For Mangaloreans, who are forced to live in an extreme climate, be it rainy season or summer, a visit to a hill station would be the best weekend getaway. For, hill station would sooth the minds and offer relaxation at least for the time being. The costal people need not go to other states in search of a hill station, rather they can find one in their neighbouring district.
One such hill station which is quite easily accessible to the people from Dakshina Kannada is Kemmannu Gundi in Chikmagalur district. The hill station located in Tarikere taluk, nearly 50 kms away from Chikmaglur city, draws tourists from all over Karnataka. It is situated 1,434 meters above the sea level. Also known as Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station, Kemmannu Gundi was a summer retreat place of Mysore king Krishnraj Wodeyar IV who later donated the resort to the Karnataka government. Since then the State government is maintaining this tourist spot. The name ‘Kemmannu Gundi’ suggests, red soil pit in Kannada. No wonder, the place is a haven of red soil and for the same reason beautiful flowers are nurtured in this hill station.
One can reach the base of Kemmannu Gundi in the vehicle, from where one has to walk for about one and half kilo meters to reach the mid point - Raj Bhavan. The path to Raj Bhavan offers a spectacular view as the entire way is covered with colourful flowers. The Horticulture Department has been maintaining these rose and ornamental gardens.
The visitors can have the best view of sun set at Raj Bhavan. The mid-point has a park for children and guest houses for the tourists to stay.
Walking for about three kilometers further, would take the visitors to the end point or the Z-point of Kemmannu Gundi. End point offers a bountiful experience, as one can relish the beauty of the entire Chikmagalur city and sun set which will be at its peak. The vehicles are allowed till Raj Bhavan but are supposed to pay an entry fee to reach Raj Bhavan from the hill station’s base. The fee differs for two wheelers and four wheelers. However, the vehicle movement is prohibited between Raj Bhavan and the end point.
The best season to visit Kemmannu Gundi is between September to January and March to June. It is better to carry food as there is no good restaurant near by.
The famous water fall, Hebbe falls is located 8 km away from Kemmannu Gundi.
How to reach
It is always better to travel to Kemmannu Gundi in private vehicle. One should travel for about 150 kms from Mangalore to reach Kemmannu Gundi. Though the road to Chikmagalur city is in a good condition, the road which leads to Kemmannu Gundi from Chikmagalur (approximately 50 kms) is in deplorable condition making the journey a nightmare. The nearest railway station is Tarikere station and the airport is the Bajpe Airport.