Chembra peak- Trek to chase the misty clouds

Travellers: Edwin(me), Anu Sindhiya, Sugnaya Rose, Sathish.

Target destination: Chembra peak.

Mode: Trekking

Time duration: One day- (3+3 hours) both side of the trek.

Trip Date: 26.08.16.

After a long time, I'm writing in my blog as this trip is close to my heart because usually I will be venturing new destination with my close childhood buddies but this was my first trip with my colleagues. We got a break of four-day breaks from our hectic schedule of city life. We have zeroed our trip destination to God's own country Wayanad. Total members of 15 are on the trip of which 5 are bachelor's, 4 couples and 2 kids. We have planned our tour itinerary for 3 days in which Chembra peak is on the 2nd day

We have stayed in a nice decent lodge icon residency which is near Kalpetta bus stand. The 1st day has been well spent by having a bath in Meenumutti falls and sightseeing Banasura dam which is largest earth dam in south India. My ultimate aim is to hit the Chembra peak. I have a plan to start the trek at 9.00 am fortunately our laziness paid the way to start the trek at 11.30 am.

Our cab driver dropped us in Meppady which is the nearest town to Chembra peak. The cab driver insisted us to take the jeep to the drop point of Chembra as the road condition is full of path holes that 4x4 jeeps can pull with less effort. The 13 member crew had boarded in 2 jeeps and they charged Rs.1500.

The trekking charge for our crew is Rs.75 per head which included a guide from the ecotourism community. The jeeps dropped us in the zero point where the trek starts. The start point of trek has few shops who sell buttermilk, mango etc. there is no other shops further

The joy of enjoying nature begins with a moderate walk in the tea plantation while our friends take a lot of time in clicking selfies in the tea plantation. I have instructed them not to waste the time. As per my request, we have proceeded a little fast. We have stopped by an eco-tourism community personnel to check our bags. They were much cautioned not to litter our mother nature. Plastics, chocolate rapers are totally banned in trekking premises. They are collecting an amount of Rs.100 per water bottles, which we are taking with us to the peak, it can be refunded when we return by showing the bottles back.

way to trekking trail- in tea plantation. 

tea plantation on the way

 We have reached watchtower on our way to Chembra peak. An Old man from the eco-tourism community briefed us about the trek and gave some instruction. From the watch tower without guides trekking is not permitted. They have allotted a like-minded guide who cooperated well with us. After this watch tower, a small stretch of forest begins. We can witness the wild animal's movements like pugmarks, dung. Elephants and bison are frequently spotted here. This forest stretch has exhausted our crew members and 3 guys walked back that they said they can't. Rest of us proceeded our way to trek. Our guide was very helpful to other trekkers who are on their way back. The trekking path is somehow steep to proceed. Me, Sathish sir, Anu Sindhya, Sugnaya Rose teamed as a group.  As we completed the forest stretch we take a valuable 15mins break. When we have started after the break I had told not to waste any time. We are on our way to reaching the Chembra peak. Me and Sathish sir, helping the girls to cross the hurdles. On our way, Sathish sir cracked a lot of jokes on us which gave a lot of energy. After 10 minutes rest of our crew members told they also can't and made their way back. From here 13 members had sorted to 4(Me, Sathish sir, Anu Sindhiya, Sugnaya Rose) to explore the Chembra peak.  Till now we have trekked for 1 hour. We have noticed some college students who came for the industrial visit and tour. The fellow trekkers have told still there is 2 hours more to reach the peak. Slowly we are supporting each other on our way. After some time our water bottles had gone empty, a college student on the way told the available of drinking water. After a mere hard 1 and half hours trek, we have reached the point where we can have drinking water. The drinking water is a perennial source flowing from the hill range.

the Nilgiri hill ranges. the rainy clouds hits and pouring starts in other parts.

The water is so tasty and quenched our thirst. From that point, we witness the tea plantation of Wayanad and hill ranges. After two hours of the trek, we have finally reached the first stage of the trek in the Chembra peak you see the small lake and sole tree. We have rested for some minutes. The temperature had changed well its really cold and cool breeze passes us.

the first stage of Chembra peak-lone tree.

We had resumed our final moves to reach the heart-shaped lake in Chembra peak from here it takes 20 minutes. After reaching heart Shape Lake we are very satisfied that we have completed our trek. Out of 13, we 4 members are the surviving souls to enjoy the bliss of Chembra peak. The entire town of Wayanad, some parts of Nilgiri are visible from Chembra peak. We clicked a lot of selfies and group photos. 

Chembra peak from the lone tree

heart shape lake

the entire town of Wayanad

When the time hits 3.30 our guide instructed to return because of chances of rain. Within 5 minutes the climate changes a lot and mist passes, it was difficult to see others near us. 

misty clouds near the lake

When the rain hits the entire trek path will get slippery and it will be worse. We are lucky that we didn’t encounter the leeches in the entire trek. While we are returning we encountered little rush so we can’t move slowly. It takes one and half hours for our return. The jeep is still waiting for us in the drop point and we have boarded and went to Mmeppady our rest of crew members are waiting for us. At last, we were satisfied by end of the day it was well served.

The 3^rd day of our Wayanad trip ends with Muthanga wildlife sanctuary and Pookat Lake. With lot memories, we signed off our trip.