Kemmannagundi is breath taking, with dense forests, ever flowing springs, cool climate and serene atmosphere. The pleasant weather and the scenic beauty inspired the erstwhile ruling Maharaja of Mysore to build a summer palace here. He took great care, maintained the natural surroundings, landscaped the gardens, built good roads and other conveniences, necessary for a comfortable stay. After ten years of owning Kemmannagundi, he donated this land of Gods gift to the Government of Karnataka. The Horticulture Department develops and maintains the resort and the environment. Kemmannagundi is also named Sri Krishnarajendra Giridhama after his Highness. Kemmannagundi, ‘The Queen of Hills allures you with her green dense forests, fragrant flowers, rolling pastures, springs, cliffs, caves and thick clouds hanging gently over hill tops. Kemmannagundi is situated in Tarikere taluk, Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka.

Kemmanagundi lies in the Baba Budan Hills and was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Mysore, the Wodeyar King Krishnaraje Wodeyar IV, after whom the hill station is also named the K.R. Hills. The Royal Horticultural Society of Karnataka has its base at Kemmanagundi, with beautifully landscaped gardens and a riot of flowers. About 8 km walk from Kemmanagundi are the Hebbe Falls. This 168 m high waterfall is broken half-way by a rock ledge before it crashes down hill. Hebbe Falls is a lovely picnic spot, with the spray turning the surroundings dewy. The Kalahatti Falls that cascade down 122 metres is another major attraction, about 10 km from Kemmanagundi.

Location:
254 km from Bangalore

By Road:Kemmannagundi Giridhama is in the centre of Karnataka on the longitude 13° -33° and East 75° -45° . Bhadravathi to the north and Chikkamagaluru to the south are two big towns. To reach Kemmannagundi, travel on the Bangalore – Bhadravathi main road, through Tarikere. Tarikere and Birur are the nearest railway stations. Direct bus services are available from Chikkamagalur, Birur and Tarikere. If you are driving down, take deviation viz., Birur, reach Lingadahalli, and from here Kemmannagundi is about 19 kilometers. The roads are well maintained, so whichever the mode of transport, the journey promises to be comfortable.
Journey Time:5 hrs from Bangalore

Kallahatti Falls and Temple
10 kilometers from Kemmannagundi, the water falls from a height of 150 feet. Lord Veerabhadreshwara is worshipped in a cave, formed by huge boulders. It is believed that the cave was formed during the reign of Krishna Devaraya.

Bababudangiri
Bababudangiri is 24 kilometers from Kemmannagundi. It is situated 1864 meters above sea level. It also looks like a crescent moon.

This place is worshipped as the Mecca of the South by Muslims as the Tomb of Hajarat Dada Hayath Mir Kalandar is in the cave of this mountain. The Hindus too worship this place as ‘Dattatreoya Peeta.

Bababudan giri is also famous for coffee plantations. The first coffee plant was said to have been brought here by Hajarat Jamal Ullash Magarbi Bagada Diwali Khadri from Arabia. Mullayyana Giri near Bababudangiri is the tallest hill in Karnataka. It is 6,317 feet high. Another hill called the Kallahatta Giri is 6,115 feet high.

Jagara Pass & Jagara Valley
16 kilometers from Kemmannagundi, it is a beautiful green avenue. For wildlife lovers and enthusiasts, it is an ideal place to trek.

Shankar Sholapradesha
5 kilometers from Kemmannagundi, the Horticulture Department has been producing true potato seeds in an area of 5 acres. In addition, various fruits, flowers and vegetables are also grown here.