BANGALORE, INDIA: Google India and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have teamed up to provide bus schedules and routes on Vajra, Vayu Vajra and Big10 buses that ply across Bangalore via Google Maps over desktop and mobile. What to do about finding BMTC bus routes or BMRCL Metro feeder services in night? Just Google it. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is collaborating with Google to provide information on bus routes and timings to commuters through Google Maps. So, all you need to use the facility to be provided by the Internet search giant is a computer or a mobile phone. At present, the information will be limited to the Vajra, Vayu Vajra and Big10 bus services. “ Through Google maps, commuters can access information such as bus frequency, routes and travel duration,” said Manik Gupta, the head of Maps and Local Products, Google India. The quick and easy access of the service will put an end to the struggle to find information about buses across various locations in Bangalore with details of the timings on various buses, said a press release. Just like Google Maps, this will be available free of cost and users will be able to access it on desktops as well as their mobile phones.“We believe that this initiative will be highly useful for the millions of people who use BMTC buses for their travel and daily commute. We are proud to be the first bus service to provide this kind of service on Google Maps to its commuters. The collaboration with Google is another step in this direction to make it even easier for the public to plan their trips with transit information on Google Maps”, said Syed Zameer Paasha, managing director, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). He added that they have on offering the users a easy way to get all the information they need to plan their trips as per their convenience. Commuters can get all the information like showing bus frequency, route, and travel duration. With a daily ridership of approximately 4.2 million passengers, BMTC is the first Indian Bus service to launch on Google Maps. BMTC and Google worked together closely to get the bus routes formatted in the Google Transit Feed Specification and also align the bus routes to the actual roads on the map thereby delivering a better experience to users. Transit is now launched in over 500 cities around the world including Delhi where they partnered with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation earlier this year to launch Delhi Metro routes on Google Maps. So, next time you want to plan your trip about town whether from Yelahanka to Cubbon Park or from Electronic city to Brigade road, you can now easily explore taking the bus instead! How you can access public transport information in Google Transit and Maps:- The user searches for information to reach from place A to B on Google Maps
- The result shows a map with the possible route and driving directions for the commuter
- By choosing the transit option, commuters get first-hand information on BMTC routes and schedules for Vajra, Vayu Vajra and Big10
- Commuters get to see step-by-step directions for the entire route including frequency, travel duration for each leg of the trip in text and on the map
- Commuters can also see the exact route the bus takes as BMTC has painstakingly traced all the routes to match the roads on the map.
Related search terms for more information: - Google Transit Bangalore
- BMTC Bus Routes
- Bangalore City Map
- Bengaluru Public Transport Route Map
- Bengaluru International Airport BIAL Metro Tube Bus Routes
- Google Map Bangalore Walk Bus Service
- Google Map Bangalore BMRCL Metro Feeder Bus Service
- Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation
- Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited
Related useful Sneham.in ArticlesHope this is useful. Do give your valuable comments, experiences or any updates, if you find this useful. It will help other needy passengers too! Do write in.
