Kerala · Wayanad Kerala⁠

Chembra Peak Trek

Embark on an unforgettable weekend journey with Bharat Trotters to Wayanad’s highest summit—featuring misty rolling tea gardens, the iconic heart-shaped Hridaya Saras Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, and lush Western Ghats trails.

moderate 10 km
4.7 (76 reviews)
View booking options
Tour typeTwo Day Hike
LocationWayanad Kerala⁠
Difficultymoderate
About this place

Chembra Peak Trek

Escape the noise of city life and step into the pristine, misty wilderness of Wayanad with Bharat Trotters. Standing tall at 1,735 meters above sea level, Chembra Peak is the highest summit in the Wayanad region and one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in South India. Famous for its lush tea plantations, emerald-green forest covers, and the enchanting heart-shaped Hridaya Saras Lake located halfway up the mountain, this 2-Day/2-Night adventure offers the perfect mix of adrenaline, serene nature, and cultural sightseeing. Starting from Bangalore on a Friday night, our carefully curated weekend getaway takes you through Wayanad's top attractions—including Banasura Sagar Dam, Karlad Lake, and the Wayanad Tea Museum—before heading up the picturesque trails of Chembra. Accompanied by experienced Bharat Trotters trek captains, certified local guides, cozy homestay accommodations, campfire sessions, and seamlessly arranged transfers, this trek is tailored for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.

Quick overview

Trip essentials

Tour TypeTwo Day Hike
LocationWayanad Kerala⁠
Difficultymoderate
Distance10 km
Highlights

What makes this trip special

  • Hridaya Saras Lake: Witness the world-famous natural heart-shaped lake nestled amidst rolling green grasslands halfway to Chembra Peak.
  • Banasura Sagar Dam: Visit India's largest earth dam and enjoy scenic lake views surrounded by the majestic Banasura Hills.
  • Karlad Lake & Tea Museum: Explore adventure activities at Karlad Lake and discover Wayanad's rich tea-making heritage at the local Tea Museum.
  • Misty Western Ghats Trails: Trek through a stunning sequence of dense tree lines, lush tea estates, and open grassy mountain shoulders.
  • Cozy Homestay & Campfire: Unwind at night with fellow travelers around a cozy campfire accompanied by hot tea and authentic local dinners.
  • Hassle-Free Transit: Enjoy round-trip transfers in comfortable tempo travelers/buses from key Bangalore pickup points.
Please note

Important notes

  • Fitness Level: The Chembra Peak trek covers approximately 10 km (round trip) and is rated Moderate. Basic physical stamina and comfort with uphill hiking are recommended.
  • Forest Permits: The Kerala Forest Department restricts daily visitor counts to protect the fragile ecosystem. Permissions are arranged directly at the base camp by our team.
  • Plastic Ban: Single-use plastic bottles, polythene bags, and plastic wrappers are strictly banned on the Chembra Peak forest trail. Bring reusable water bottles.
  • Weather Awareness: Monsoons and post-monsoons bring rain and leeches. Carry rainponchos, waterproof backpack covers, and salt/detto-spray for leech protection.
Plan

Itinerary

10 steps
09:30 PM – 11:30 PM

Day 0: Late Night Pick-up from Bangalore

Board our comfortable vehicle from your designated pick-up location in Bangalore. Meet your fellow Bharat Trotters adventurers and trek coordinators as we begin our overnight road journey towards Wayanad.
06:30 AM – 08:30 AM

Day 1: Homestay Arrival & Refresh

Reach our scenic homestay in Wayanad. Check-in, freshen up, and enjoy a warm, authentic local Kerala breakfast to power up for an exciting day ahead.
10:00 AM – 01:30 PM

Explore Banasura Sagar Dam & Karlad Lake

Head out to visit the famous Banasura Sagar Dam, India's largest earth dam, set against majestic hills. Proceed to Karlad Lake for tranquil walks or thrilling optional adventure sports.
01:30 PM – 04:30 PM

Lunch Stop & Wayanad Tea Museum

Stop at a popular local eatery for a self-sponsored Kerala lunch. Afterwards, visit the Wayanad Tea Museum to immerse yourself in the region's rich tea-growing heritage.
06:30 PM – 08:30 PM

Evening Tea, Campfire & Buffet Dinner

Return to the homestay and relax over hot evening tea and snacks. As night falls, gather around a cozy campfire, share travel stories, and relish a delicious dinner buffet.
05:00 AM – 06:30 AM

Day 2: Early Wake-Up & Drive to Base Camp

Wake up early, freshen up, grab your packed breakfast, and board the vehicle to head towards the Chembra Peak Forest Base Camp.
07:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Start Chembra Peak Forest Hike

Complete forest department permissions and begin ascending through misty tea estates, lush forest trails, and rolling grassy slopes alongside expert trek leads.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Reach Heart-Shaped Lake & Peak Viewpoints

Reach the legendary heart-shaped Hridaya Saras Lake. Enjoy your packed breakfast surrounded by sweeping mountain views and capture stunning photos.
11:30 AM – 02:30 PM

