Kemmangundi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Kemmannugundi
Karnataka, India |
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  Kemmannugundi
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| District(s) | Chikkamagaluru |
| Coordinates |
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| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Population | - |
| Codes · Postal · Telephone · Vehicle |
· 577 101 · +08262 · KA-18 |
Kemmangundi ಕೆಮ್ಮಣ್ಣುಗುಂಡಿ is a hill station in Tarikere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district in the state of Karnataka, India. 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.
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[edit] 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.
[edit] Getting there
[edit] 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.
[edit] By Rail
Nearest Railway Station is Tarikere (35 km. away)
[edit] By Air
Nearest Airport is Mangalore (190 km. away). Alternatively, the airport at Bangalore can be used.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Places to see
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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).
[edit] 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.
