Kemmanagundi is one of the popular hill stations in Chikkamagaluru and it was once the summer retreat of King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV of Mysore. Today this picturesque green haven is a must-visit for anyone who wants to trek, soak in all that nature, give oneself a break from the breakneck city life, or is looking for a spot to ride their bike to. In no particular order, here are some of the must-visit places in Kemmanagundi.
The Ultimate Guide To Places To Visit In Kemmanagundi, A Perfect Summer Retreat!
How To Get To Kemmanagundi
Kemmanagundi is located about 5.5 hours from Bangalore or 273 kilometres. You can drive down via NH 75 to reach here. There are KSRTC buses that go to Kemmanagundi from Bangalore and back. If you are opting for trains, there are several trains including the Shivamogga Town Intercity Express that you can travel in. Get down at Tarikere station and you can book a cab or auto to Kemmanagundi which is about 30 odd kilometres from the station.
Places To Visit
Now, before we look at the top places to visit in Kemmanagundi, note that the best time to visit Kemmanagundi is all through the year. But the peak season is during May-June with October to December being a good time during the monsoons.
Z Point
The top point of the Kemmandundi range is called Z Point and it's a 5-kilometre trek that you can do to catch either the beautiful sunrise or sunset. You trek through natural trails and there are many vantage points where you can see the green haven around you. Once you are at the top, you'll feel like you have conquered the world. Plus, whether you have done a morning or evening trek, nothing beats the gorgeous views in front of you—hilly greens as far as the eye can see.
Hebbe Falls
One of the top waterfalls near Bangalore, Hebbe Falls is located inside a coffee estate and this fall is hugely popular during the monsoon season. There are off-road trails you can take to trek up to watch the beautiful cascading falls. It's a proper trek that will have you going through long-winding paths and there are several smaller streams on the way to the walls.
Shanti Falls
This is located on your way to Z Point and it's a popular pitstop for trekkers and tourists. The waterfalls originate from the top of the hills and cascade to a natural pool below. Monsoons are the best time to visit since the waterfall is at its fullest capacity but even during summers, you won't feel the heat as you cool yourself in the pool.
Baba Budangiri Hills
One of the iconic hills in Karnataka, Baba Budangiri is a popular trekking spot in that part of the world. It has Mullayanagiri, which is the highest peak in Karnataka at 1,930 metres above sea level. The whole region is filled with things to do from exploring rock caves to checking out the waterfalls. There are plenty of religious spots including temples and dargas atop the hills of Baba Budangiri.
Kalhatti Falls
A slightly lesser-known waterfall but popular amongst trekking groups and seasoned trekkers, Kalhatti Falls is known for its cascading waterfalls. It drops down several hundred metres from Chandradorna Hill and there's the Veerabhadreshwara Temple that's in the vicinity. You'll find trekkers and temple goers visit the place all through the year.
