Trek to Chembra Peak, Wayanad, Kerala
[Image above: The gang resting on chembra peak with other peaks visible in the background]
We took the bangalore trekker’s official transport the (KSRTC) Rajahamsa to Kozhikode, Kerala and got down at Kalpetta, Wayanad District, Kerala. There, we checked into the PPS Tourist Home for freshening up, where we also met our guide for the trip, Mr. Pavithran.We took a jeep down to the chembra estate which was the starting point of the trek, which is about one hour from the hotel. The trek starts through a route which was a beautiful valley on one side and a lush green tea estate on the other.
[Image above: Chembra Estate (starting point)]
[Image above: Hiking through tall grass]
[Image above: One of the several beautiful scenes on the way up]
[Image above: The gang resting, with the heart-shaped lake visible in the background]
After a hiking up for a while, we found a heart-shaped lake. I really wonder, how such a large natural perfect heart shaped lake was formed. I won’t be suprised, if I get to know that it’s man-made, coz the sight is unbelievable.
[Image above: The gang taking a timeout on a rocky cliff]
After a brief rest and unloading our gear, we climbed up towards the chembra peak. The path from the lake towards the peak is quite steep. So, we stopped every 15-20 minutes to take in the amazing scenery behind us. Also, the heart-shape of the lake was much more clear from up there. [Tip: Take atleast 2 bottles for every 3 people, coz you would get really dehydrated during this hike, preferably avoid carrying heavy food, fruits like oranges would be a better idea]
[Video above: The last part of the hike, very close to the peak]
The view from the peak too is quite amazing and only adds to your sense of achievment (course, this was my second time on the peak) In the monsoon season, you would find the clouds kissing the peak and is quite a sight to see.
[Image above: On the way down]
[Video above: On the way down]
[Image above: Victorious and ready to "retreat"]
Later after getting down and a good rest next to the lake, we got down to the chembra estate and returned to the hotel.
[Video above: Amazing view from the cliff next to the lake]
[Image above: chilling next to soojipaara waterfalls]
The next day we visited Soojipaara Waterfalls, which was about 2 hour drive from hotel. (Sooji-paara translates to needle rock in malayalam, named after a vertical needle shaped rock in the vicinity)
The return journey was unexpectedly quite eventful too. We footboarded on a crowded bus from Kalpetta to Kozhikode, which passed through the breath-taking ghat section called “Thamarasheri Chorum”. I was lucky to be on the footboard to take in the full view of the ghat section and the thick rainforest.
Other attractions of Wayanad: Edakkal Caves, Kuruva Dweep (Island), Pookote Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam. For more details: http://www.wayanad.org/
if you are fit, you can reach in 2 hours..
if you want to rest and go slow, you can reach in about 4-5 hours..
*not* advisable, but if you start early enough in the morning, there are enough schoolkids and teachers hankering up (and at a good pace) – so *maybe* one can climb up without a guide.
But staying overnight, nope. Dont try it.