TheeraYatra

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: September to February
Weather: Cool winters, mild summers, heavy monsoon rains
Budget: ₹2,000–₹8,000/day

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airports:

• Mangalore International Airport (~210 km)
• Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (~280 km)

By Train:
Closest railway station is Tarikere (33 km), with access from Birur and Kadur

By Road:
Accessible via NH‑73/48 from Bengaluru/Mangalore. About 60 km from Chikkamagalur. Roads are scenic.

Where to Stay?

• Raj Bhavan (Horticulture Department Guest House) – historic, garden-side lodging
• Jungle Lodges & Resorts cottages – forest‑facing, eco‑friendly comfort
• Homestays & resorts near Hebbe/Kalhatti Falls – ideal for families and groups

Packing List

• Light woollens for evenings
• Waterproof jacket and trekking shoes (especially during monsoons)
• SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Reusable water bottle & trail snacks
• First aid kit (include leech/snag protection if trekking during monsoon)

Top Places to Visit & Things to Do

Z Point
A 3 km (45 min uphill) trek from Raj Bhavan. Panoramic sunrise and sunset views across Western Ghats. Shanti Falls en route

Hebbe Falls
A two-tiered 168 m waterfall (Dodda & Chikka Hebbe) within Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Accessible via jeep + short walk; permits needed, watch for leeches

Kalhatti (Kallathigiri) Falls
122 m waterfall with an ancient Shiva temple built in Vijayanagara style. Located ~10 km from Kemmangundi

Shanti Falls
A quieter cascade near Raj Bhavan, lesser-known and peaceful

Rock Garden & Rose Garden
Ornamental parks by the Horticulture Dept featuring rock‑cut paths and floral displays

Shiva Temple
A forest‑set rock temple near waterfalls with indigenous paintings

Rajendra Hill
An old iron‑ore hillock (~4,750 ft) with historic mining traces

Baba Budangiri Range & Mullayanagiri Peak
Nearby peaks with shrines, Sufi dargah, coffee estates, trekking trails and other waterfalls like Manikyadhara

Must-Try Experiences

• Trekking: Z Point, Hebbe, Shivgiri trails and Mullayanagiri
• Waterfall picnics: Hebbe, Kalhatti, Shanti
• Stay at Raj Bhavan: enjoy royal gardens and sunset views
• Explore coffee estates: especially along Baba Budangiri
• Wildlife & bird‑watching: within Bhadra Sanctuary and adjacent forests

Local Cuisine

• Traditional Karnataka fare (ask lodges/homestays): jolada rotti, gojju, halbai

Culture & Local Life

Kemmangundi is a serene hill retreat maintained by Karnataka’s Horticulture Department. Rooted in the legacy of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, it resonates with colonial‑era charm and dense Western Ghats biodiversity. Spoken languages include Kannada, with English and Hindi common in tourist zones

Local Insights

• Getting Around: Many trails accessible only on foot or via shared forest jeeps; limited local transport
• Safety Tips:
  • Avoid trekking during peak monsoon due to slippery paths and leeches
  • Carry sufficient water and medical supplies
  • Respect all protected areas and follow permit rules (especially near Hebbe)
• Respect: Gardens and flora are maintained—no littering, preserve local ecology

Enjoy Your Yatra!