About Kemmanagundi

Country: India | State: Karnataka

Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 Days

Nearest City to Kemmanagundi: Mangalore (205 Kms), Bangalore (246 Kms)

Best Time to Visit Kemmanagundi: October to February

Peak Season: December to January & May to June

At a distance of 41 km from Kadur, 62 km from Chikmagalur, 68 km from Shimoga, 121 km from Hassan, 205 km from Mangalore, 213 km from Mysore, and 246 km from Bangalore, Kemmanagundi is a hill station in Tarikere taluk of Chikmagalur district. It is one of the popular tourist places in Karnataka, and among the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Kemmanagundi is a beautiful and picturesque hill station situated at an altitude of 1434 m on the Baba Budan range. Breathtaking views of the valleys amidst mountain streams and lush vegetation are the main attractions of Kemmanagundi tour packages. The region is covered with plantations of coffee and tea along with thick bamboo groves forming a dense forest cover.

Kemmangundi derives its name from three Kannada words - kempu (red), mannu (soil) and gundi (pit) mean a place with red soil. Kemmanagundi is also popularly known by the name of KR Hills, named after the Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Mesmerized by the beauty of the place, he made Kemmangundi as his summer retreat. He later donated this resort to the Government of Karnataka. The Horticultural Department of Karnataka now develops and maintains the resort and its surroundings. The department grows a lot of ornamental plants here. Kemmanagundi is one of the top attractions you must include in Chikmagalur packages.

Raj Bhavan, Z point, Rock garden, Hebbe Falls, Kalhattagiri Falls, Baba Budan Hill, and Bhadra Tiger Reserve are the most poular place to visit in Kemmanagundi. The sunset view from the Raj Bhavan is a photographer's delight. Kemmangundi is also popular among tourists for trekking routes, mountain trails, and other adventure activities. Shanti Falls and Hebbe Falls are the two famous waterfalls located here that offer trekking opportunities.

Mangalore airport is the closest airport which is 219 km from Kemmangundi. Birur (32 km) & Shimoga (68 km) are the nearest railheads to Kemmangundi. Birur has trains from Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Kolhapur, Goa, Ajmer & Pondicherry. Shimoga has train connectivity from Bangalore, Mysore & Talguppa. Kemmangundi is well connected by bus services. Private and public transport buses connect frequently to Chikmagalur, Bangalore, and Mangalore.

Kemmangundi provides various accommodations in the form of homestays and resorts. Horticulture Department Guest House (known as Raj Bhavan), The Last Resort, Valley of Birds, Dhoopada Giri lodge, Kallahatti lodge, etc., are some of the places tourists can enjoy staying.

Kemmangundi offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. The best time to visit the destination is from September to May; avoid visiting during the monsoons. Usually, it takes 1-2 days to explore the major places here.

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Other Info
Internet Availability: Average
STD Code: 08261
Languages Spoken: Kannada, Hindi, English
Major Festivals: Details Not Available
Notes/Tips:
None

How to Reach Kemmanagundi

By Air

Nearest Airport: Mangalore - Mangalore Airport (219 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Birur Junction (32 Kms)
Shimoga Town Railway Station (68 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Kemmanagundi (0 Kms)

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi

#1 of 12 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi

At a distance of 6 km from Kemmanagundi, 36 km from Tarikere, and 66 km from Chikmagalur, Hebbe Falls is a wonderful waterfall located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is one of the top Kemmanagundi tourist places, and among the best places to visit near Bangalore.
Situated inside Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Hebbe Falls is surrounded by dense forest and coffee plantations. It is one of the must include places in Kemmanagundi Tour Packages. It cascades down from a height of 550 feet in two stages to form Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls). This fall is created by the springs generated in the mountains. A pool is formed by the waterfall below the second stage which allows visitors to swim and play in the water. It is believed that the waters of these .....

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#2 of 12 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi

At a distance of 10 km from Kemmanagundi and 82 km from Chikmagalur, Kalhatti Falls is located at Kallattipura in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Also known as Kalhattagiri or Kalahasthi Falls, it is one of the spectacular waterfalls near Bangalore and among the most picturesque places to visit in Kemmanagundi.

The waterfall cascades down from a height of over 400 feet through the Chandra Drona Hills in front of the Veerabhadreshwara Temple, which is the most commonly visited part of the falls. The presiding deity in this cave temple is Lord Shiva. It offers an excellent view of the surrounding valleys. The adjoining mountain is enriched with rare flora and fauna that can be experienced during your Kemmanagundi Tour.

According to legend, sage Agastya had prayed for a .....

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#3 of 12 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi

At a distance of 5 km from Kemmanagundi, 67 km from Chikmagalur and 1 km from Shanti Falls, Z Point is a wonderful trekking spot and one of the prime places to visit in Kemmanagundi. Z Point is a beautiful spot with deep valleys all around amidst thick green surroundings. The cool breeze on the peak mesmerizes visitors. It is one of the best short treks in Karnataka with beautiful views of nature and valleys.

The 3 km trekking trail to Z Point starts from Kemmanagundi Raj Bhavan and runs through thick forest. Shanti Waterfalls is situated enroute to the Z Point. The trek is relatively easy till Shanti Hills and gets little tough afterwards. The later part of the trek runs through narrow path with deep gorges and steep hills. The trek route provides breathtaking views of the hills of Kemmanagundi. The wide and beautiful grasslands provide unique setting to the slopes.

The .....

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#4 of 12 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi

At a distance of 4 km from Kemmangundi & 66 km from Chikmagalur, Shanti Falls is a small and beautiful water fall situated on the way to Z Point in Kemmangundi. It is one of the popular tourist places to visit in Kemmanagundi.

