From Bangalore
Tired of
Bangalore's fast pace? Dreaming of a quiet retreat that you can reach in a few hours from
the bustling metro? Peace and solitude are round the corner at Kemmanagundi, a picturesque
hill station near Chikmagalur. Kemmanangundi is a great place to get away to at any time
of the year - summer, winter and even the monsoons, a season that can be quite
spectacular, with waterfalls gushing over and the trees on the hills wearing a sparkly
rain-washed look.
Driving
up to Kemmanagundi, you are greeted by pleasing mountain scenery. The landscape is lush
with forests and waterfalls that tumble down the rock face. Many a shady walking trail
through the woods leads you to untrodden paths and quiet glens, where you can picnic,
ramble and commune with nature.
This
hill resort in the Baba Budan Hills was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Mysore,
the Wodeyar King Krishnaraje Wodeyar IV, after whom the hill station is also named the
K.R. Hills.
The
Royal Horticultural Society of Karnataka has its base at Kemmanagundi, with beautifully
landscaped gardens and a riot of flowers.About 8 km walk from town are the Hebbe Falls.
This 168 m high waterfall is broken half way by a rock ledge before it crashes down hill.
Hebbe Falls is a lovely picnic spot, with the spray turning the surroundings dewy. The
Kalahatti Falls that cascade down 122 metres is another major attraction, about 10 km from
Kemmanagundi.
Kemmanagundi
has that delightful ability to carry your thoughts away from the routine.
So the
next time you are looking for a quiet holiday destination where you can spend a few
peaceful days in tranquillity, head for the hills and discover the joys of refreshing
Kemmanagundi.
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