Set at about 1,434 metres on the Baba Budangiri range, Kemmanagundi was the summer retreat of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and is still run as a horticulture hill station. Terraced Raja's Seat gardens, the Rock Garden and the Z Point sunset walk make it an easy, family-friendly base, with Hebbe and Kalhatti falls a short drive away.
What to do here
- Watch sunset from Z Point
- Wander the Raja's Seat and Rock Garden
- Drive to Hebbe Falls by jeep
- See Kalhatti Falls and its cliff temple
The most relaxed hill base in the district and the gateway to Hebbe and Kalhatti falls.
History
The Mysore maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV chose the spot as his hill retreat in the early 20th century; it is sometimes still called K.R. Hills after him.
Travel tips
About 55 km from town via Lingadahalli. The horticulture department runs the gardens, the Raj Bhavan viewpoint and the canteen. Z Point is a 45-minute uphill walk from Raj Bhavan; Hebbe Falls is a licensed 4x4 ride, not a drive. Book accommodation ahead at weekends.
Please note
Do: buy Hebbe Falls jeep tickets at the official stand. Do: keep to the marked garden paths. Don't: pick flowers in the rose garden. Don't: drive your own car to Hebbe; private vehicles are not permitted on the estate track.
Stay nearby
Places to stay around Kemmanagundi
PremiumTC Resort HDW, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 24 km from town
PremiumTC Resort BND, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 11.2 km from town
PremiumTC Resort TRV, Chikmagalur
Mullayanagiri · 12.5 km from town
PremiumTC Resort SLV, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 9.9 km from town
Combine your trip
Places near Kemmanagundi
ViewpointZ Point
Kemmanagundi's sunset ridge
Shanti Falls
A small fall on the Z Point path that almost nobody stops at — which is the whole point.
Kalhatti Falls
A cliff cascade over a small temple
WaterfallJhari Falls (Buttermilk Falls)
A white sheet of water off a granite face