Exploring Kemmanangundi, the jewel of Chikkamagaluru

Popular for its trekking trails and wildlife explorations, Kemmanagundi is a hill station in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. The word ‘Kemmanagundi’ is a combination of the Kannada words ‘kempu’ (red), ‘mannu’ (soil) and ‘gundi’ (pit) and the red soil here feels like a wonderland. The region has lush green forests, moss-covered trees, bamboo groves and plenty of waterfalls and freshwater streams to explore.

Hire a jeep to explore Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (35 Kms): also referred to as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Lofty mountains and river streams make this an attractive nature reserve. The region is popular for Birdwatching, Malabar giant squirrels, langurs, peacocks, and rare butterflies. If lucky you may also spot a tiger and wild elephants that roam wildly.

The trip here takes you through scenic coffee plantations! Jeep hire and costs: Jeep hire is mandatory beyond Kemmangundi and costs around ₹400–₹600 per person, depending on group size.

See the Hebbe Falls (8 km from Kemmangundi):

Hebbe Falls are part of the wildlife sanctuary. The waterfall here cascades from a height of 551 feet, splitting into two sections – Dodda Hebbe (Big Hebbe) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Hebbe) that falls into a pool.

Spend the afternoon visiting a local coffee plantation and learn how beans are harvested, dried, and processed. Most estates offer guided tours and offer you samples of freshly brewed coffee.

Stop at Kalhatti Falls (10 km):

Kalhatti is a small waterfall with an Ancient Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Explore nearby attractions

Take a Trek to Z Point: (5 km trek from Kemmanagundi and 3 km from Raj Bhavan)

Z Point is one of the highest points in Kemmanagundi and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, valleys, and forests. Here you get to also admire the Shanti Falls, small but a pleasant sight. Visit the Rosa Falls near the town on your return for a quick break.

Visit Krishna Rajendra Hill for stunning views of the Bhadra River and the surrounding valleys.

Mullayanagiri Trek (12 Kms): 

The trek offers numerous trekking trails including Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri Trek. The place is also referred to as Chandra Drona Mountain Range, due to its crescent shape. The Mullayanagiri Temple at the top is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The hills here are also home to the rare Neela Kurinji or Kurinji flowers (a bright blue bell-shaped flower) that bloom once in 12 years!

Shivgiri (25 Kms):

Shivgiri is located near the Yemmedoddi Village within the Hoggarekangri hill region and is home to the Doddabale Siddaragudda Peak, which offers views of an ancient Shiva temple. From here the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is about 45 km away.

Visit the Baba Budangiri Caves and Dattatreya Peeta (15 km from Mullayanagiri, 29 km from Kemmanagundi & 36 km from Chikmagalur):

At an altitude of 1895 meters, it is considered one of the highest mountain peaks in Karnataka. You can easily reach here by road.

Baba Budangiri or Budan was a Muslim Saint (17th Century) and was considered one of the first people to get introduced to coffee in India. As per local legend, he brought a few coffee beans from the Port of Mocha, Yemen in 1670 AD.

The place is also a pilgrimage spot for Hindus. It was here at the Dattatreya Peetha where Sri Dattatreya Swamy resided and had meditated for many years. There are 3 mystical caves where the Siddhas were buried and are still worshipped. If interested, you may also trek to Manikya Dhara Falls, about 7 Km from Baba Budangiri.

Explore more about Chikmagalur in a separate blog at Chikkamagaluru – Known and unknown

Distance guide to Kemmanangundi

Kemmanagundi to Kadur: 40 km, also the nearest railway station
Hassan to Chikmagalur: 61 Kms via Belur Rd and SH 57
Kemmanagundi to Chikmagalur : 62 kms via SH57
Shimoga to Kemmanagundi: 72 Kms via NH206
Shimoga to Chikmagalur: 91 Kms via NH206 and SH 57
Kemmanagundi to Mangalore: 120 km
Bangalore to Chikmagalur: 245 Kms via NH48
Bangalore to Kemmanagundi: 273 Kms via Shimoga Rd