BANGALORE, INDIA: Google India and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have teamed up to provide bus schedules and routes on Vajra, Vayu Vajra and Big10 buses that ply across Bangalore via Google Maps over desktop and mobile. What to do about finding BMTC bus routes or BMRCL Metro feeder services in night? Just Google it. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is collaborating with Google to provide information on bus routes and timings to commuters through Google Maps. So, all you need to use the facility to be provided by the Internet search giant is a computer or a mobile phone. At present, the information will be limited to the Vajra, Vayu Vajra and Big10 bus services. “ Through Google maps, commuters can access information such as bus frequency, routes and travel duration,” said Manik Gupta, the head of Maps and Local Products, Google India. The quick and easy access of the service will put an end to the struggle to find information about buses across various locations in Bangalore with details of the timings on various buses, said a press release. Just like Google Maps, this will be available free of cost and users will be able to access it on desktops as well as their mobile phones.“We believe that this initiative will be highly useful for the millions of people who use BMTC buses for their travel and daily commute. We are proud to be the first bus service to provide this kind of service on Google Maps to its commuters. The collaboration with Google is another step in this direction to make it even easier for the public to plan their trips with transit information on Google Maps”, said Syed Zameer Paasha, managing director, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). He added that they have on offering the users a easy way to get all the information they need to plan their trips as per their convenience. Commuters can get all the information like showing bus frequency, route, and travel duration. With a daily ridership of approximately 4.2 million passengers, BMTC is the first Indian Bus service to launch on Google Maps. BMTC and Google worked together closely to get the bus routes formatted in the Google Transit Feed Specification and also align the bus routes to the actual roads on the map thereby delivering a better experience to users. Transit is now launched in over 500 cities around the world including Delhi where they partnered with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation earlier this year to launch Delhi Metro routes on Google Maps. So, next time you want to plan your trip about town whether from Yelahanka to Cubbon Park or from Electronic city to Brigade road, you can now easily explore taking the bus instead! How you can access public transport information in Google Transit and Maps:- The user searches for information to reach from place A to B on Google Maps
- The result shows a map with the possible route and driving directions for the commuter
- By choosing the transit option, commuters get first-hand information on BMTC routes and schedules for Vajra, Vayu Vajra and Big10
- Commuters get to see step-by-step directions for the entire route including frequency, travel duration for each leg of the trip in text and on the map
- Commuters can also see the exact route the bus takes as BMTC has painstakingly traced all the routes to match the roads on the map.
Related search terms for more information: - Google Transit Bangalore
- BMTC Bus Routes
- Bangalore City Map
- Bengaluru Public Transport Route Map
- Bengaluru International Airport BIAL Metro Tube Bus Routes
- Google Map Bangalore Walk Bus Service
- Google Map Bangalore BMRCL Metro Feeder Bus Service
- Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation
- Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited
Related useful Sneham.in ArticlesHope this is useful. Do give your valuable comments, experiences or any updates, if you find this useful. It will help other needy passengers too! Do write in.
"Less luggage, more comfort" is true and easier said than done in practice! Many a times you see that you have overpacked on something, but forgot some essential items. Here is a checklist which I am using based on my years of business and family travel, cross country backpacking tours both in india and abroad. Travel Accessories and few advisory- Shoulder hanger {VISA/passport/flight ticket/purse} /neck carrier - easy access and safe carriage
- Backpack: Select a suitable backpack for you to carry on the intended hike, with space for tent, water, gadgets etc.
- Flight:
1. Laptop bag/Vanity bag + Cabin baggage + Checkin baggage - be aware of weight limits and charges for extra baggage. For eg, for europe travels it would be 20kg for checkin and 8 kg for cabin baggage.For every additional kg in checkin baggage, depending on times and flight, you could be charge around 30-35 euros per kg. A tip is to arrive very early and checkin, try for a group checkin with friends who has less baggage.
2.Keep essential pair of dresses and accessories in cabin baggage - incase if checkedin baggage is delayed/lost by airline, you could survive.
3. Keep all blade, shaving razor, in checkin baggage only during packing.
4. Keep only small tubes of paste,lotion etc in your vanity bag. Sometimes during strict security check, airport security wont allow it in cabin baggage.
5. Confrm your seating(window/aisle) and food(vegetarian/nonveg) preference with your travel agent and get it confirmed in writing. Your travel agent or airline might goofup but airhostess will actually show you a printout with your name marked against a asian vegetarian special meal. Keeping a copy of confirmation will help.Otherwise, you have to talk your way out!
6. If possible keep your camera/ mobile camera handy - you could get breathtaking pictures inside the plane. Be careful to be aware of the airline rules and regulations
Travel secure shoulder carry bag- Passport, Printouts of eticket, Travel medical Insurance
Always scan the important documents and send it to your webmail/ have copies made and ensure it is available in different bags with you - in the unfortunate event of loosing it!
Passport size photos - keep enough copies with you in case
Check your VISA to be multiple entry, before you plan or go out on tour out of the destination country
Laptop Bag- Laptop with Charger, Universal/ Multiconverter adapter (depending on where you travel)
- Headphone with microphone for your VoIP calls (skype, google talk,...), Webcamera
- iPod with charger, earphone
- Mobilephone with charger, with blue tooth headset, charger, earphone,
- Laptop Corporate VPN security pin (eg. RSA), USB stick, Corporate ID card
Cabin Baggage- 2 good pair shirt , black pant
- tie, socks, underwear
- belt
- shaving kit without any sharp objects
- thermals(depending on weather)
- optional: suit
Checkin baggage- Small travel iron box, if you are on formal business travel
- Formal - Shirt, Pant
- Casual - Tshirts, Jeans
- Suits,
- First Aid kit
- Shaving kit
- Swiss knife, will be very handy and i recommend it strongly (victorinox, ofcourse!)
