Kemmanagundi hill station rolling green hills and viewpoint with morning mist in Chikmagalur
Kemmanagundi hill station • Chikmagalur Travel Guide

Kemmanagundi — Karnataka's Quiet Hill Station Getaway

Last updated: 2026-04-26

Kemmanagundi hill station, also known as K.R. Hills, sits at 1,434 metres in the Baba Budangiri range and is one of the most underrated getaways in Karnataka. Originally the summer retreat of the Mysore Maharajas, today it offers crisp weather, panoramic Z Point sunsets, the historic Rajbhavan, and easy access to Hebbe Falls. This guide covers how to reach Kemmanagundi from Chikmagalur and Bangalore, the top viewpoints, accommodation options, and the best season to plan your trip.

Distance

55 km (2 hours)

Best Time

October to March

Duration

1–2 days ideal

Entry

Free entry to most viewpoints

Elevation

1,434 m

Why visit Kemmanagundi hill station

  • Z Point — one of the best sunset viewpoints in Karnataka
  • Historic Rajbhavan with rose garden
  • Gateway to Hebbe Falls and Kalhatti Falls
  • Cool 15–25°C weather year-round
  • Forest department guesthouses for offbeat stays

How to reach Kemmanagundi hill station

Kemmanagundi is 55 km from Chikmagalur via Lingadahalli. Drive time is around 2 hours on narrow ghat roads. From Bangalore, it's ~270 km via Tumkur and Kadur — roughly 6 hours. There is no direct bus; KSRTC runs to Tarikere (35 km away), then take a local taxi.

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Things to do at Kemmanagundi hill station

  • Catch sunset from Z Point
  • Walk through Rajbhavan rose garden
  • Day trip to Hebbe Falls (jeep mandatory)
  • Trek to Shanti Falls (1.5 km easy walk)
  • Visit Kalhatti Falls and Veerabhadra temple

Travel tips for Kemmanagundi hill station

  • Carry warm layers — nights drop to 10°C in winter
  • Fuel up in Tarikere; no petrol pumps on the ghat
  • Book Forest Department cottages 30+ days in advance
  • Avoid driving the ghat after dark — no streetlights
  • Combine Kemmanagundi + Hebbe Falls in a single overnight trip
  • Cash is king — limited UPI/card acceptance

Kemmanagundi hill station — frequently asked questions

Drive 55 km via Lingadahalli ghat road — about 2 hours. Private taxi costs ₹2,500–3,500 round trip.

Plan a guided trip to Kemmanagundi hill station

Speak to our local Chikmagalur travel team for transport, permits and combined-day itineraries.

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Sources: Karnataka Tourism • Wikipedia