Kemmannugundi derives its name from three Kannada words - Kempu, mannu and gundi. Kemmannugundi was established as the summer retreat of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. He later donated this resort to the Government of Karnataka. The Horticultural Department of Karnataka now develops and maintains the resort and its surroundings.
Landmarks
Z point is a vantage point at Kemmangundi and can be reached by a steep uphill trek of about 45 minutes from Raj Bhavan and is another place from which to view the sunrise. Shanthi Falls near Kemmangundi can be visited.
Rose garden and rock garden are maintained by the Horticultural Department of Karnataka. Many varieties of roses are cultivated there.
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 and Chikka Hebbe. Jeeps are available from one particular point to Hebbe falls and they charge around INR 700 to 1200. Hebbe Falls is now a Restricted Area and hence this is no longer a Tourist spot, since this place has attracted the Tigers nearby.
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.
Mullayanagiri is the tallest peak in Karnataka and is famous for the temple perched on the peak. Though the route to Kemmangudi through Mullayanagiri is scenic and beautiful, the roads can be narrow and bad.
Baba Budangiri is second tallest peak in Karnataka. It has a darga and Datta Peetha religious places. Manikyadhara falls and Galikere lake are nearby.
Honnammana Halla falls near Attigundi and Hirekolale lake are popular with tourists.
Climate
Kemmanagundi has a Sub-Tropical Highland climate influenced by Monsoon.it has three seasons Winter followed by Summer and Monsoon and has cool climate throughout the year than most cities in the sub-continent. December is the coldest month with mean temperature of 17 and April is the hottest with a mean of 22.2. Most precipitation falls in July, with an average of 591 mm February is the driest month.
Transport
Road
Kemmannugundi is 53 km from Chikkamagaluru and 17 km from Lingadahalli by road. The nearest National Highways, NH-206 or NH-48, connect to Bangalore. There is another route via Mullayyanagiri and Attigundi, a scenic drive. If you are dependent only on public transport then you can catch a private bus from Lingadahalli at 9.30am and the same bus comes at Kemmanagundi at 4.30pm goes to Birur via Lingadahalli. Kemmannugundi is 212 km from Mangalore, and is accessible via road through National Highways, NH-73 and NH-173.
The nearest airports are at Mangalore and Bangalore.
Stay
The first choice of accommodation for most visitors to Kemmangundi Karnataka is the Horticulture Department Guest House, which provides a number of cottages. This is a budget dormitory-type accommodation with a double room costing less than Rs.300/-. However, be warned: most visitors are unhappy with the facilities, with unwashed bed sheets and limited food. You need to book accommodation at the Horticulture Department Guest House well in advance and it is very rare that you will find a cottage vacant otherwise. Contact details given below: Horticulture Department, Lalbagh, Bangalore-560004 Telephone: 080-26579231 OR Special Officer Krishnarajendra Hill Station, Kemmannagundi Post, Tarikere Taluk, Chickmagalur district. Telephone: 08261-237126 There is also a Horticulture Department Guest House in Kallathi village, where the famous Kallathi waterfalls are located. Phone Number of Horticulture Department Guest House Kallathi: 08262-235334. Before calling to Kallathi Guest House, please contact special officer for the availability of rooms at 94810-13320.