- Recommended : Take a suitable size of the checkin baggage, as per the recommended weight of the airline carrier
- When you are in airport, you could go to an empty airline checkin counter and check your bags weight.
- Print out A4 size papers with your name and contact info with from and destination in bold - Stick it safely in sides of your bag. This will help you identify the bag from carousel / airport conveyer belt. Also to avoid baggage loss during transit!
Vanity Bag- Essential makeup, tooth brush, children's essential etc
Shaving kit- Shaving Razor(Gillette), sufficient new blade cartridges
- Tooth brush and paste
- Essential creams - hand, face, body
Camera- Camera batteries, charger, charger adapter (depending on where you travel), carry case.
- Usb /Pc cable, memory card reader,...
First Aid kit- Check for expiry date of medicine in your first aid kit
- Indigestion: eeno, pudin hara, digene
- Head ache: Aspirin
- Fever: Paracetamol
- Balms: Vicks/Tiger balm
- Diarrohea/Loose motion:
- Wounds: Handyplast, Cotton, antispetic
- Dont miss the first aid kit thinking that you are healthy when you pack the bag - do make it a policy to carry first aid kit always!
- Also, have atleast basic knowhow or training on giving first aid. This would come handy in emergencies during travel, in unknown land.
Thermal wear (for negative temperatures /snow)- Thermal Innerwears
- "Head band" which covers both ears - advantage is that your combed hair wont be disturbed as in woollen monkey cap
- Excellent quality rainproof jacket with good thermals inside - it is preferable with a head cap!
- Excellent quality light weight woollen sweater (eg. Montecarlo)
- Hand gloves - light weight with good grip
- Monkey cap - which covers ears
Mobile Roaming- Before travel, check with your mobile service provider on data, sms and voice roaming charges and for any preferred carriers.
- If possible, you can also consider buying calling cards or prepaid international sim cards (eg. matrix)
- Satellite phones are also an effective tool, depending on your usecase
- Cost effective would be to use VoIP
Trekking- Binocular
- LED Torch
- Maps, Compass or GPS enabled mobile(consider roaming charges :)
- Suitable dressing
- Suitable shoes
- Tent
- Sufficient stock of Water
- Recommend: dry fruits/ apple/ orange /biscuits.
Happy travelling! Do crosscheck again with this checklist!
"Less luggage, more comfort" is true and easier said than done in practice! Many a times you see that you have overpacked on something, but forgot some essential items. Here is a checklist which I am using based on my years of business and family travel, cross country backpacking tours both in india and abroad. Travel Accessories and few advisory- Shoulder hanger {VISA/passport/flight ticket/purse} /neck carrier - easy access and safe carriage
- Backpack: Select a suitable backpack for you to carry on the intended hike, with space for tent, water, gadgets etc.
- Flight:
1. Laptop bag/Vanity bag + Cabin baggage + Checkin baggage - be aware of weight limits and charges for extra baggage. For eg, for europe travels it would be 20kg for checkin and 8 kg for cabin baggage.For every additional kg in checkin baggage, depending on times and flight, you could be charge around 30-35 euros per kg. A tip is to arrive very early and checkin, try for a group checkin with friends who has less baggage.
2.Keep essential pair of dresses and accessories in cabin baggage - incase if checkedin baggage is delayed/lost by airline, you could survive.
3. Keep all blade, shaving razor, in checkin baggage only during packing.
4. Keep only small tubes of paste,lotion etc in your vanity bag. Sometimes during strict security check, airport security wont allow it in cabin baggage.
5. Confrm your seating(window/aisle) and food(vegetarian/nonveg) preference with your travel agent and get it confirmed in writing. Your travel agent or airline might goofup but airhostess will actually show you a printout with your name marked against a asian vegetarian special meal. Keeping a copy of confirmation will help.Otherwise, you have to talk your way out!
