A major hill-station in Chickmagalur District, Kemmannagundi is also called KR Hills, after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, who made it his favourite summer camp. Kemmannagundi is a single, secluded hill 295 km north-west of
Bangalore surrounded by sprawling coffee estates, waterfalls and ornamental gardens. September-May is the best season to visit Kemmannagundi.
The
Hebbe Falls are located 8 km away from Kemmannagundi and the water cascades down in two stages to form the Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls). The Hebbe Falls are quite spectacular, but too dangerous for swimming. The Kalhatti (Kalahasti) Falls, 10 km from Kemmannagundi, pour over the Chandra Drona hill to flow in front of the Veerabhadreshwara temple of Lord Shiva. BR Hills, Gangamoola Hill, Madikeri and Kudremukh are nearby places of tourist interest.
The 1895 m Baba Budangiri Range, 32 km from Kemmannagudi, is a pilgrim spot for Hindus and Muslims alike. The Range was named after the Muslim saint Baba Budan who lived here in the 17th century. The place of worship is a laterite cave called Inam Dattatreya Peetha. Another spot in Kemmannagundi called 'Z Point' offers a great view of the sunset. The Rock Garden within the premises of the Horticulture Department Guest House in Kemmannagundi is also a major highlight.
