As a nature lover, I always wanted to do trekking, to soak and absorb the beauty of mystic nature. So on 26 Jan 2017 weekend, we planned a short trip to God’s own country-Wayanad.

Wayanad is nature’s bounty. Beautiful tea gardens, coffee plantation, spice garden, banana farm, completely lush greenery which become even more beautiful due to the rain. Every leaf was looking fresh and clean after the rain. Petrichor was filled in the air and I was completely drenched in its scent. Actually, I’m speechless to explain its beauty, charm and fragrance, you can just feel it and soak in it.

Wayanad is approximately 280 km from Banglore. We left early in the morning and it took around 5.5 hours to reach there. Wayanad has many tourist spots like Edakkal Caves, Banasura Dam, Chembra peak, Soochipara falls etc. Before going to our resort we decided to visit Edakkal Caves as it was on our way to resort.

Next day after breakfast we headed towards Chembra peak foothills. It took approx 1 hour as the distance was about 22 km from our resort. On the route to foothills, around 2 km before reaching it, we saw many Jeeps were parked on the side of the road and drivers of those vehicles asked us to rent it. They were saying that we can’t go in our vehicle, the road is very bad and the tyre will get punctured. But we decided to go in our own vehicle and everything went fine, a little patch was rough, but otherwise drive was fine and we reached foothill.

At the foothill, we bought tickets and took a guide, from forest dept office, who charged around 750 Rs/-. Having guide was a great help with kids. He was showing the way and holding hands for kids as they were very excited and running once trek was started. You can buy water bottles and food items like fruits, candies, etc. from the roadside. Before starting the trek some people checked for plastics, water bottles, cans, food items and counted and wrote in a register, as throwing plastics or anything was not allowed. We deposited 100 Rs/-, which was reimbursed once we returned from the trek. I think that it is a really good initiative to keep our environment clean.

From ticket counter to watch tower, the trek starts with the beautiful view of Tea-gardens all around. On the way many spices like pepper, cardamom etc. trees and climbers were also seen.

Initially, the route is very easy with lots of greenery. After reaching watch tower, you can view the entire Chembra tea estate and you can refresh yourself as there is one common washroom for all the tourists( male, female and kids). Not very high on cleaning but you can go, after that nothing will be found till you return.Trekkers with kids, please take juices and water bottle and food items according to your kids requirement. We kept 4 bottles of water and juices, chocolates for kids.

Actual Trek starts after watchtower when forest starts. Both sides are trees and trails ascent becomes steep. You will feel little exhausted initially if you are not a regular walker/trekker, but after some time you will get used to it. You will pass through small but little dense forest and get sunlight coming filtered from trees. Trek inside the forest is of moderate difficulty. The terrain is the mix of rock and dirt and can be slippery due to rain. Wear comfortable clothes and proper shoes so that it should not slip on the dirt.

Trail inside the forest

open trail

After forest ends, open trail starts, which is again the mix of rock and dirt but the ascent is more. Be careful while ascending and enjoy the view of the beautiful valley on your right with every step. We rested for few times to catch a breath during the open trail. After some time we reached the viewpoint. It was feeling like we were talking to clouds. Both sides were beautiful grasslands. You can view Kalpetta town from here but from the peak, the view will be best. We took some rest here, enjoyed the magnificent view of nature and clicked some photographs. Kids were also very excited. Chembra peak stands tall and you can see it from here.

Finally, we reached the heart shaped lake, which is called “Hridaya Saras” in Malayalam. Lake is surrounded by beautiful grasslands and greenery around it. Guide told us that the water never dries in this lake.The view of Heart shape lake was a beautiful sight, view from there and on the way is breathtakingly beautiful, and you will forget all your tiredness and difficulty faced on the trail to reach here. From foothills to lake distance was around 3 km. You can see Chembra peak touching clouds on the other side. Trekking till peak was not allowed, but it was 1.5 km from the lake. Trek till peak will be the toughest part as it looks very straight and steep. So we started climbing down from there.

Heart Shape Lake

Be very careful while returning as the descent was more slippery. Many people were slipping on the descent due to the slippery trail but nothing major happened. You can use poles or sticks to balance your body weight and cross sideways when the trail is narrow. In 2 hours we reached watchtower, rested for some time and then said goodbye to Chembra hills happily. This trek is definitely a treat for eyes and the best part is that we can do this trek with kids and give them nature’s exposure when they just want to indulge in gaming consoles and gadgets!!