6. If possible keep your camera/ mobile camera handy - you could get breathtaking pictures inside the plane. Be careful to be aware of the airline rules and regulations
Travel secure shoulder carry bag- Passport, Printouts of eticket, Travel medical Insurance
Always scan the important documents and send it to your webmail/ have copies made and ensure it is available in different bags with you - in the unfortunate event of loosing it!
Passport size photos - keep enough copies with you in case
Check your VISA to be multiple entry, before you plan or go out on tour out of the destination country
Laptop Bag- Laptop with Charger, Universal/ Multiconverter adapter (depending on where you travel)
- Headphone with microphone for your VoIP calls (skype, google talk,...), Webcamera
- iPod with charger, earphone
- Mobilephone with charger, with blue tooth headset, charger, earphone,
- Laptop Corporate VPN security pin (eg. RSA), USB stick, Corporate ID card
Cabin Baggage- 2 good pair shirt , black pant
- tie, socks, underwear
- belt
- shaving kit without any sharp objects
- thermals(depending on weather)
- optional: suit
Checkin baggage- Small travel iron box, if you are on formal business travel
- Formal - Shirt, Pant
- Casual - Tshirts, Jeans
- Suits,
- First Aid kit
- Shaving kit
- Swiss knife, will be very handy and i recommend it strongly (victorinox, ofcourse!)
- Recommended : Take a suitable size of the checkin baggage, as per the recommended weight of the airline carrier
- When you are in airport, you could go to an empty airline checkin counter and check your bags weight.
- Print out A4 size papers with your name and contact info with from and destination in bold - Stick it safely in sides of your bag. This will help you identify the bag from carousel / airport conveyer belt. Also to avoid baggage loss during transit!
Vanity Bag- Essential makeup, tooth brush, children's essential etc
Shaving kit- Shaving Razor(Gillette), sufficient new blade cartridges
- Tooth brush and paste
- Essential creams - hand, face, body
Camera- Camera batteries, charger, charger adapter (depending on where you travel), carry case.
- Usb /Pc cable, memory card reader,...
First Aid kit- Check for expiry date of medicine in your first aid kit
- Indigestion: eeno, pudin hara, digene
- Head ache: Aspirin
- Fever: Paracetamol
- Balms: Vicks/Tiger balm
- Diarrohea/Loose motion:
- Wounds: Handyplast, Cotton, antispetic
- Dont miss the first aid kit thinking that you are healthy when you pack the bag - do make it a policy to carry first aid kit always!
- Also, have atleast basic knowhow or training on giving first aid. This would come handy in emergencies during travel, in unknown land.
Thermal wear (for negative temperatures /snow)- Thermal Innerwears
- "Head band" which covers both ears - advantage is that your combed hair wont be disturbed as in woollen monkey cap
- Excellent quality rainproof jacket with good thermals inside - it is preferable with a head cap!
- Excellent quality light weight woollen sweater (eg. Montecarlo)
- Hand gloves - light weight with good grip
- Monkey cap - which covers ears
Mobile Roaming- Before travel, check with your mobile service provider on data, sms and voice roaming charges and for any preferred carriers.
- If possible, you can also consider buying calling cards or prepaid international sim cards (eg. matrix)
- Satellite phones are also an effective tool, depending on your usecase
- Cost effective would be to use VoIP
Trekking- Binocular
- LED Torch
- Maps, Compass or GPS enabled mobile(consider roaming charges :)
- Suitable dressing
- Suitable shoes
- Tent
- Sufficient stock of Water
- Recommend: dry fruits/ apple/ orange /biscuits.
Happy travelling! Do crosscheck again with this checklist!
Location: The Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, at 2100m above sea level. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in Wayanad district, Kerala, India.Chembra has three prominent peaks and trekking is currently allowed for one. It is suggested and must see destination for trekkers and nature lovers alike.What is special?:At 2100 m above mean sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking.The whole of Wayanad district can be seen from the peak when it is not foggy. On the way to the top there is a heart shaped lake which has water through out the year. A large part of the mountain is forest and a lot of animals including elephants, deers, leopards etc.Chembra has a beautiful heart shaped lake at the top of the peak, named "hrudaya sarass" (means "heart lake") and never dries up.
