Hill Stations
Kemmanagundi
A cool hill station developed as a summer retreat for the Mysore maharajas, laid out with a horticultural rock garden and the cliff-edge Z Point lookout. Developed under Mysore ruler Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV as a summer escape and once known as K.R. Hills, the station sits on a Baba Budangiri spur at close to 1,400 metres and centres on a terraced rock garden with seasonal flower beds. A short walk or drive leads to Z Point, a sheer viewpoint over a deep gorge toward the Bhadra valley, while the nearby Shanti Falls and forest trails extend the hill station’s appeal for day hikes.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Developed under Mysore ruler Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV as a summer escape and once known as K.R. Hills, the station sits on a Baba Budangiri spur at close to 1,400 metres and centres on a terraced rock garden with seasonal flower beds. A short walk or drive leads to Z Point, a sheer viewpoint over a deep gorge toward the Bhadra valley, while the nearby Shanti Falls and forest trails extend the hill station’s appeal for day hikes. Kemmanagundi sits at an elevation of 1042 m. The most favourable months to visit are November, January, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Z Point Viewpoint, Kallathigiri Falls, and Hebbe Falls. Other notable highlights include z Point cliff-edge sunrise panorama, hebbe Falls trek through coffee estates, and rose Garden terraced with 200 varieties. It falls within Chikmagalur, Chikmagalur district, and Karnataka, India.
Highlights
- Z Point cliff-edge sunrise panorama
- Hebbe Falls trek through coffee estates
- Rose Garden terraced with 200 varieties
- Mullayanagiri peak, Karnataka’s highest
- Kalhatti Falls, a natural rock slide
- Sunset at the Raj Bhavan lawns
Places That Define Kemmanagundi
Discover the iconic attractions that make this destination unforgettable
Getting There
Things To Do
Trek to Z Point Viewpoint
Follow the well-marked trail through shola forest and grasslands to the iconic Z Point, a sharp cliff edge that offers a panoramic 270-degree view of the Baba Budanagiri hills and the distant Arabian Sea on a clear day. The final stretch is a bit steep, so take it slow and carry water.
3 hours (round trip)
Visit the Hebbe Falls viewpoint (from Kemmanagundi)
Drive or take a jeep to the Hebbe Falls viewpoint, a 10 km rough track from the hill station, where a 551-foot waterfall cascades down in two stages. You can view it from a safe distance, and the surrounding coffee and cardamom plantations are a treat.
2 hours (including travel)
Explore the Raj Bhavan (Mysore Royal Guest House) grounds
Walk around the old royal bungalow, now a state guest house, and admire its colonial-era architecture and the manicured lawns with flowering shrubs. The staff often allow visitors to view the exterior and the small garden, but entry inside is restricted.
30 minutes
Walk through the Terraced Rock Garden
Stroll along the winding paths of the famous rock garden, where landscaped terraces, flowerbeds, and carved stone steps offer cool shade and quiet corners. It was originally laid out by the Mysore royals, and the views over the surrounding valleys are gentle and rewarding.
1 hour
Sunset at the Rose Garden viewpoint
Head to the lesser-known Rose Garden viewpoint, a small open plateau near the rock garden, which offers a quieter spot than Z Point. Sit on the stone benches and watch the sun dip behind the Mullayanagiri range while the cool breeze sets in.
45 minutes
Birdwatching along the Kalhatti Falls trail
Take the short, shaded path from the main parking area towards Kalhatti Falls (also called Kallathigiri), a seasonal waterfall that drops from a height of about 40 feet. The trail is quiet, and you can spot Malabar whistling thrush, sunbirds, and sometimes hornbills in the dense canopy.
1.5 hours
Top Attractions
Hebbe Falls
A stunning two-tier waterfall cascading from a height of about 551 feet, nestled in dense coffee and cardamom plantations. The last stretch requires a 4x4 drive or a trek through the forest.
Travel Tips
Use a local driver or a smaller vehicle
If your group is large, avoid a big bus or SUV on the steep, rocky stretches. Hire a tempo traveller or two small cars with an experienced local driver who knows the blind curves and can stop safely for photo breaks.
