- Altitude
- About 2,100 m
- Best time
- September to March
- Starting point
- Forest office near Meppadi
- Ideal time needed
- Half a day to a full day
- Permit
- Required from the Forest Department
The trek
The walk starts at the forest office near Meppadi, where you register and pay for a permit before setting off with a forest guide. The trail climbs through tea plantations, then over open grassy slopes with patches of shola forest. The heart-shaped lake, known as Hridaya Saras, is reached after a moderate climb and is the most photographed spot on the hill.
Beyond the lake the path becomes steep and tiring. Plan for most of a day if you are attempting the upper sections, and check at the office how far trekkers are currently allowed to go, as access is sometimes restricted.
Best time to visit
September to March is the most comfortable season, with dry trails and clear views after the monsoon. The rainy months make the path slippery and cloudy. Start early in the morning, both for cooler weather and because the number of trekkers allowed each day is capped to protect the fragile grassland.
How to reach
Meppadi is a small town in south Wayanad and is linked by road to Kalpetta and the rest of the district. Local buses and jeeps run to the town, and taxis can take you to the trailhead. We can arrange a car and driver along with stays in Wayanad's plantation homestays.
Tips for your trek
Wear shoes with good grip and carry at least two litres of water, a light rain jacket and some snacks. Plastic is not allowed on the trail, so pack reusable bottles. Keep to the marked path, listen to your guide and turn back if the weather closes in. From the higher viewpoints you can see across the tea estates and valleys of Wayanad to the ranges of the Western Ghats.
Also nearby
Plan it with us
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will build the route, book the car, driver and hotels, and send you a clear quote.
