We left Iritty (Kannur, Kerala) as planned at around 6:30am on 28 Dec 2011 morning and reached Meppadi by 11.00am. Around 114km distance from Iritty. We had 5 team members and 3 Bikes. Had breakfast from Kelakam, and purchased some parcel from Meppadi for lunch.
If we are coming from Chundel need to take right from Meppadi. We can see a board of Chempra peak in Meppadi town. The bottom of the peak is around 7km from Meppadi, in between need to take permission from forest office. 500/- for 10 peoples with guide. If possible take video of road to bottom. It is looking nice with 3 hairpin bend. Parking charge is 10/-for each bike. Started our trekking around 12:30 pm. Around 10 mint walking distance there is one watch tower with toilet facility. No need to go top of the tower. It is not so good. Because, we are going top of the hill.
Chembra (2100 mts above MSL) is the tallest peak in Wayanad. Since this peak is located in the Meppadi Forest Range. The normal time required to trek up and down from Chembra peak is around 6 to 8 hours. One 'trademark' of the Chembra peak is the small heart-shaped perennial lake you can see on the way to the top.
Our guide was not willing to come up. he suggested to go down from the lake. Because we need to reach bottom before 4 pm. He was telling after 5 pm wild animals used to come on the peak.
We had lunch from near lake and started trekking to top. Around 3pm we reached on the top. Didn’t get any more time there. Within 5 mint started climbing down and reached the bottom on 4:10pm. Rest for 30 mint and started riding to home.
My suggestion is best time to visit Oct to Dec. Need to start trekking 7 am.
If you need any guidance regarding it, Just call me 9400828672- Emil Isaac.
