CHEMBRA PEAK WAYANAD
Chembra peak is situated near Meppady town and it is about 17 km from Kalpetta. It is the tallest peak in the region and a trek to the 6890 ft (2100 m above MSL ) peak is a challenge that is difficult to resist for an adventure tourist.
Journey and the Ambience
Prior permission from Forest Range Office at Meppadi is needed for the trek as it is part of the Meppadi Forest Range. A drive from Meppadi to the foothill of the peak is breathtaking and you can feel the cool wind and the lush greenery of tea estates on both sides of the road rejuvenating your spirits. You can see a three-storied forest watch tower on the foothill of the peak and a three kilometre trek from the foothill is at the same time tiring and exciting.
A heart-shaped crystal perennial lake fed by natural springs can be seen at the middle of your journey. Even if it is scorching summer, the lake brims with water and helps you quench your thirst.
It is said that during the British era, British planters came here to play golf in the evenings and they constructed a stable for their horses and a rest house in the area. The relics of the rest house can be seen here even now.
View from Chembra Peak
Once you reach the top of Chembra peak, you will be astounded by the view that the place offers. With the varying shades of the virgin shola forests on both sides, you may feel a heavenly bliss that only the pristine nature can bestow upon human beings. From this vantage point, the tourists can observe the mist clad peaks of Nilgiri ranges which include the Nilambur forests of Malappuram district. Apart from this, the town of Kalpetta and most parts of Wayanad district too are visible. The varying topography of the district which includes hills, rocks and valleys can be enjoyed the most from Chembra peak and you can also observe the silver linings of streams among the thick greenery. There is also a picturesque lake atop the hills which is another tourist attraction.
Govt initiatives
An ecotourism project is on the anvil for this area and the District tourism Promotion Council organises treks to this area. Trekking to the top of the hill takes almost a day and the DTPC arranges such trekking packages. Guides, trekking and camping apparatus etc. will be provided by DTPC and their packages also include one or two-day stay at temporary camps at Chembra.
Journey and the Ambience
Prior permission from Forest Range Office at Meppadi is needed for the trek as it is part of the Meppadi Forest Range. A drive from Meppadi to the foothill of the peak is breathtaking and you can feel the cool wind and the lush greenery of tea estates on both sides of the road rejuvenating your spirits. You can see a three-storied forest watch tower on the foothill of the peak and a three kilometre trek from the foothill is at the same time tiring and exciting.
A heart-shaped crystal perennial lake fed by natural springs can be seen at the middle of your journey. Even if it is scorching summer, the lake brims with water and helps you quench your thirst.
It is said that during the British era, British planters came here to play golf in the evenings and they constructed a stable for their horses and a rest house in the area. The relics of the rest house can be seen here even now.
View from Chembra Peak
Once you reach the top of Chembra peak, you will be astounded by the view that the place offers. With the varying shades of the virgin shola forests on both sides, you may feel a heavenly bliss that only the pristine nature can bestow upon human beings. From this vantage point, the tourists can observe the mist clad peaks of Nilgiri ranges which include the Nilambur forests of Malappuram district. Apart from this, the town of Kalpetta and most parts of Wayanad district too are visible. The varying topography of the district which includes hills, rocks and valleys can be enjoyed the most from Chembra peak and you can also observe the silver linings of streams among the thick greenery. There is also a picturesque lake atop the hills which is another tourist attraction.
Govt initiatives
An ecotourism project is on the anvil for this area and the District tourism Promotion Council organises treks to this area. Trekking to the top of the hill takes almost a day and the DTPC arranges such trekking packages. Guides, trekking and camping apparatus etc. will be provided by DTPC and their packages also include one or two-day stay at temporary camps at Chembra.
