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          KEMMANGUNDI TRAVEL GUIDE

Kemmangundi is a hill station in Tarikere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district in the
state of Karnataka, It is located at a height of 1434m above sea level. This was the
summer retreat of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and as a mark of respect to the king, it is
also known as Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station.

Ringed by the Baba Budangiri Range and blessed with silver cascades, mountain
streams, and lush vegetation, Kemmangundi’s beautifully laid-out ornamental
gardens and enchanting mountains and valleys views are a treat to the eye. The
spectacular sunset view from the Raj Bhavan is a photographer’s delight. For the
adventurous at heart, Kemmangundi offers many peaks to scale and intricate jungle
paths to explore.

Kemmangundi (or Kemmanagundi) derives its name from three Kannada words -
Kempu (red), mannu (soil) and gundi (pit) and means a place with red soil.

Enchanted by the scenic and pleasant environment of the Baba Budan Hills,
Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV was inspired to build his summer resort at Kemmangundi.
He later donated this resort to the Government of Karnataka. The Horticultural
Department of Karnataka now develops and maintains the resort and its
surroundings.


PLACE TO VISIT

Raj Bhavan - Raj Bhavan is a guest house located in Kemmangundi and offers
a spectacular view of the surrounding hills. The view of the sunset from Raj Bhavan
is something to be cherished.

Z point - Z point is a vantage point at Kemmangundi and can be reached by a
steep uphill trek of about 30 mins. from Raj Bhavan and is another favourite place of
people who want to view a spectacular sunset.

Rose garden - Rose garden, as the name suggests is a garden of roses
maintained by the Horticultural Department. Various varieties of roses are cultivated
here.

Hebbe Falls - A downhill trek of about 8 km from Raj Bhavan takes one to
Hebbe Falls where water streams down from a height of 168 meters in two stages
to form Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls).

Kallathi falls - Kallathi falls is about 10 km. from Kemmangundi. On the road
from Kemmangundi to Tarikere, a deviation takes one to Kallathi falls. It is also
known as Kallathigiri falls and Kalahasthi falls. Water cascades from a height of 122
metres and the temple here is attributed to times of the Vijayanagar empire.
According to a local legend, this place is associated with the Hindu sage, Agastya.

Bhadra Tiger Reserve - Bhadra Tiger Reserve: A two-hour drive from
Kemmanagundi will take you to India’s 25th nature reserve – a vast expanse of
bamboo trees surrounded by coffee plantations. A forest jeep could lead you to the
elusive sight of a tiger. Don’t be disappointed if all you can see is its pugmarks.
Apart from the tigers, watch out for the elephants, deer, panthers, gaur, sambar,
jungle cats and birds such as woodpecker, robin etc. More than 250 species of birds
inhabit this forest.


HOW TO REACH

By road - Kemmangundi is about 53 km by road from the district headquarters of
Chikkamagaluru town. From the state headquarters of Bangalore, one can try the
following routes to reach Kemmangundi:

National Highway NH-206 till Tarikere and then taking a deviation to Kemmangundi
via Lingadahalli (270 km)

National Highway NH-206 till Kadur and then taking a deviation to Chikkamagaluru
and from there to Kemmangundi (300 km)

National Highway NH-48 till Hassan and then taking the Hassan - Belur -
Chikkamagaluru - Kemmangundi road (330 km)

Each one of the above routes offers a scenic drive through the mountain roads of
Chikkamagaluru district and should be explored.

By rail - Nearest Railway Station is Tarikere (35 km. away)

By air - Nearest Airport is Mangalore (190 km. away). Alternatively, the airport at
Bangalore can be used.