Wayanad is home to majestic peaks, undulating valleys, dense forests teeming with wildlife and acres and acres of lush tea and coffee gardens with great hiking trails and excellent view points. Wayanad is everything an adventure tourist can expect for.

Wayanad is unique for the plethora of hiking trails in this place. This place is home to some very big coffee and cardamom estates and they are all into the eco hiking business in a big way. There are some resorts like the Tranquil resort, which is set in 400 acres of lush green coffee and pepper estate, which has over 10 customised hikes within its property. These hikes are given rather colourful names inspired by Hollywood like Indiana Jones and cliff hanger. The easiest of the hikes takes you through about 10 acres of cardamom plantation and is aptly named the cardamom walk.  The toughest of these hikes takes you right up to the summit and is quite a challenge is named Braveheart.

Among the other famous hiking trails of Wayanad include the Chembra peak. The chembra peak can actually be thought of as the guardian of Wayanad. Throughout the entire 40-50 km stretch of lower Wayanad, this peak towers over you, keeping a watchful eye on everything underneath. At 2100 M this peak the highest summit in this region.

The trek to the Chembra peak is through acres of Tea Plantations initially. As you cross Meppadi there is a small road on the right which leads to an iron gate which the entrance to the Chembra Estate. Early in the mornings one can little children going to the local school and the tea workers, mostly women returning from work. The road is patchy and broken at many places. As you move along the people thin out and finally the ascent begins. There is a motor able road for quite a distance and along the route are some fine vistas for landscape photography.

Half way through, there is the forest check post where hiking permits are issued. Each permit costs 500 rupees and five persons can go in one group. Each group is accompanied by a local tribal guide and it is also possible to camp on the summit. Sleeping bags and camping kits can be arranged by the local tour operator.

The hike up the peak is a gruelling 20 km hike through densely wooded, slippery rocks and forest. It takes almost the entire day to treks up the peak and come down. The ascent is climb and progress difficult.

As you reach the top you are greeted to the view of the blue waters of a lake at the top of the peak. As you finally reach the summit, you can see the entire lower Wayanad below. From the top of Chembra, Wayanad indeed looks mythical.