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.
Trip essentials
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.
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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Homestay Arrival & Refresh
Explore Banasura Sagar Dam & Karlad Lake
Lunch Stop & Wayanad Tea Museum
Evening Tea, Campfire & Buffet Dinner
Day 2: Early Wake-Up & Drive to Base Camp
Start Chembra Peak Forest Hike
Reach Heart-Shaped Lake & Peak Viewpoints
Descent to Base & Homestay Checkout
Lunch En Route & Return Journey to Bangalore
Ticket options
Full Tour Package (With Transport)
Per person
- Includes round-trip Bangalore transport
- Stay
- Forest permits
- Meals
- Guides
- Sightseeing
Inclusions & exclusions
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
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.
Pickup & trip preparation
Pickup locations
- 1Marathahalli: 09:30 PM (Near Kalamandir)
- 2Silk Board: 10:00 PM (Bus Stop, Opposite Pizza Hut)
- 3BTM Layout: 10:10 PM (Udupi Garden Bus Stop, Opposite A2B)
- 4Banashankari: 10:40 PM (Banashankari TTMC / Bus Stop)
- 5Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar): 11:15 PM (Gopalan Arcade, Mysore Road)
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
Booking and cancellation
↬ 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.
↬ 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.
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.