Shanti Falls is a refreshing sight that awaits visitors on their trek to Z Point in the lush green forest stretch of Kemmangundi. The water flows all the way from top of the hill, creating a spectacular view while falling into the valley below. The waterfall cascades down to create a natural pool that is believed to have remarkable medicinal qualities. The most interesting fact about this waterfall is that its water remains extremely cold even during the hot summer months. Visitors can enjoy a swim in the cool waters of the Shanti Falls.

This is one of the trekking trails in Kemmangundi. The route all the way is very scenic with deep valleys on one side and hills cover on the other. This place can be reached by trekking through the forest from Kemmanagundi Raj .....

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#5 of 12 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi

At a distance of 39 km from Kemmangundi, 47 km from Shimoga, and 79 km from Chikmagalur, Amruthapura is a village located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka which is well known for the famous Amruteshwara Temple. It is one of the historical places to visit as part of Kemmanagundi Packages.

The Amruteshwara Temple is an ancient temple built in 1196 AD by Amruteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala II. Ruvari Mallitamma, the well-known Hoysala sculptor and architect is known to have started his career here working on the domed ceilings in the main mantapa. On the porch of the temple is a large stone inscription, a fine example of medieval Kannada poetry. This temple is situated near the Bhadra Reservoir in the Malnad region surrounded by coconut and palm plantations. It is one of the best places to visit in Kemmanagundi.

Dedicated .....

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#6 of 12 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi

At a distance of 50 Kms from Sringeri, 25 Kms from Koppa, 88 Kms from Kemmangundi & 45 Kms from Chikmagalur, Balehonnur is a beautiful place dominated by coffee plantations. It is receives an average rainfall of 80 inches per year.

Balehonnur is also the seat of Shrimad Jagadguru Rambhapuri Veersimhasana Mahasamsthana Peetha. This matha has mythical connections to Rambha, the celestial dancer It is one of the five great panchacharya mathas. The Veerabadra temple attached to the matha has metallic images of Veerabhadra & Bhadrakali.

Balehonnur Bridge was constructed in 1946 across the Bhadra River.

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#7 of 12 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi

At a distance of 79 km from Udupi, 88 km from Chikmagalur, 99 km from Shimoga, 104 km from Mangalore, 256 km from Mysore, and 318 km from Bangalore, Sringeri is a renowned pilgrimage center located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is one of the important pilgrimage centers in South India, and among the most famous places to visit near Mangalore.

Sringeri is well known for Sharada Peetham, among the must visit places as part of the Sringeri Tour Packages. Sringeri Sharada Peetham is the first and foremost of the 4 Peethams established by the renowned 8th-century saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Sringeri is situated at an altitude of 2789 ft on the banks of River Tunga bounded by the Western Ghats. The name Sringeri is derived from Rishyashringa-Giri, a nearby hill that is named after Sage Rishyashringa. Tipu Sultan provided financial aid to Sringeri for .....

Distance (From Kemmanagundi): 125 Kms
Trip Duration (From Kemmanagundi - Including Travel): Full Day
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#8 of 12 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi

At a distance of 12 km from Mallandur village, and 39 km from Chikmagalur, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and a tiger reserve, situated amidst the Western Ghats in Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka. It is one of the most popular Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

Spread over an area of 490 sq. km, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Chikmagalur. The region was declared as a natural reserve, known as the Jagara Valley Game Reserve, in 1951 by the Government of Mysore. In 1974, the reserve was named the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary boasts of a substantial tiger .....

Distance (From Kemmanagundi): 90 Kms
Trip Duration (From Kemmanagundi - Including Travel): 2-3 Hours
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#9 of 12 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi

At a distance of 7 km from Baba Budangiri Dattatreya Peetha, 36 km from Kemmangundi & 29 km from Chikmagalur, Manikya Dhara Falls is situated in the dense forest of Baba Budangiri hills in Western Ghats of India. It is another popular attraction not to miss in a Chikmagalur tour package.

With a height of about 30 feet, the waterfall is situated midst dense Forest offering great views of Baba Budangiri Hills. Locally known as Nellikayi Theertha, this waterfall is considered as a holy site by Hindus as well as Muslims. Manikya Dhara, which literally means a string of pearls, is the ideal site for people looking for a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. According to the legend, saint Baba Budan along with his 4 disciples came to the site in search of water. After their prayers, they were blessed with water flowing from the mountains in the form of this waterfall.

People .....

Distance (From Kemmanagundi): 36 Kms
Trip Duration (From Kemmanagundi - Including Travel): 2 Hours
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#10 of 12 Places to Visit in Kemmanagundi

About Baba Budangiri

At a distance of 29 km from Kemmanagundi & 36 km from Chikmagalur, Baba Budangiri is a mountain in the Baba Budan range of Chikmagalur. At an altitude of 1895 meters, Baba Budangiri is the second-highest peak in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in your Chikmagalur Tour Packages. The main peaks in the Baba Budan range are the Mulliyangiri and Baba Budangiri which are collectively known as the Chandra Drona Mountain Range as they naturally form the shape of a crescent moon. This is one of the popular Chickmagalur tourist places.

History of Baba Budangiri

Also known as Dattagiri, the mountain is named after the Muslim saint, Baba Budan who is worshiped by both Hindus and Muslims. Baba Budan was a 17th-century Sufi saint who came to India from Saudi to spread the message of Islam and peace. According to legend, he introduced .....

Distance (From Kemmanagundi): 29 Kms
Trip Duration (From Kemmanagundi - Including Travel): 4 Hours/Half Day
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Top 5 Kemmanagundi Tour Packages