If you feel tired or want to rest with the family or people who called it a day from trek, this is an ideal place to stop and unwind. In this case, from here, you could watch the top of the peak and others who pursue the trek till completion! Never mind, still you could enjoy the cool breeze and relax!
Where:Chembra Peak is located near Meppadi town, 14 km west of Kalpetta town in Wayanad District.Wayanad is nestled in the Western Ghats and is located in the northeast tip of Kerala, bordering both Tamilnadu (Nilgiris district) and Karnataka (Chamarajnagar district).For people who prefer public transport, KSRTC (both Kerala & Karnataka) and a lot of private companies operate overnight deluxe and fast passenger buses between Kozhikode (Calicut) and Bengaluru. At Chundale (about 6kms past Kalpetta, 5 kms before Vythiri and 62kms before Kozhikode), one has to take a deviation to the left. People taking buses can get down at Kalpetta and catch another bus to Meppadi.
Drive From Bangalore: Chembra Peak is 290km from Bangalore. For instance, a possible route would be:Bangalore - Mysore - Nanjangudu - Gundelpet - Sulthan Bathery - Ambalavayal - Meppadi - Chembra Peak.
Public Transport from Bangalore: Kerala- KSRTC and Karnataka KSRTC runs direct buses from Bangalore to Kalpetta. From Kalpetta both Kerala- KSRTC and private buses are available to Meppadi. From Meppadi the Chembra estate is 7km away which can be reached by autos or jeeps available in Meppadi town.
Flight/Nearby Airports: Calicut/Kozhikode or Mysore/Bangalore.
Weather and Ideal Time of visit:November to May is the best time to visit. In Rainy season, way will be slippery and make it a very difficult and risky trek. Moreover, foggy climate and leeches may steal the glory of lush green surroundings.
Difficulty Level:Moderate for the initiated and Difficult for others.
Visit Timings and Restrictions:Ideally they recommend you to reach Chembra Estates by 7a.m, if you plan to have full trek till top, before the sun gets hot. I would recommend 9a.m, as you can get good lighting for pictures. We reached late by 11a.m and still had a beautiful time, thanks to the good weather.
A guide who will be there at mountain top, would ask you to windup and comedown by 3p.m.So, you should plan your trek timings according to your situation. After 2p.m, it is restricted permission for trekkers.
Food and Accomodation: No heavy breakfast or heavy lunch before teh climb, but have a solid foundation to get you going. Also stock up enough dry and fresh fruits(eg. orange, apple) to munch. With atleast 1 litre of water bottle per person. I would also recommend you to pack your lunch too for the trek, which you could have at the top or near the heart shaped lake.
Good hotels suiting any budgets and resrots are available in Wayanad district, especially at Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery. You could also get hold of small and popular fast food outlets in Meppadi town.
Camping:If your are lucky enough, on the way you may come across a passing leopard or elephant. I didnot stay overnight, but experienced people say, with proper permissions and equipments, camping in the night with camp fire and sleeping bags at the top of the peak is a thrilling and everlasting experience!
Family and children:It is possible for family and children to enjoy the trek till the watch tower or maximum till the heart shaped lake. Please check and do the needful preparations in advance.
Guide:Having a guide is suggested when you go to office and it costs Indian Rupees 500 for 1 to 10 persons on the trek for admission. In case there are not enough guides, and if you have decided to proceed, there would be atleast one guide available on the way or one who watches everything from the mountain top, who monitors and guides the whole lot of trekkers and surroundings. If you get a good english speaking guide, then you can get lot of wisdom on the area - the tea plantations around, the trees, flora and fauna.
Gear and Equipment to carry:- Loose and comfortable pants to allow steep climbs and stretches.
- A walking stick/support, suitable hat and lotions to escape from sun
- A good backpack to carry 1/2 litres of water, fruits, biscuits and food.
- Good, if you have a camera and binocular.
- Also, know how to take panorama photos, as it will be handy once you reach top.
