Best Treks in Wayanad: 4 Trails Worth the Climb
The best treks in Wayanad are Chembra Peak, Banasura Hill, Brahmagiri Peak and Kurumbalakotta. Chembra is the classic, with its heart-shaped lake; Banasura gives the widest grassland views; Brahmagiri is the longest and wildest; and Kurumbalakotta is a short sunrise walk that suits families. Below you’ll find distance, difficulty, best season, how to reach and what to carry for each, so you can pick the trek that matches your fitness and the time you have.
Treks in Wayanad at a glance
| Trek | Near | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chembra Peak | Meppadi | About 4.5 km trail | Moderate |
| Banasura Hill | Padinjarathara | Full-day hill trek | Moderate |
| Brahmagiri Peak | Thirunelli | About 10–13 km | Moderate to difficult |
| Kurumbalakotta | Kalpetta | Short hill walk | Easy |
1. Chembra Peak – Wayanad’s highest point
At 2,100 m (6,890 ft), Chembra is the highest point in Wayanad. Kerala Tourism places it near Meppadi, about 13 km from Meppadi bus stand and roughly 20–22 km from Kalpetta. The trail is about 4.5 km and takes 3 to 4 hours, climbing through tea estates and open grassland to Hridaya Saras, the famous heart-shaped lake.
- Distance: about 4.5 km, 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: moderate; the last stretch is steep and slippery after rain
- Best season: October to March, per Kerala Tourism
- Permits: issued in the morning at the forest counter at the base near Meppadi; arrive early, especially at weekends.
For a full route breakdown read our Chembra Peak trek guide and these tips for trekking Chembra. KeralaTrekking also runs a guided Chembra Peak day trek from Calicut.
2. Banasura Hill – grasslands above the reservoir
Banasura Hill rises above Banasura Sagar Dam in north-west Wayanad. The trek starts in forest and opens onto long, rolling grassland ridges, with the reservoir and its islands spread out below. On a clear morning you can see a large part of the district. Mist rolls in quickly, though, so stay close to your guide.
- Difficulty: moderate; long, steady climbs on open slopes with little shade
- Best season: monsoon and post-monsoon for green slopes; start early in summer
- Combine with: Meenmutty Waterfalls nearby for a full day out
Our Banasura Hills trek with Meenmutty Waterfalls covers both in one guided day from Calicut.
3. Brahmagiri Peak – the long forest climb from Thirunelli
Brahmagiri sits on the Kerala–Karnataka border above Thirunelli in north Wayanad. Kerala Tourism lists the peak at 1,608 m, with the trek starting from the forest department camp shed at Thirunelli: about 10 km of walking, including more than three hours of steep climbing to the top. The route moves from dense forest into shola and grassland, and it is a serious day for anyone not used to long climbs.
- Distance: about 10 km per Kerala Tourism; our guided route is about 12–13 km round trip
- Difficulty: moderate to difficult
- Slots: Kerala Tourism lists departures between 7:30 am and 9 am, entry until 10 am, closed on Mondays and Fridays.
- Fee: Kerala Tourism lists ₹2,400 for a group of five and ₹315 for each extra person.
Our Brahmagiri Peak trek (2D/1N) adds a visit to the historic Thirunelli Temple and a campfire evening, and is open to trekkers aged 12 and above with good fitness.
4. Kurumbalakotta – an easy sunrise hill
Kurumbalakotta is about 18 km from Kalpetta, according to Kerala Tourism, and you can start the walk from Malakara. It is short and not strenuous, but there are no marked paths, so expect long grass and the odd thorn. People come for sunrise, when mist fills the valleys and paddy fields below. It’s a good first hill for children; read about hiking Kurumbalakotta with kids.
Guided group trek or on your own?
You can arrange Chembra or Brahmagiri yourself at the forest counter, but the fees are usually charged per group with a forest guide, so solo travellers and couples often pay for a group of five anyway. Counters also open early and close once the daily quota is reached, which makes the drive up from Kozhikode or Kannur a gamble on busy weekends.
A guided group trek handles the transport, permit queue, meals and guide charges, and puts you on the trail with other people at your level. Going independently works best if you’re already staying in Wayanad, have a group of four or five, and can reach the counter at opening time. Either way, check the latest status with the local forest office the day before, because Wayanad treks can be suspended at short notice for heavy rain, fire risk or wildlife movement.
Which Wayanad trek should you choose?
- Families or first-timers: Kurumbalakotta.
- One classic view: Chembra Peak and the heart-shaped lake.
- Big open grassland and a waterfall in one day: Banasura Hill with Meenmutty.
- Fit and wanting a full forest day: Brahmagiri Peak.
Best time for trekking in Wayanad
October to March is the most reliable window: cooler mornings, clearer views and firmer trails. Mid-monsoon (June to August) brings mist, leeches and slippery slopes, and forest treks may be suspended after heavy rain. April and May are hot on the open grasslands, so start at first light. For month-by-month detail, see our guide on the best time to trek in Kerala.
How to reach Wayanad
- By train: Wayanad has no railway station. Kozhikode (Calicut) is the usual railhead, and KeralaTrekking’s Wayanad day treks pick up from Calicut early in the morning.
- By air: Calicut International Airport is the closest airport.
- By road: buses run from Kozhikode up the Thamarassery Ghat to Kalpetta. Kalpetta is the best base for Chembra and Kurumbalakotta, Padinjarathara for Banasura, and Mananthavady or Thirunelli for Brahmagiri.
Permits and forest rules
Chembra, Banasura and Brahmagiri are run as guided forest treks with a forest department guide, with daily limits and fees that change from time to time. Carry photo ID, keep to the marked trail, and do not carry plastic or alcohol. Read trekking permits in Kerala before you plan.
What to carry
- Shoes with good grip; grass slopes get slippery in mist
- 2–3 litres of water and some salty snacks
- A windproof or rain layer – it gets cold and windy on the ridges
- Cap and sunscreen for the open grassland
- Leech socks in and just after the monsoon
- Photo ID, a small first-aid kit and personal medicines
Our packing list for treks in Kerala has the full checklist.
FAQs: treks in Wayanad
Which is the easiest trek in Wayanad?
Kurumbalakotta is the easiest: a short hill walk near Kalpetta that suits beginners and families.
How long does the Chembra Peak trek take?
Kerala Tourism puts it at 3 to 4 hours for the roughly 4.5 km trail in good conditions. Allow more time if you’re stopping often or the trail is wet.
Is the Brahmagiri trek suitable for beginners?
Only for fit beginners with some outdoor experience. It’s long with sustained steep sections; try Chembra or Banasura first.
Can I do two Wayanad treks in one weekend?
Yes. Chembra and Kurumbalakotta are both close to Kalpetta, so you can trek one on Saturday morning and catch sunrise on the other on Sunday.
When is the best month to trek in Wayanad?
October to March. November to February usually gives the best balance of green slopes and clear views.
Plan your Wayanad trek
Pick Kurumbalakotta for an easy morning, Chembra for the classic, Banasura for the views, or Brahmagiri for a proper challenge. Book on the trek pages above, explore more trekking trails across Kerala, or ask us on WhatsApp which Wayanad trek suits your group.
Sources: Kerala Tourism – Chembra Peak, Kerala Tourism – Brahmagiri trekking, Kerala Tourism – Kurumbalakotta.
