It’s 4 am in the morning, and as you look outside and see nothing but lush green forests and plantations, your eyes fade back to reality after a deep slumber, and you notice the mountains rise outside and take shape. The birds start singing a tale of adventure as Wayanad invites you for a tryst with nature.

The lush green Wayanad Plateau lies in the southwest region of India, continuing to the Mysore Plateau, the southern portion of the Deccan Plateau, which links the Western Ghats with the Eastern Ghats. It is set high in the Western Ghats, with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 meters. But today, we explore the depths of its lush forests and begin a trek that will take you on a journey above the clouds. 

The highest peak in Wayanad, situated 2100m above sea level, Chembra is a mammoth that offers breathtaking views with a mix of flora and fauna that offers a view unlike anything you have seen before. With a 3-hour trek before you reach the top of the peak that can be viewed from anywhere in Wayanad, Chembra offers a challenge that will fill the adventure-seeking soul within you. Sitting adjacent to the Nilgiri forest, you need permission from the Mepaddi forest office before starting your trek to the top. With forest guards at every checkpoint, trekkers are limited to 200 per trek. 

The perfect time to reach the spot is at 5 am, where, like you, many excited travellers will be warming their frosty palms before they can begin their summit. As you start your trek, silence engulfs you, and the trees invite you into a wonderland of mystery. The trail snakes through a challenging trail with uneven paths, making your way to the top even more desirable. After an hour, you are greeted by excited travellers who have just experienced a life-altering view and are returning to the base. As you huff and puff your way to the top, you are greeted by clouds that breeze past you with their icy touch, providing a respite that will sustain you until you reach the top. As you reach the summit, you notice towering clouds that will make you feel like you have entered the gates of heaven, with forests as far as the eyes can see. A view that stretches far till you spot Kozhikode, Malappuram and Niligiri districts. And at the heart of Chembra is ‘Hridhayathadakam’, which translates to ‘Heart Lake’. A lake that has stood the test of time and is said to have never dried up.

As you take a seat by the clouds, a feeling of fulfilment engulfs you, and silence comes over you, one that puts everything into perspective as you let go of all the burdens that had weighed you down and with the clouds above, you float into nirvana, and for a split second, you are one with the infinity of nature.