Contact Information: The District Tourism Promotion Council of Wayanad district arranges camping utilities and guides for trekkers.Their contact phone is 04936202134/712. You need to get trekking permission from Vana Samrakshana Samiti Office.It is located 2km from Meppadi on the way to Chembra peak and inside Chembra estate.Their contact phone is +919495757681. Here, you will be asked to fill a form(a sample form is given by teh guard on duty) with basic details of trekking team and you will get a sealed permission which you have to show to an officer near a watch tower on the trek route.
Other interesting places nearby, with 'approximate' distance in km:MEENMUTTY WATERFALLS - 40,
SOOCHIPARA WATERFALLS - 33,
CHEMBRA PEAK - 5,
MUTHANGA WILD LIFE SANCTUARY - 50,
EDAKAL CAVES - 37,
KURUVA DWEEP - 45,
MANANTHVADY PAZHASSI TOMB - 44,
VALLIYOORKAVU TEMPLE - 43,
TIRUNELLY TEMPLE - 75,
PAPANASINI- 76,
PAKSHIPATHALAM - 82,
BANASURA SAGAR DAM - 31km,
POOKKODE LAKE - 23,
CHAIN TREE - 25km.
Also, the wildlife sanctuaries in THOLPETTI,NAGARHOLE, BANDIPUR, MUTHUMALAI, SILENTVALLEY(200km) etc could be considered, for the interested.
Caution:
- Check for any traffic restriction at state checkposts in roads passing through forests.
- Check whether you need any specific permissions to visit the place
- Check for any holidays or specific daily/weekly/yearly timing restrictions to visit the place and trek
Happy and safe trekking! Do comment and share your experiences.
Location: The Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, at 2100m above sea level. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in Wayanad district, Kerala, India.Chembra has three prominent peaks and trekking is currently allowed for one. It is suggested and must see destination for trekkers and nature lovers alike.What is special?:At 2100 m above mean sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking.The whole of Wayanad district can be seen from the peak when it is not foggy. On the way to the top there is a heart shaped lake which has water through out the year. A large part of the mountain is forest and a lot of animals including elephants, deers, leopards etc.Chembra has a beautiful heart shaped lake at the top of the peak, named "hrudaya sarass" (means "heart lake") and never dries up.
If you feel tired or want to rest with the family or people who called it a day from trek, this is an ideal place to stop and unwind. In this case, from here, you could watch the top of the peak and others who pursue the trek till completion! Never mind, still you could enjoy the cool breeze and relax!
Where:Chembra Peak is located near Meppadi town, 14 km west of Kalpetta town in Wayanad District.Wayanad is nestled in the Western Ghats and is located in the northeast tip of Kerala, bordering both Tamilnadu (Nilgiris district) and Karnataka (Chamarajnagar district).For people who prefer public transport, KSRTC (both Kerala & Karnataka) and a lot of private companies operate overnight deluxe and fast passenger buses between Kozhikode (Calicut) and Bengaluru. At Chundale (about 6kms past Kalpetta, 5 kms before Vythiri and 62kms before Kozhikode), one has to take a deviation to the left. People taking buses can get down at Kalpetta and catch another bus to Meppadi.
Drive From Bangalore: Chembra Peak is 290km from Bangalore. For instance, a possible route would be:Bangalore - Mysore - Nanjangudu - Gundelpet - Sulthan Bathery - Ambalavayal - Meppadi - Chembra Peak.
Public Transport from Bangalore: Kerala- KSRTC and Karnataka KSRTC runs direct buses from Bangalore to Kalpetta. From Kalpetta both Kerala- KSRTC and private buses are available to Meppadi. From Meppadi the Chembra estate is 7km away which can be reached by autos or jeeps available in Meppadi town.
Flight/Nearby Airports: Calicut/Kozhikode or Mysore/Bangalore.
Weather and Ideal Time of visit:November to May is the best time to visit. In Rainy season, way will be slippery and make it a very difficult and risky trek. Moreover, foggy climate and leeches may steal the glory of lush green surroundings.
Difficulty Level:Moderate for the initiated and Difficult for others.
Visit Timings and Restrictions:Ideally they recommend you to reach Chembra Estates by 7a.m, if you plan to have full trek till top, before the sun gets hot. I would recommend 9a.m, as you can get good lighting for pictures. We reached late by 11a.m and still had a beautiful time, thanks to the good weather.
