Located 60 KM away from Chikmagalur, Z viewpoint is an extraordinary place where you can get wonderful views of western Ghats. The peak appears to be in a Z shape and due to that it is famous as Z Point. The cool breeze and stunning beauty amidst lush greenery attract thousands of tourists. Trek is the only way to reach the top of the peak. It is one of the shortest treks in Karnataka with stunning views of the valley and western ghat mountains.
- Location – Z Point, Kemmangundi, Chikmagalur, Karnataka – 60 KM from Chikmagalur
- Height – 1895 meters above sea level.
- Entry Fees – 100 INR at Checkpost and 600 INR for jeep rides
- Best Time to Visit – From September to June would be an ideal time to visit Z viewpoint.
Trek To Z View Point:
To reach the top of the peak you need to cover the 3 KM trek that starts from Kemmangundi Raj Bhavan. This 3 KM short trek traverse through the thick forests, beautiful waterfalls, cool breeze, and amazing views. At the start of the trek, the path is wide and easy to walk but after the Shanti fall, the trek gets little tough. The last part of the trek traverse through the narrow road with deep valley and rising hills. The path is narrow to extent that only one person can walk on it. During the entire trek, you’ll enjoy the cool breeze that flows through the western ghats.
It is an easy trek that can be covered in just 1 and half hour (depend on your speed) but totally worth it. After reaching the top you’ll be surprised with the views of deep valleys and high mountain peaks. If you want to enjoy the sunset or sunrise in Chikmagalur then this place you can’t miss.
Don’t forget to visit Shanti Falls that comes on way to trek to Z Point. It is located around 1.5 Km from the starting point. You can even take your bike till the Shanti falls but after that, you need to go on foot as the road become narrow and steep.
Travel Tips
- To beat the crowd try to leave early in the morning.
- Wear boots, full pants, high socks and full sleeves t-shirts to escape from the leeches. Tuck your shirt into pant to make sure that leeches won’t enter inside your clothes.
- Carry castor oil and saltwater for leeches.
- Take enough water.
- Keep 2-3 hours in hand as on the way to Z point you’ll come across some beautiful spots like Shanti Falls.
- Try to avoid the rainy season as the road become slippery during rain.
- Do carry your all camera essentials to capture the amazing scenery.
- You can also do camping at Z Point.
- Please keep nature clean and green. Don’t throw the garbage on the trek. Do carry a bag to bring trash and waste like water bottles, polythins, packets etc.
How to reach Z Point from Chikmagalur?
Kemmanagundi is well connected via roads from Chikmagalur and other major parts of Kartnakata. There are many governments and private buses from Chikmagalur to Kemmanagundi. You can also take a cab or bus from Chikmagalur to Kemmaanagundi.
Places to visit near Z Point
Hebbe Falls
Located 7 KM away from z point, Hebbe fall is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur. Set amidst the lush greenery of coffee and dense forest in Kemmanagundi, Hebbe falls is a must-visit place for nature lovers. To reach the falls, either you can take a jeep ride or take a trek till the fall. The jeep ride will cost around 700 INR for both sides. You can easily spend hours there while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
Kalathgiri Falls
Kalathgiri falls is a perfect combination of thrill and devotion. It is quite famous among locals and tourists as well. The water in fall comes from the mighty Chandra Dona mountain at the height of 400 feet. Surrounded by the mighty peaks and lush greenery this waterfall gives a perfect treat to photographers and nature lovers. It houses the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva named Veerabhadra temple. Every year’s thousands of devotees visit this temple And due to that this waterfall is believed to be a holy place.
Raj Bhavan, Horticulture Department Guest House For Visitors
Raj Bhavan is a must-visit place while trekking Z point as the trek to Z point starts from here. The park is well maintained and easily accessible. You can come here and spend a quite mesmerizing time in peace with amazing views of western ghats.