Kemmenagundi is a scenic hill station situated in the Tarikere taluk of Chikmagalur district of the South Indian state of Karnataka. Kemmenagundi is famous for its pleasant weather, serene ambiance, and beautiful environment. The tourist destination, which lies at a distance of about 252 kilometers from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a popular weekend getaway destination.Kemmenagundi is situated about 1434 meters above sea level, tucked amidst the magnificent Baba Budan Giri Range of the Western Ghats. According to the folklore, Kemmenagundi was once known by the name ‘Chandra Drona Parvatha’. It is home to many medicinal plants and herbs.
The streams gushing through the slopes of Kemmenagundi, brushing these medicinal plants are believed to be of great medicinal value and a cure for common cold, skin ailments, and many other diseases.
The ‘Ooty’ of Karnataka
Kemmenagundi is hailed by Kannadigas as the ‘Ooty of Karnataka’. Kuvempu, a famous Kannada poet, described Kemmenagundi hills as the land of everlasting spring season. Kemmenagundi was once the royal summer retreat of the erstwhile Mysore King, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.
Attracted by the scenic beauty of Kemmenagundi, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV built a summer palace at this place. He also took great care to bring in the necessary public infrastructure required for a comfortable stay without disturbing the natural beauty of the place. He owned Kemmenagundi hill station for about 10 years.
Later, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV donated Kemmenagundi to the Government of Karnataka. It was thenceforth known as Sri Krishnarajendra Giridhama or KR Hills, in honor of the King. Today, Kemmenagundi is maintained by the Horticulture Department of Karnataka.
Weather: The maximum and minimum temperature range varies from 20 to 28°C during summer.
Best time to Visit: The best time to visit Kemmangundi is in December.
Route Info: There are three route available:Bangalore –> Nelamangala –> Kunigal –> Hassan –> Belur –> Chikmagalur –> Lingadahalli –-> Kemmangundi.
Bangalore –> Tumkur –> Tiptur –> ArsiKere –> Kadur –> Kemmangundi.
Bangalore –> Chikmagalur –> Kemmangundi.
By Bus: You will get KSRTC deluxe bus from Bangalore to Kadur, from there you have to take another bus to Kemmangundi.
By Rail: Kadur is the nearest station.
Road type : Good.
Major attractions:
Raj Bhawan
It is a guest house built in Kemmangundi which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills. From this Raj Bhawan you can see the sunset something to be cherished.
Z Point
This place can be reached by steep uphill of about 30mins from Raj Bhawan. It is a vantage point to view a spectacular sunset.
Rose Garden
The Horticultural Department of the Kemmangundi maintained a beautiful rose garden here in Kemmangundi. You can see various variety of roses cultivated here.
Hebbe falls
It is of about 8 Kms from kemmangundi. From 250 Feet height water flows down here so it is called as Dodda Hebbe. Another where water flows down of about 200 feet height is called as Chikka Hebbe. So the reason you can find a beautiful coffee plantation here.
Kallathi Falls
It is of about 10 Kms from Kemmangundi. This place is also called by the name Kallathigiri falls and Kalahasthi falls, water falls from 122 meters. It is belived that the temple of Lord Veerabhadreshwara built during the period of Krishna Devaraya.
Trekking at Kemmenagundi
Kemmenagundi is considered among the top most trekking destinations in Karnataka. Hebbe Falls is the main trekking attraction of Kemmenagundi that can only be reached by a steep downward trek of about 10 km. If you a little further you can visit Kalhatti falls.
Tourist Info:
Things to carry:
Warm Clothes.
Trekking gear.
Basic First aid kit
Accommodation
You will get accommodation and good food facility in Kemmangundi. In the village name kallathi there is one Horticulture Department Guest Houses available for stay. Otherwise you have to stay in chikkamagalur its self. Here you will get so many good hotels to stay.
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