Kemmangundi

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name=Kemmannugundi
type = village
skyline = Kemmangundi_fog.jpg
skyline_caption = Foggy day at Kemmangundi
locator_position=right
latd = 13.547|longd=75.758
state_name=Karnataka
district=Chikkamagaluru
altitude= 1434
population_total = - | area_telephone= 08262
postal_code= 577 101
vehicle_code_range= KA-18
footnotes = |

Kemmangundi ಕೆಮ್ಮಣ್ಣುಗುಂಡಿ is a hill station in Tarikere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district in the state of Karnataka, India visit:http://www.onlinechikmagalur.com. 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 Budan Giri 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.

Origin of name

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

Getting there

Visit http://www.onlinechikmagalur.com for assistance on food and shelter

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 Birur (229 Km), take a deviation to Lingadahalli (16 km), turn left at Lingadahalli and you will see a signage (at around 1km) pointing you to Kemmannugundi. It's about 20km from this point on a rough road.
* 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)

There are two ways from Chikkamangaluru to Kemmanagundi. The one that goes via Lingadahalli is good and offer very scenic views. The other way is very very bad, better avoid it. 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 Kadur (20-30 km. away)

By air

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

History

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.

Places to see

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.As itis a walk beware of slippery roads and snakes

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). Jeeps are available from one particular point to Hebbe falls and they charge arount 600/- (for up and down). We can take a trek if you have enough time.

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.