.
9. Now one final piece of advice. A bit downhill after the ascend, just look up to the summit. You will feel like the king of the world! :D :)
So what are you waiting for?! Enjoy the incredible trek. Best of luck.
I read many reviews and none completely explain the nuances of the climb, the to-dos and don'ts. Here's a list of things that you must consider before going to Chembra. This will be highly useful for the first-timers (since our group was also first-timers to a proper trekking).
1. Only choose this trek if you're really up to the game, healthy and somewhat athletic. The trek unlike most people think is not just a winding path up the hill to some view point. It is an exhausting 3 hours climb just up hill and around 2 hours down hill. In the final stretches of the climb (beyond the Heart Shaped Lake towards the summit) the path is almost negligent and steep, huge rocks in between and steep cliffs on either side.
2. The peak opens from 7am-2pm only. The ticket fare is Rs.500 upto 10 persons. (So whether it is 6 persons or 10, you still have to pay 500). Camera charges are separate.
3. Wear loose garments, if possible track pants and in no case jeans or the like. Wear only shoes and if possible trekking boots.
4. The authorities will confiscate any flammable material, cigarettes, alcohol etc. But food items are allowed. I'd suggest all the trekkers to pack small sized-high energy food products. For example Snickers bars, or some chocolate bars. One each for a trekker would do. Carry lots of water (a 1l bottle for each). Again in this case, I'd advice you to add salt to the water you carry. When you sweat (and which you'll do a LOT, guaranteed), you'll lose a huge amount of salt which may result in dehydration, eventually unconsciousness or even sun stroke. So replenishing the salt is vital. Also some glucose powder to restore your energy levels. Also remember that the whole event, including reaching Chembra, the trek to the summit and return, completely put together will come to about 6-7 hours. So be it at any time you reach you would've clearly missed one meal time in your routine. So its absolutely necessary to pack some food as above mentioned. Don't pack too many for obvious reasons.
5. NEVER STOP IN BETWEEN TO SIT DOWN OR LIE DOWN. Or if you do, please make sure that there's someone to bully you to continue. We went as a group of 6. We used to stop at many places but we never sat down to take rest until we reached the summit. We just paused and then continued. And I must say, almost every other group which came and took rest, gave up half way and retreated. The trick is to keep a constant pace and move forward with regular pauses.
6. If possible carry a sunscreen lotion with you. We almost got sunburns after reaching the summit (at around 12.15pm) and we were forced to move to the southern slopes to find shades by the side of huge rocks.
7. Always remember, the ascend is laborious and excruciating while the descend is tricky. You have to be really careful not to slip and fall down while descending. It is almost like solving a puzzle. You have to find out the correct rock indentations to jump on to. Once you get the knack of it you can climb down really fast. We took only about 75 minutes, tops, to climb down the hill.
8. But all said and done, please for the love of God don't give up in between. The ecstasy you get when you reach the summit, the sense of accomplishment, the realization of your body's and mind's capabilities are some of the many emotions that make the climb totally worth the effort. Not to mention the breathtaking views of the valley.
9. Now one final piece of advice. A bit downhill after the ascend, just look up to the summit. You will feel like the king of the world! :D :)
So what are you waiting for?! Enjoy the incredible trek. Best of luck.
Written 7 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karthik B P
Bengaluru, India15 contributions
Dec 2019
All the major destinations in waynad are closed, beware before visting the place, below are the closed places.
Chembra Peak
Soochippara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfall)
Kuruva island
Chembra Peak
Soochippara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfall)
Kuruva island
Written 27 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Im_GPS
Bengaluru, India674 contributions
May 2019 • Family
One of my must-see place during my visit to Wayanad in May, 2019 is this place. I was very disappointed as this place is closed for visitors for now.
Not sure when this will be reopened.
Not sure when this will be reopened.
Written 1 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much should a taxi or autorickshaw from Kalpetta cost?
Written 7 January 2024
I would like to know if there is any Cabin at the base of Chembra were we can place the luggage and go for trekking, after trekking we will collect it back. Is there any such provision? we are planning for this trek on August 12th 2023
Because we booked stay inside 900 kandi and i thought it would be best to complete trek and then go for the stay rather than travel to and fro, as we dont have own transport. we have to reply on public transport, Can anyone suggest ?
Written 18 July 2023
We are planning to visit wayanad in March.next week .is it good time to visit the place?
Written 8 March 2023
Mobile26708002698
Hyderabad, India
Is the chembra peak open in the month of September 2022?
Written 21 September 2022
Hi, is Chembra peak open for trek now, Feb 2021?
Written 26 January 2021
I want to know if the chembra peak is open now after the lockdown release. Can we trek?
Written 13 September 2020
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