A guide who will be there at mountain top, would ask you to windup and comedown by 3p.m.So, you should plan your trek timings according to your situation. After 2p.m, it is restricted permission for trekkers.
Food and Accomodation: No heavy breakfast or heavy lunch before teh climb, but have a solid foundation to get you going. Also stock up enough dry and fresh fruits(eg. orange, apple) to munch. With atleast 1 litre of water bottle per person. I would also recommend you to pack your lunch too for the trek, which you could have at the top or near the heart shaped lake.
Good hotels suiting any budgets and resrots are available in Wayanad district, especially at Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery. You could also get hold of small and popular fast food outlets in Meppadi town.
Camping:If your are lucky enough, on the way you may come across a passing leopard or elephant. I didnot stay overnight, but experienced people say, with proper permissions and equipments, camping in the night with camp fire and sleeping bags at the top of the peak is a thrilling and everlasting experience!
Family and children:It is possible for family and children to enjoy the trek till the watch tower or maximum till the heart shaped lake. Please check and do the needful preparations in advance.
Guide:Having a guide is suggested when you go to office and it costs Indian Rupees 500 for 1 to 10 persons on the trek for admission. In case there are not enough guides, and if you have decided to proceed, there would be atleast one guide available on the way or one who watches everything from the mountain top, who monitors and guides the whole lot of trekkers and surroundings. If you get a good english speaking guide, then you can get lot of wisdom on the area - the tea plantations around, the trees, flora and fauna.
Gear and Equipment to carry:- Loose and comfortable pants to allow steep climbs and stretches.
- A walking stick/support, suitable hat and lotions to escape from sun
- A good backpack to carry 1/2 litres of water, fruits, biscuits and food.
- Good, if you have a camera and binocular.
- Also, know how to take panorama photos, as it will be handy once you reach top.
Contact Information: The District Tourism Promotion Council of Wayanad district arranges camping utilities and guides for trekkers.Their contact phone is 04936202134/712. You need to get trekking permission from Vana Samrakshana Samiti Office.It is located 2km from Meppadi on the way to Chembra peak and inside Chembra estate.Their contact phone is +919495757681. Here, you will be asked to fill a form(a sample form is given by teh guard on duty) with basic details of trekking team and you will get a sealed permission which you have to show to an officer near a watch tower on the trek route.
Other interesting places nearby, with 'approximate' distance in km:MEENMUTTY WATERFALLS - 40,
SOOCHIPARA WATERFALLS - 33,
CHEMBRA PEAK - 5,
MUTHANGA WILD LIFE SANCTUARY - 50,
EDAKAL CAVES - 37,
KURUVA DWEEP - 45,
MANANTHVADY PAZHASSI TOMB - 44,
VALLIYOORKAVU TEMPLE - 43,
TIRUNELLY TEMPLE - 75,
PAPANASINI- 76,
PAKSHIPATHALAM - 82,
BANASURA SAGAR DAM - 31km,
POOKKODE LAKE - 23,
CHAIN TREE - 25km.
Also, the wildlife sanctuaries in THOLPETTI,NAGARHOLE, BANDIPUR, MUTHUMALAI, SILENTVALLEY(200km) etc could be considered, for the interested.
Caution:
- Check for any traffic restriction at state checkposts in roads passing through forests.
- Check whether you need any specific permissions to visit the place
- Check for any holidays or specific daily/weekly/yearly timing restrictions to visit the place and trek
Happy and safe trekking! Do comment and share your experiences.
Meenmutty waterfalls: 12 kms. east of Meppadi. Water falls to a depth of more than 500m. in 3 steps.Trekking equipments are available at Tourist Information Centre, Kalpetta.It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres. Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road. It is Kerala's second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting. Each of its three tiers requires a separate hike through a moist, deciduous forest.
Meenmutty waterfalls: 12 kms. east of Meppadi. Water falls to a depth of more than 500m. in 3 steps.Trekking equipments are available at Tourist Information Centre, Kalpetta.It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres. Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road. It is Kerala's second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting. Each of its three tiers requires a separate hike through a moist, deciduous forest.
