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Kemmangundi!

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Population

Very small

schedule

Best Time

September to May

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Time Needed

2-3 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (β‚Ή)

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location_on Karnataka map South India ⛰️ Mountains πŸ”οΈ Hill Stations Hill Stations Nature & Outdoors Kemmangundi Karnataka Hill Station Chikmagalur Baba Budangiri scenic views waterfalls rose garden

Kemmangundi, also known as KR Hills, is a scenic hill station in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It's known for its lush greenery, waterfalls, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Kemmangundi offers a peaceful escape from city life, with opportunities for trekking and enjoying nature. However, the roads can be rough, and accommodation options are limited. The remote location might not appeal to everyone.

To fully explore Kemmangundi, plan for at least two days. The nearest airport is in Mangalore, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kemmangundi. Internal transport relies heavily on local jeeps and buses.

When To Visit

Best Time

September to May

15-25 degrees C

Pleasant and cool, with clear skies. Ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

Why Visit:

The weather is perfect for exploring the hills, waterfalls, and gardens. The skies are clear, offering stunning views. This is the best time for outdoor activities and photography. The rose garden is in full bloom during these months.

Tip: This is peak season, so expect more tourists and slightly higher prices. Booking accommodation in advance is recommended.

Shoulder Season

June to August

20-30 degrees C

Monsoon season with heavy rainfall. The landscape is lush green, but visibility can be limited.

Why Visit:

The waterfalls are at their fullest, and the landscape is incredibly green. The crowds are thinner, offering a more secluded experience. However, trekking can be challenging due to slippery trails.

Tip: Heavy rainfall can disrupt travel plans and limit outdoor activities. Some roads may be temporarily closed.

Avoid

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Why Avoid:

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Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Z Point

⏱ 3-4 hours Free

Z Point is a popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. The trek to Z Point is moderately challenging and takes ...

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Rose Garden

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

The Rose Garden is a beautiful garden with a variety of roses and other flowering plants. It's a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of natur...

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Hebbe Falls

⏱ 2-3 hours Free

Hebbe Falls is a beautiful waterfall located about 10 km from Kemmangundi. The waterfall cascades down from a height of about 168 meters....

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Baba Budangiri

⏱ 4-5 hours Free

Baba Budangiri is a mountain range known for its Sufi shrine and scenic beauty. It's a popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Muslims....

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Kallathi Falls

⏱ 2-3 hours Free

Kallathi Falls is a scenic waterfall near Kemmangundi. It is believed that Saint Agastya prayed here for a long time....

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Shanti Falls

⏱ 1 hour Free

Shanti Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located on the way to Z Point. It's a popular spot for a quick stop and photo opportunity....

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Mullayanagiri Peak

⏱ 3-4 hours Free

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys....

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Things To Do

attractions

Trekking to Z Point

⏱ 3-4 hours πŸ’° Free

This involves a moderately challenging trek to Z Point for panoramic views. The trail passes through forests and rocky t...

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attractions

Jeep Safari to Hebbe Falls

⏱ 2-3 hours πŸ’° β‚Ή1500-2500 per jeep

A thrilling jeep ride through rough terrain to reach Hebbe Falls. The jeep ride itself is an adventure....

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attractions

Coffee Plantation Tour

⏱ 2-3 hours πŸ’° β‚Ή500-1000 per person

Visit a local coffee plantation and learn about the process of coffee cultivation. You'll get to see the coffee plants a...

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attractions

Visit to Baba Budangiri Dattatreya Peeta

⏱ 3-4 hours πŸ’° Free

Visit the shrine of Sufi saint Baba Budan and explore the caves. It's a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and Musli...

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Cultural Experiences

celebration

Local Cuisine Tasting

1-2 hours | β‚Ή200-500

Experience the local flavors of Karnataka cuisine. Try dishes like Akki Roti, Jolada Roti, and Bisi ...

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celebration

Visiting a Local Market

1-2 hours | Free

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a local market. See the variety of fresh produce, spices, and h...

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Attending a Local Festival

Varies | Free

Experience the cultural richness of Karnataka by attending a local festival. These festivals often i...

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celebration

Learning Kannada Phrases

Ongoing | Free

Learn a few basic Kannada phrases to enhance your interactions with locals. Simple phrases like 'Nam...

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celebration

Visiting a Coffee Estate

2-3 hours | β‚Ή500-1000 per person

Take a tour of a working coffee estate and learn about the process of coffee cultivation from bean t...