Descent to Base & Homestay Checkout

Trek back down to the base camp. Board the vehicle to head back to the homestay, collect your luggage, and complete checkout procedures.
03:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Lunch En Route & Return Journey to Bangalore

Stop for a late self-sponsored lunch en route and relax on the journey back. Arrive in Bangalore at your respective drop-off points with unforgettable memories.
Tickets

Ticket options

Full Tour Package (With Transport)

6199

Per person

  • Includes round-trip Bangalore transport
  • Stay
  • Forest permits
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Sightseeing
Trip details

Inclusions & exclusions

Included in your trip

What you get

  • Transportation: Round-trip transfers from Bangalore in AC/Non-AC Tempo Traveler or Mini Bus (depending on group size).
  • Accommodation: 1-Night Homestay/Resort stay in Wayanad (Dormitory basis with separate arrangements for men and women).
  • Meals: 2 Breakfasts (including 1 packed breakfast for trek day), 1 Dinner, and evening tea/snacks.
  • Sightseeing & Permits: Forest Department trekking permissions and entry fees for Banasura Sagar Dam, Karlad Lake, and Tea Museum.
  • Guides & Coordination: Ce
Plan separately

Not included

  • Lunch on Day 1 and Day 2 (Self-sponsored at local authentic restaurants en route).
  • Personal expenses (water bottles, soft drinks, laundry, shopping, personal medication).
  • Watersports, ziplining, or optional adventure activities at Karlad Lake or Banasura Dam.
  • Anything not explicitly mentioned under the "Inclusions" list.
Before you go

Pickup & trip preparation

Meeting points

Pickup locations

  1. 1Marathahalli: 09:30 PM (Near Kalamandir)
  2. 2Silk Board: 10:00 PM (Bus Stop, Opposite Pizza Hut)
  3. 3BTM Layout: 10:10 PM (Udupi Garden Bus Stop, Opposite A2B)
  4. 4Banashankari: 10:40 PM (Banashankari TTMC / Bus Stop)
  5. 5Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar): 11:15 PM (Gopalan Arcade, Mysore Road)
Packing checklist

Things to carry

  • Backpack: A sturdy 20-30 liter waterproof daypack with rain cover.
  • Footwear: Comfortable trekking shoes with good rubber grip (plus extra socks).
  • Clothing: 2 pairs of lightweight, quick-dry clothes, a warm jacket or fleece for evening hours, and a rain poncho/jacket.
  • Hydration: At least 2 liters of water in reusable stainless steel or silicone bottles.
  • Gear: Headlamp or torch with fresh batteries, power bank, sunglasses, and cap.
  • Toiletries & Personal Hygiene: Sunscreen lotion, mosquit
Policy

Booking and cancellation

Terms & Conditions↬ Identity Proof: Every traveler must carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Driving License).

↬ Health & Safety: Participants must declare any pre-existing medical conditions (asthma, heart ailments, joint injuries) prior to departure. The trek involves a moderate level of physical effort.

↬ Environmental Responsibility: Littering, plastic disposal on trails, and damaging local flora or fauna are strictly prohibited under the Forest Protection Act. Bharat Trotters follows strict 'Leave No Trace' policies.

↬ Prohibited Items: Possession or consumption of alcohol, drugs, or contraband during the trek or transit is strictly forbidden and will lead to immediate termination of service without refund.

↬ Permits & Regulations: Chembra Peak is a protected forest zone managed by the Kerala Forest Department. Entry permissions are subject to local forest rules, weather advisories, or sudden administrative restrictions.

↬ Itinerary Delays: Unexpected delays caused by traffic jams, landslides, weather disruptions, or government restrictions are beyond our control. Any additional expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances will be borne directly by the traveler.
Cancellation Policy↬ Standard Policy: Non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-reschedulable once booked.

↬ Event Day Policy: No refunds or credits are issued for no-shows or cancellations made on or after the departure date.

↬ Organizer Cancellation: In the rare event that Bharat Trotters cancels the trip due to extreme weather, safety hazards, or forest department prohibitions, travelers will receive a voucher for a future departure or a full trip refund.
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Yes! The trek is rated moderate and covers approximately 10 km round trip. Anyone with basic fitness levels and comfort with walking can complete the trail easily.

Currently, to protect the fragile environment and wildlife habitats, the Kerala Forest Department permits trekking up to the heart-shaped Hridaya Saras Lake and its surrounding viewpoints, which offer panoramic views of the entire valley.

The best time to attempt the Chembra Peak Trek is from September to March when the monsoon turns the grasslands vivid green and the weather remains cool and misty.

Mobile connectivity (Airtel and Jio) is mostly available until the base camp. Signal strength becomes weak or intermittent as you trek higher into the forest zone.

Absolutely. Bharat Trotters prioritizes safety on all departures. All group trips are accompanied by certified Trek Captains, verified drivers, and local forest department guides, with separate, secure room sharing arrangements for female travelers.

Route

Location