Soochipara Falls /Sentinel rocks falls: The Soochippara waterfalls are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. And this place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.This falls is around 22 km from Kalpetta.
Soochipara Falls /Sentinel rocks falls: The Soochippara waterfalls are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. And this place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.This falls is around 22 km from Kalpetta.
Pakshipathalam:Pakshipathalam in Bramha Giri hills at Thirunelly is a challenging tourist spot. It is 7 kms. north-east of Thirunelly temple and is situated 1740m. above mean sea level. To reach 'Pakshipathalam', 17 kms. have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri is the abode of various birds and wild beasts. To go to 'Pakshipathalam' special permission has to be obtained from forest department. DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council) arranges vehicle, guides, camping apparatus etc. to the tourists on hire charges.
Pakshipathalam:Pakshipathalam in Bramha Giri hills at Thirunelly is a challenging tourist spot. It is 7 kms. north-east of Thirunelly temple and is situated 1740m. above mean sea level. To reach 'Pakshipathalam', 17 kms. have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri is the abode of various birds and wild beasts. To go to 'Pakshipathalam' special permission has to be obtained from forest department. DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council) arranges vehicle, guides, camping apparatus etc. to the tourists on hire charges.
Ambukuthi mala is a mountain in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is 12 km from Sulthan Batheryand near Ambalavayal.
Edakkal Caves in Wayanad are magnificent formations of nature. The word 'Edakkal' itself means 'a stone in between'. The structure of these caves is truly extraordinary as a big boulder balances itself on two relatively smaller boulders, thus forming the truly fascinating Edakkal Caves of Kerala. These caves are a very popular tourist attraction of Wayanad. The cave has two levels inside that can be entered through an entrance that is merely 5 feet in height.
The lower chamber is around 18 feet long and 10 feet high. A small passage from there leads to the upper chamber that is around 95 feet long and 18 feet high. This truly magnificent structure is a storehouse of pre-historic art forms. This attracts historians and archaeologists from all over the world. The Edakkal Caves have been the cradle of human civilization at different stages in history.
Three pre-historic caves (Edakkal Caves) are located at a height of 1,000 metres on Ambukuthi mala. You have to get down at Edakkal and walk 1 km to reach these caves.This Edakkal cave is said to be formed as a result of earthquake and the name is derived from the rock that is supported in between other larger rocks. One can see the new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves.The cave drawings are as old as 8000 years, and depict pictures of ancient tribal chieftains, elephants, queens and tools. A slightly less ancient script from the 3rd or 4th century BC is also seen in the caves which, thankfully, is impeccably maintained.
Caution: Sometimes, trek to ambukuthimala is not allowed by the authorities due to various reasons. Do check early before you plan your trip
Ambukuthi mala is a mountain in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is 12 km from Sulthan Batheryand near Ambalavayal.
Edakkal Caves in Wayanad are magnificent formations of nature. The word 'Edakkal' itself means 'a stone in between'. The structure of these caves is truly extraordinary as a big boulder balances itself on two relatively smaller boulders, thus forming the truly fascinating Edakkal Caves of Kerala. These caves are a very popular tourist attraction of Wayanad. The cave has two levels inside that can be entered through an entrance that is merely 5 feet in height.
The lower chamber is around 18 feet long and 10 feet high. A small passage from there leads to the upper chamber that is around 95 feet long and 18 feet high. This truly magnificent structure is a storehouse of pre-historic art forms. This attracts historians and archaeologists from all over the world. The Edakkal Caves have been the cradle of human civilization at different stages in history.
Three pre-historic caves (Edakkal Caves) are located at a height of 1,000 metres on Ambukuthi mala. You have to get down at Edakkal and walk 1 km to reach these caves.This Edakkal cave is said to be formed as a result of earthquake and the name is derived from the rock that is supported in between other larger rocks. One can see the new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves.The cave drawings are as old as 8000 years, and depict pictures of ancient tribal chieftains, elephants, queens and tools. A slightly less ancient script from the 3rd or 4th century BC is also seen in the caves which, thankfully, is impeccably maintained.
Caution: Sometimes, trek to ambukuthimala is not allowed by the authorities due to various reasons. Do check early before you plan your trip
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