For a weekend break from Bangalore, we found Kemmannagundi in Karnataka. It is a single
secluded hill that’s been successfully posing as a hill station ever since King
Krishna Rajinder made its summer haven here. It can be viewed in one day with
its views, gardens and waterfalls. The 58 km ride from Chikmagalur
to Kemmannagundi is like watching a nature program on TV. There were views of
sprawling coffee estates shaded with silver oaks stream on our car window as we
bounce along on potholes. The Horticulture department guest house is thick with
flowers in the garden. Then there was the Rock garden within the guest house
premises maintained by the Horticulture Department. The Kallahati falls also
known as Kalahasti falls descend from a height of 122m and are quite pretty.
It’s a lovely place for picnic lunch. Then we went to trekking
Mohammed Aseem who works for LEAF, an environmental agency, is the activity
coordinator for the Taj in Chikmagalur
and also organizes treks, coffee plantation visits and other activities for
tourists.

Find Travel Directions to Kemmannagundi here