Forget Munnar, Kemmannugundi is a much better. Review on Kemmanagundi

Been to this place countless times since college, with friends and with family. Every time it feels new and refreshing the way it was the first time I visited. Its been a famous shooting spot for ages in Kannada film industry (sadly not any more). Low crowd (usually).

What you got here: Hill top with magnificent view and weather.

Places of Interest: 1) Kallathagiri falls and temple - 10 km from Kemmanugundi. There is a watch tower from where you can see a 100 ft water falls deep in the Jungle above in the hill top. If you have a local guide then you can go a bit inside forest to enjoy the water without crowd.

2) Hebbe Falls: 8km from Kemmanugundi. Superb falls with chilling water even in summer. You can either trek to this place or hire a jeep. Your car wont be a good option as its a rough road and you will get into trouble for sure.

3) Z-Point: View point about 2km from Kemmanugundi. Walking is the only option. its beautiful with wind gushing on your face as you stand at the edge of a steep cliff. Named as Z-point as the route is in shape of Z.

4) Rajbhavan: Rose garden and view point. Visit here for a sunset. Or enjoy the early morning breeze and fog that last till noon.

There are many place nearby including Bababudangiri and Mullayanagiri and a couple of water falls en-route. But they are about 30-40km from here and road is not good.

Horticulture department used to maintain guesthouses here but now the Karnataka tourism department has taken over the management and building new guest houses (were still under construction a few month ago). This place is suitable for families, friends, parties and even honeymoon. You can arrange for a camp fire (need to inform the authorities before hand).

PS: No good restaurants available here. Only one small canteen where you can get a basic meal. Nearest town is Tarikere about 50km from here, same with Chikmagalur.

Accessibility through bus is low, with only couple of buses a day (one govt and one private). Its 300km from Bangalore. Best route is through Birur (don't go to Tarikere, take a deviation from Birur near railway station, saves you nearly 25km).

Feel free contact me if you need a plan for this place :-)