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celebration

Watching a Yakshagana Performance

2-3 hours | β‚Ή200-500

Experience Yakshagana, a traditional folk theater form of Karnataka. It involves elaborate costumes,...

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Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Bisi Bele Bath
Bisi Bele Bath

A rice-based dish with lentils and vegetables (Try at local restaurants)

Akki Roti
Akki Roti

A flatbread made from rice flour (Try at local restaurants)

Jolada Roti
Jolada Roti

A flatbread made from sorghum flour (Try at local restaurants)

Filter Coffee
Filter Coffee

A strong and aromatic coffee (Try at any local coffee shop)

Where to Eat

Town Canteen

Town Canteen

β‚Ή/β‚Ήβ‚Ή

South Indian

πŸ“ Kemmangundi Town

A simple and popular canteen serving authentic South Indian food. A good place to try local dishes.

Bisi Bele Bath

β‚Ή300-500 for two

Hotel Sri Krishna Bhavan

Hotel Sri Krishna Bhavan

β‚Ή/β‚Ήβ‚Ή

South Indian

πŸ“ Chikmagalur

Serves traditional South Indian breakfast and meals. Known for its quick service and tasty food.

Dosas and Idlis

β‚Ή400-600 for two

Street Food Spots

Chikmagalur Market

Chikmagalur Market

πŸ’° Budget: β‚Ή50-150 per person

⚠️ Tips: Be cautious of hygiene. Try the local sweets and snacks.

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Foodie Finder: Kemmangundi

More restaurants & dishes from Kemmangundi

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Kemmangundi Town

Best for budget travelers and those who want to be close to the main attractions. Limited options, but convenient location.

Best For: Budget travelers

Chikmagalur

Offers a wider range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. A good base for exploring the region, but further from Kemmangundi.

Best For: All types of travelers

Accommodation Options

Budget

πŸ’°

β‚Ή800-1500/night

Hotel Mountain Valley

πŸ“ Kemmangundi

Simple rooms with basic amenities. Good for budget travelers looking for a place to sleep.

β‚Ή800-1500/night

Stay Simple Nature Resorts

πŸ“ Near Kemmangundi

Offers cottages with scenic views. Provides basic comfort and a peaceful environment.

β‚Ή1000-2000/night

Mid-Range

🏨

β‚Ή2500-4000/night

The Planters Court

πŸ“ Chikmagalur

Comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Offers a good balance of price and quality.

β‚Ή2500-4000/night

The Serai Chikmagalur

πŸ“ Chikmagalur

Well-appointed rooms with scenic views. Has a swimming pool and other recreational facilities.

β‚Ή3000-5000/night

Luxury

✨

β‚Ή15000+/night

Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg

πŸ“ Coorg (nearby)

Luxurious resort with stunning views. Offers world-class amenities and services.

β‚Ή15000+/night

The Tamara Coorg

πŸ“ Coorg (nearby)

Eco-friendly luxury resort nestled in a coffee plantation. Offers a unique and immersive experience.

β‚Ή12000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE), 190km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Birur Junction (RRB)

Major railway station near Chikmagalur, connects to major cities.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 30-35 hours (β‚Ή1500-3000)
  • From Mumbai: 15-20 hours (β‚Ή1000-2500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • KSRTC Bus Stand, Chikmagalur
Routes:
  • From Bangalore: 5-6 hours (β‚Ή500-1000)

Note: Trains more comfortable

Getting Around

directions

Jeep

πŸ’° β‚Ή1500-2500 per day

Best for: Reaching remote attractions

Negotiate the fare beforehand. Shared jeeps are available for lower prices.

directions

Local Bus

πŸ’° β‚Ή20-50 per trip

Best for: Budget travelers

Buses can be crowded. Check the schedules in advance.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Wear comfortable and breathable clothing. Carry a light jacket or sweater as the weather can be cool, especially in the evenings. Comfortable trekking shoes are a must.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: β‚Ή1500, Mid: β‚Ή3000, Luxury: β‚Ή5000+

ATMs: ATMs are available in Chikmagalur, but may be limited in Kemmangundi.

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions. Cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in local markets and for transportation.

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled or purified water. Avoid drinking tap water.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic stalls.

Common Issues: Carry insect repellent and sunscreen. Be prepared for altitude sickness if you are not used to high altitudes.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio offer good coverage. SIM cards are available at the airport and in Chikmagalur.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available at some hotels and cafes, but may not be reliable in remote areas.

translate

Language & Tipping

Language: English is spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Kannada phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: β‚Ή50-100

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