Carry your own water and snacks
There are very few shops or eateries inside Kemmanagundi hill station. Stock up on bottled water, light snacks, and any medicines in Chikmagalur town before heading up, so you don't have to depend on limited options.
Book a stay with step-free access
Many resorts and homestays in Kemmanagundi have steep paths or stairs. Choose a property with ground-floor rooms and ramps, and confirm with the host in advance to avoid mobility issues.
Drive up early, not late
The ghat road from Chikmagalur to Kemmanagundi is narrow and winding, with hairpin bends. Start your ascent by 9 AM, as fog and poor light after 3 PM make driving risky, especially for larger vehicles.
Plan for short walks, not treks
Attractions like Hebbe Falls and Z Point require long treks. For senior travellers, stick to easy viewpoints like the Rose Garden and the Raj Bhavan area, and hire a local guide to show the flattest paths.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to Kemmanagundi — handy for senior and group travellers.
Hospitals
- Malnad Hospital0.3 km
- Ashraya Hospital0.3 km
- Darshan Netralaya0.3 km
- Anuradha Hospital0.4 km
- Prashanthi Hospital0.7 km
ATMs
- SBI0.1 km
- SBI1.7 km
- Canara bank ATM1.8 km
Restaurants
- Maiyura Veg0.2 km
- Shastha Annapurna Vegetarian Hotel0.2 km
- Vishnu Delicacy - Vegetarian Restaurant0.4 km
- Hotel Fish Land0.8 km
- Food Palace1.3 km
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few forest department cottages and private resorts, but options are limited and basic, with no luxury hotels. It is strongly advised to book well in advance, especially during peak season (October to February), and to choose ground-floor rooms if you have mobility concerns.
The drive from Chikmagalur town to Kemmanagundi is about 55 kilometres and takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by car or taxi. The road is winding and uphill with steep hairpin bends, so it is best to hire a local driver who knows the route well, especially for a group.
The best time is from September to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 15-20°C. Avoid the monsoon months (June to August) as heavy rains can cause landslides and road closures, making travel risky for senior travellers.
Yes, it is generally safe and peaceful, but the remote location means mobile signals can be patchy and medical facilities are far away. Carry your regular medicines, a first-aid kit, warm clothes for the evenings, and a power bank, and always inform your hotel or driver about your planned route for the day.
Key attractions include the Raj Bhavan (the old summer palace), Z Point viewpoint, Hebbe Falls, and the scenic Rose Garden. Z Point and Hebbe Falls require a steep trek or a 4x4 jeep ride, so for senior travellers, the Raj Bhavan gardens and the viewpoint near the main park are easier and safer options.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Kemmanagundi
Day 1
Arrive in Kemmanagundi in the morning, check into your stay, and spend the afternoon exploring the gentle, well-marked paths of the famous rock garden. The evening is reserved for a short, easy walk to soak in the cool mountain air and the sunset over the Western Ghats, keeping the pace relaxed for a senior group.
- Stroll through the terraced Rock Garden, with its manicured flower beds, small ponds, and winding stone steps—take frequent rests on the benches.
- Walk to the nearby Raj Bhavan (the old Mysore royal guesthouse) to see its colonial-era architecture and the surrounding pine groves, just for a quiet photo stop.
- Watch the sunset from the Hebbe Ghat viewpoint (a short, flat walk from the main road), where the valley opens up in golden light.
Day 2
Start early but not too early, with a guided, slow-paced drive to Z Point for the most iconic panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. After a restful lunch, visit the nearby Kallathigiri Falls (a short, easy walk from the parking area) and end the day with a relaxed visit to a local coffee estate to understand the region’s famous crop.
- Drive to Z Point (about 30 minutes from the main town), park, and take a short, flat walk to the viewing platform—spend at least 45 minutes absorbing the 360-degree view of the Baba Budan Hills and the distant plains.
- Visit Kallathigiri Falls, where a gentle cascade drops into a small pool; enjoy the sound of water and the surrounding shola forest from a safe, level viewing area.
- Take a 1-hour guided walk through a working coffee plantation (ask at your stay for a nearby one), learning about arabica and robusta beans, and enjoy a complimentary cup of filter coffee.
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