'Hridayasarassu': Add Kerala's Heart-Shaped Lake To Your Summer Vacations List

Chembra Peak, the highest mountain peak in Wayanad, is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills and Kozhikode. If you want to go on an adventurous nature trip, this is the place to go. 

Heart-Shaped Lake (Chembra Lake)

Source : Getty

You don't have to spend a fortune or leave your family to travel a long distance to see a cloud-studded pond on a distant continent. The location is ideal, in Wayanad in Northern Kerala, on the peak of Chembra, 2100 metres above sea level. The pond is known as 'Hridayasarassu' (heart-shaped pond). Chembra Peak, the highest mountain peak in Wayanad, is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills and Kozhikode. If you want to go on an adventurous nature trip, this is the place to go. 

ALL ABOUT CHEMBRA LAKE TREK: 

The Chembra Lake trek, organised by the State Forest Department, begins near the base of Chembra Hill and takes you to the top through the hill's large tea plantations. There are no roads leading to the hilltop, unlike any other hill. While you're admiring the hill's views, wait until you reach the top to see its famous heart-shaped Chembra Lake! 

Chembra Lake, also known as Hridayathadakam Lake, is possibly the most beautiful lake you've ever seen. A spectacular image to paint, with clouds touching the horizon and a slight drop in temperature amidst the marvellous views of Wayanad, and all the more endearing in person. 

The trek to Chembra Lake is a moderate three-kilometer hike that begins at the Forest Department base camp and ends at Chembra Lake. The trekking route was chosen to provide trekkers with a panoramic view of Chembra Lake. You will be taken to the hilltop first, and then down to the lake. 

This lake, home to several local tribes, is nearly an hour's journey from the base camp, and the entire trek takes about 3.5 hours. You can even camp on Chembra Hill and return to the base camp before sunset if you have permission from the State Forest Department. 

LEGENDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LAKE: 

Chembra Lake is home to a plethora of fascinating facts. Chembra Lake, for example, is said to have never dried up since eternity. Furthermore, according to local legend, Sita, Lord Ram's wife, is said to have rested near Chembra Lake. You may hear similar stories from your trekking guide while trekking to Chembra Lake.