Tourists can once again visit the beautiful Chembra peak in the south Indian state of Kerala – known for its surreal natural beauty and trekking trails.
Chembra peak was shut off from public access since February, after a forest fire broke out in the ecologically sensitive area. The local plant and animal life were affected as a result.
To protect the area, the forest department has now put a cap on number of tourists (200) and permissible timings (7am to 1pm) to visit the place. Tourist vehicles will arrive and halt at the office of the Vana Samrakshana Samithy (VSS) which is a protection agency of the locals appointed to look after the Chembra peak; from where the trek would begin.
The Chembra peak is located at about 2,100 metres above sea level and takes about an hour to climb. The heart-shaped lake located at about 1,100 metres above sea level is one of the major highlights of the peak.