Kemmanagundi is a beautiful hill station located in the Chikkamagaluru district of the state of Karnataka. It is also known as Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, who used to frequent this place during the summers. Surrounded by Baba Budan Giri Range on all sides, this place is known for its tranquillity, natural beauty and serene environment. Visited by a lot of Bangalore dwellers, it is a perfect weekend getaway from the hustling life of the city. Who wouldn’t like some fresh air, listen to the chirping of the birds and feel the calm as the sun rises over the hills? 

History

Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the Maharaja of the state of Mysore was enchanted by the grace of the Baba Budan Range and chose Kemmanagundi as the place to take rest during the summers. He built his resort in this hill station and later on decided to donate his property to the Government of Karnataka. The station is now under the control and care of the Department of Horticulture.

Geography

Located 1434 metres above sea level, Kemmanagundi is an ideal retreat for nature lovers. Surrounded by mountains, the lush green vegetation of the valleys is soothing to the eye. By virtue of being under the control of the Department of Horticulture, the station has an extensive growth of beautiful plants, trees and colourful flowers. With a sub-tropical highland climate, Kemmanagundi has a pleasant weather all throughout the year with a dominance of monsoons. The three main seasons here are winter, summer and monsoon.

Places to Visit

The most exciting things to see at Kemmanagundi mostly involve nature and these include breath-taking sunrises, trekking, stunning waterfalls and more. Here is a list of places to visit at Kemmanagundi:

Kalhatti Falls

Also known as the Kalathigiri and the Kalahasthi Falls, these falls are about 122 metres high and is made all the more interesting by the touch of history. A temple built duirng Vijaynagara period belonging to Veerabhadra is present at the backdrop of the falls. Legend says, that this place is also associated with the Hindu saint Agasthya. However, Kalhatti is a place of interest to both Hindu and Muslim devotees and is particularly visited during the yearly fair in the months of March and April. It is located at a distance of 10 kms from Kemmanagundi.

Hebbe Falls

Located at a height of 168 metres, this falls is about 8 kms from Kemmanagundi. Water here cascades and separates in two sections forming the ‘Dodda Hebbe’ (Big Falls) and the ‘Chikka Hebbe’ (Small Falls). Locals believe that since the water here flows through medicinal plants, taking a bath in the water of the falls can be means of curing skin diseases and the like.

Shanti Falls

This is located about 2 kms from another location of tourist interest, the Z Point. True peace and calm awaits all visitors to this falls as one can see only the luxurious green of nature surrounding them and hear the gushing of water and the occasional call of the birds.

Z Point

For adventure lovers, Z Point offers a marvellous trekking opportunity and rewards the successful with an ariel view of the Shola grasslands and the undulating landscape of Western Ghats. If the trek is undertaken before dawn, then the view of the sun rising above the green hills will make a lifetime memory.

Mullayangiri

Yet another peak, it is the highest in Karnataka and attracts worshippers for the temple perched on the top.

Rajendra Hill

Also known as the Bababudan Hill Town, it is also one of the highest peaks of the state and is located at a height of 1448 metres. The 5 km long ropeway carrying minerals from the iron ore rich hill to the other sight makes for an interesting watch. Bababudangiri Guru Dattatreya Dargah is another attraction.

Rock Garden

With pathways laid out of rock, this is another point to witness the setting or rising sun. Beautiful garden, spectacular view of the surrounding which includes the Bhadra Reservoir, this garden calls out to visitors of all kinds.

Other places include Jagara Valley, Honnamma Falls, Horseway, Shiva Temple and Raj Bhavan.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kemmanagundi is between the months of September and December during the winters.

Accommodations

Most hotels in Kemmanagundi are affordable as deluxe rooms come within the range of Rs 1500 to 3200. Luxury rooms cost higher and the starting price remains Rs 4000. The central bus stop is a good place to look for hotels and most of them provide pick up and drop facilities.

How to Reach

Road

53 km from Chikkamagaluru by road, the nearest national highways to Kemmanagundi is NH-48 and NH-206 which connect the place to Bangalore. It is separated from Lingadahalli by 17 kms of road. An alternative route can be via Mullayyanagiri.

Rail

The nearest railway station, Birur and Tareker Jn, both located about 33 kms away.

Air

The nearest domestic airport is Mangalore (150 kms away) and the nearest international airport is Bangalore (248 kms away).