Kemmangundi is a hill station in Chikmagalur which is famous for its scenic views. It is located in the Tarikere taluk of Chikmagalur district. The height of Kemmangundi is approximately 1434 metres above sea level. This hill station is also known as KR Hills because it was a summer retreat for the Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar the fourth. He later donated this place to the Government of Karnataka and currently this place is handled by the Horticultural Department of Karnataka.This place derives its name from there Kannada words that are Kempu which means red,Mannu which means soil and gundi which means pit. Thus it means a place with red soil. There is a dense forest cover here because this region is covered with coffee plantations and tea plantations and also with thick bamboo groves.
Best Time to Visit:
| Months | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit: | September to May The atmosphere during these months is quite pleasant, making it an ideal time for a visit. |
| Avoid visiting: | Monsoons It's best to avoid Kemmangundi during monsoons due to heavy rainfall and potential landslides. |
Affordable Guest Houses and Restaurants in Kemmangundi, Karnataka
Guest Houses in Kemmangundi
Kemmangundi, located in the Chikballapur district of Karnataka, is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather. If you are planning a visit to this picturesque destination, here's a list of guest houses run by the Horticulture Department of Karnataka and other affordable options.
| Guest House | Price per Night |
|---|---|
| Horticulture Department Guest House | To be confirmed |
| Last Resort | INR 500 - 1,000 |
| Valley of Birds | INR 700 - 1,500 |
| Dhoopada Giri Lodge | INR 600 - 1,200 |
| Joe's Homestay | INR 400 - 800 |
| Butter Clouds Homestay | INR 500 - 1,200 |
| New Samriddhi Homestay | INR 400 - 1,000 |
Restaurants Near Kemmangundi
After a long day of exploring the breathtaking landscapes and serene surroundings, you'll surely want to try some delicious local dishes. Here's a list of restaurants near and around Kemmangundi that are worth checking out.
- Kemmangundi Restaurant
- SKRHS Restaurant
- Farm Cafe
- Hotel Tarikere Grand Kitchen
- The Hill Restaurant
Places to visit near Kemmangudi
Z Point
While trekking to Kemmangundi, a famous spot that one comes across is the Z point. The trek to the Z point has deep gorges and this point is extremely popular for having the best views of Kemmangundi. The cool breeze that falls on the trekker's face when they reach the point is very refreshing for them. One should reach this point to view the sunrise and sunset because it is breathtaking. It is also possible to camp at this point.
Highlight:
- Deep gorges
- Best views of Kemmangundi
- Refreshing cool breeze
- Ideal for sunrise and sunset views
Recommendation:
- Camping at Z point is a must-try experience.
Raj Bhawan
The Raj Bhawan at Kemmangundi offers an amazing view during sunset. This place is ideal for all photography lovers and also nature lovers because it has beautiful valleys, streams and also valleys.
Highlight:
- Amazing sunset views
- Ideal for photography and nature lovers
Shanti Falls and Shola Grasslands
The Shanti falls on the way to the Z point is another sight to behold. This is located amongst the Kemmangundi forest cover and is considered to be a natural water pool.The water here is also believed to have healing properties.This place is best to visit during the early winters and also during late monsoons.One should also not miss out on the Shola grasslands which are located right near the waterfalls.This place is also good to click pictures.
Highlight:
- Natural water pool with healing properties
- Best to visit during early winters and late monsoons
- Explore the Shola grasslands located near the waterfalls.
Ayyanakere Lake
The Ayyanakere Lake is one of the biggest lakes of the Chikmagalur district.Tourists come here almost throughout the year.This lake is spread over a region of 22 hectares and there are lush green surroundings around this lake which add to it's beauty.The Shakungiri range can be seen in the backdrop of the lake.One can also enjoy other activities here such as fishing and camping.
Highlight:
- Biggest lake in Chikmagalur district
- Spread over 22 hectares
Recommendation:
- Enjoy activities like fishing and camping near the lake.
Shivgiri Trails
The most amazing place near Kemmangundi is Shivgiri Trails. This place is covered in thick forests of Yemmedoddi. It is best not to visit this place during monsoon because the trails become slippery here. There are many activities here that one can indulge in such as trekking, rock climbing and also viewing the coffee plantation trails. Many times one spots and hears animals like the tigers, sloth bear,wild boar, panthers,etc in the wild life reserve here. One can also explore an ancient fort and the surrounding caves there. For someone who is really adventurous, they can attempt to summit the Doddabale Siddaragudda peak which is 5500ft high and also try to kayak in the waters of Lake Madagadakere.
Highlight:
- Adventurous trekking, rock climbing, and wildlife spotting
Caution:
- Avoid visiting during monsoon due to slippery trails.
Amruthapura and Amrutheshwara Temple
The village of Amruthapura is known for its Amrutheshwara temple which was approximately built in the 11th century. This temple is an example of the Hoysala architecture and it is inscribed with medieval Kannada poetry. It is sculpted in typical clay stone. There is an interesting fact about this village which states that it only has 17 houses and the population of the village consists of only 100 people and thus tourists find this place fascinating. One gets to explore the village,the traditional houses here and also try the local food here giving the tourist an opportunity to understand the culture here in a better manner.
Trek Highlight:
- 11th-century Hoysala architecture temple
Additional Information:
- Explore the traditional houses and local food in the village.
Shettihalli Church
The Shethihalli Church is another remarkable place to visit. This was built by the French missionaries approximately in the 1860s but was later abandoned because of the construction of the Hemavati Dam. This site is considered to be an unusual landmark. This structure is an example of Gothic architecture and the atmosphere there is quite eerie. Half of this Church during the rainy season goes underwater and this makes the place quite intriguing. One will have to take a boat to reach the floating Church and see it's beautiful Chapel and arches.
Highlight:
- Gothic architecture abandoned church
- Floating church during rainy season
Rajendra Hill and Iron Ore Mines
The Rajendra Hill is another famous tourist spot. It is approximately 4750ft. The tourists come here to see the extraction and transportation of iron ore from the deposits at the hill. This place is also known for its scenic beauty and the nature trails here are great for exploration and trekking. It is a also a good place for those like to do photography.
Highlight:
- Scenic beauty and nature trails
- Extraction and transportation of iron ore
