Kemmanagundi
Short Descr
Kemmanagundi in the Baba Budangiri range of hills is also known as KR Hills after Krishnaraja Wodeyar who had made it his summer camp. Kemmanagundi at a height of 1,434 meters, is surrounded by thick forests and a good climate round the year. It has beautifully laid out ornamental gardens and panoramic view of the mountains. Attractions include Flower gardens, view of the mountains, Hebbe falls, Kalhatti falls and Z point. This is one of the best place for trekking in Western ghats. Near by attractions include Mullaingiri, Baba budangir, Chikmagalur, Bhadra reservoir and Muthodi game sanctuary.
Long Descr
Kemmanagundi is named after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, who made it his favorite summer camp. Quite, peaceful, serene. Nestling amidst lush green forests, Kemmanagundi is sure revive and rejuvenate one - physically, mentally & spiritually. Situated in the Tarikere Taluk of Chikmagalur District on the Baba Budan range at a height of 1,434 m, is a picturesque hamlet Kemmanagundi, also called K. R. Hills. It is the ideal place to get away from the heat and dust, the crowds and traffic jams of the cities.
Languages Spoken: Kannada, Hindi & English.
Elevation
Kemmanagundi - 1,434 meters.
Location Details
How to Reach There and Distances
Kemmanagundi is 260 km from Bangalore and 55 km from Chikmagalur. The best option to reach Kemmanagundi is private transport. There are no direct buses from Bangalore. You can take a bus to Shimoga and get off the bus at Birur (36 km) or Tarikere (30 km) and take a local bus or Jeep from there to Kemmanagundi.
Rail
Nearest railhead is Tarikere Kemmanagundi.
Road
Kemmanagundi is connected by road to Chikmagalur, Bangalore and Shimoga.
Accomodations
Horticulture Department Guest House, tel: 08262-4126, Contact- Special Officer (off Season), During Season-Horticulture Department Head Office, Lalbagh Bangalore- 560 027. Tel. 91-80-6611925.
Best Season to Visit/Weather
Kemmanagundi is pleasant throughout the year - the temperature never rises above 28 degree. Summer is peak tourist season, while the crowds thin during the monsoons, making it a great time to be here.
To visit Nearby Places
Hebbe Falls
A 600 m high cliff face where according to legend, condemned prisoners were pushed to their death.
Kalhatti Falls
Also known as Kalahasti Falls. The water here cascades down a height of 122 m. All around are fascinating scenic delights. This picturesque spot is 10 kms from Kemmanagundi.
There is also a local temple here, constructed in a gap between rocks. A Jatra is held here for three days every year and attracts pilgrims from far and near.