Kemmanagundi,Karnataka

Dreaming of a quiet retreat that you can reach in a few hours from the bustling metro of Bangalore? Peace and solitude are round the corner at Kemmanagundi, a picturesque hill station near Chikmagalur. Driving up to Kemmanagundi, you are greeted by pleasing mountain scenery. The landscape is

lush with forests and waterfalls that tumble down the rock face. Kemmanagudi is the perfect escape from the rushed life of the big city. So take break and head to this scenic hill station to rejuvenate!

Historically Speaking

This hill resort in the Baba Budan Hills was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Mysore, the Wodeyar King Krishnaraje Wodeyar IV, after whom the hill station is also named the K.R. Hills.

Night Out Eat at your hotel/guest house or try the Hotels in Kemmanagundi.

Activities The hills are home to numerous tea and coffee plantations and covered with thick forest and bamboo groves. With waterfalls, lush foliage, trekking routes and mountain trails, Kemmanagundi has much to offer in terms of outdoor activities and natural beauty.

Sights Many a shady walking trail through the woods leads you to untrodden paths and quiet glens, where you can picnic, ramble and commune with nature and just generally unwind! To catch a panoramic vista of the surrounding valley climb up to Z point - the half hour climb will surely be worth it as the breathtaking views are stupendous! The Royal Horticultural Society of Karnataka has its base at Kemmanagundi, with beautifully landscaped gardens and a riot of flowers.About 8 km walk from town are the Hebbe Falls . This 168 m high waterfall is broken half way by a rock ledge before it crashes down hill. Hebbe Falls is a lovely picnic spot, with the spray turning the surroundings dewy. The Kalahatti Falls that cascade down 122 metres is another major attraction, about 10 km from Kemmanagundi.

How to get there by Air Mangalore at 225kms is the closest airport. The Bangalore airport is 260kms away from Kemmanagundi.

How to get there by Rail Trains halt at Tarakere, the nearest railhead to Kemmanagundi.

How to get there by Bus State Transport buses come to Kemmanagundi from Bangalore, but the most convenient way to get here is to drive.

Best time to Visit Kemmanangundi is a great place to get away to at any time of the year - summer, winter and even the monsoons, a season that can be quite spectacular, with waterfalls gushing over and the trees on the hills wearing a sparkly rain-washed look. In Kemmanagudi the temperature never rises above 28ºC. Summer is peak tourist season, while the crowds thin during the monsoons, making it a great time to be here.

Hotels in Karnataka

The Horticulture Department''s Guest House is the most popular place to stay. You can also stay at neighbouring Chikmaglur and Shimoga, which have a range of budget and deluxe hotels.

Emergency Number Kemmanagundi (District - Chikmaglur) Chickmagalur Town Police Station : 235333 Ashraya Hospital : 08262-234478 / 230574 Annapurna Hospital : 08262-230426 Department of Tourism : 08262-228493 Tourist Officer Indira Gandhi Road Chikmagalur - 577 101

Nearby Places Chikmagalur is 55 kms away from Kemmanagundi and makes for a quiet getaway. This pretty little town is full of surprises with its valleys and babbling brooks.