UtripIndia

Kemmanagundi

 

Kemmanagundi is a hill station located in the district of Chikmagalur in the Baba Budan range of Karnataka. This was the summer retreat of Krishnaraja Vodeyar IV and as a mark of respect to the kind it is also popularly known by the name of KR Hills (Sri Krishna Rajendra Hills). The station is ringed by the Baba Budan Giri Range, with cascades, mountain streams and lush vegetation. The region is covered with plantations of coffee and tea along with thick bamboo groves forming a dense forest cover. There is a spectacular sunset view from the Raj Bhavan.

 

 

 

Kemmanagundi is 260 km from Bangalore, 225 km from Mangalore (the closest airport), and 55 km from Chikmaglur. Trains halt at Tarakere or Birur junction, the nearest rail head. State Transport buses come to Kemmanagundi from Bangalore, but the most convenient way to get here is to drive.

 

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.

Places to See :-

 

Z - Point : A steep uphill trek leads to the Z point, a spectacular vantage spot at Kemmangundi. Breathtaking, serene views of the sunset from this hilltop, is the best way to unwind at the end of a tiring trek to the top!
Z-point also offers a nice ariel view of the distant Shola grasslands in the undulated Western ghats. 

 

Hebbe Falls : Hebbe Falls is one of the prime attractions of Kemmanagundi. Gushing down from a height of 168 meters, it is split half way on a rock face into what is called Dodda(big) Hebbe & Chikka(small) Hebbe. A relaxing picnic spot, the falls is known to have medicinal properties & hence taking a bath here is popular among locals & tourists alike. These waters are said to cure common cold & skin diseases.

 

Shanti Falls : Shanti Falls is situated around 2 km away from the Z Point. The beautiful Shola Grassland is situated near the falls, in the Western Ghats.

 

Rock Garden : Perched on the peaks of Kemmanagundi, the Rock garden has well laid out pathways carved out of rock. Home to a variety of flowers, the garden is also famous for its spectacular sun set views amid the verdant green mountains & plains. The Bhadra Reservoir at the far end can also be viewed from certain vantage points in the garden. So, coming here in the evening closer to sun set time would be ideal to soak in the beauty of the garden, the views & a breathtaking sunset - marking a perfect end to your day.

 

Kalhatti Falls : The Kalhatti Falls, also known as Kallathigiri falls and Kalahasthi falls, Cascading from a height of 122 m is yet another imposing waterfall in Kemmanagundi. An ancient temple built between gaps in the rocks is assumed to be built in the period of Vijayanagar empire. According to many locals and folk legends, the famous Hindu saint Agasthya is associated with this place.