Chembra Peak,Wayanad, North Kerela. Review on Chembra Peak

This majestic place can be accessed from Kalpetah, via Meppadi at a distance of about 15Kms. It is boasted as the highest peak in Wayanad which is 2100 metres above sea level. It is advisable to hire a jeep from Kalpetah which are available in plenty in highways of Kaleptah as even two small cars cannot negotiate from the forest office to the foot of the peak which is about four kms stretch and the road is awe inspiringly steep and rough.

An entry fee of Rs.10 per head is charged at the forest office at this point plus camera and cam charges. En route to the foot of the peak one can enjoy the abundant pepper plants surrounding betel trees alongwith the pepper flavour creeping into one's nose. It would be an absolute pleasure drive through the four kms route to the foot of the peak.

Once one reaches the foot of the peak where the road terminates he can have a birds eye view of the vast sparse surroundings. After a trek of about few minutes which leads you to a view point where a tower has been built one can see the panaromic view of the place of course on a charge of Rs.10. Thereafter the trek starts for about 7 kms. We didnot take the trek as we were told that that is a very difficult trekking place and further one should have the prior permission from the forerst office.

We were told that there is a big pond in the trekking course were wild animals cruise for water and even leopards are seen and it is risky too. Later we learnt that entry is permitted at a premium of about Rs.500 per head to proceed on with trek. This fact has to be verified? We met two local youngsters who came on their bikes and we were informed that they had undertaken trekking before without any charges and probably to discourage the risk of wild animals a charge of Rs.500 is made.

All said it is a wonderful place to visit this majestic, peaceful and sonorous Chembra Peak and if a person has trekking programme he must allot one full day i.e. from 9 to 5pm during which period only the place is kept open and further it becomes dark after 5 because of the natural climate.