Eat the conference-catered lunch for convenience or step out to a nearby homestyle restaurant to try local Kerala dishes like appam and vegetable stew.
Start early and drive to the Chembra Peak trailhead (permit required for the trek). The trek to the heart-shaped lake and back typically takes 3–4 hours; check local permit office times (usually opens early).
Visit Edakkal Caves to see ancient petroglyphs — the climb and cave visit take about 1–2 hours. Check local opening hours (typically 8:30–16:30) and plan travel time from the dam.