Sakleshpur is a hill station town and headquarters of Sakleshapur Taluk in Hassan District in the state of Karnataka. It is one of the most beautiful and under rated hill station in Karnataka. Often people mention Coorg and Chikmagalur as their preferred destinations for a quick weekend escapade from Bangalore, but Sakleshpur never gets it due in any discussion. Only people who have travelled and witnessed this magical place know about the beauty of Sakleshpur. The beautiful landscapes, green meadows, hills, misty mountains, waterfalls, streams, rivers and plantations makes Sakleshpur an unique place in south India. This is why we decided on Sakleshpur as our destination for the perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore.
Sakaleshapur is located in the western ghats, a mountain range that stretches from Kerala to Gujarat. The southern range, which includes Bisle reserve forest and the region around Sakaleshpura is listed as one of the 18 most diverse spots in the world in terms of flora and fauna. The sub-tropical climate and heavy rains during the wet season create an environment where several unique plant and animal species flourish. With people of Sakaleshapura being very hospitable, the tourism industry is increasingly embracing the Bed & Breakfast model and now offers several choices for a weekend getaway.
How to reach Sakleshpur:
Sakleshpur is roughly a 4-5 hour drive via NH75 from Bangalore. Rise and Shine early is our motto for any drive outside Bangalore. Staying true to it, we set off at the wee hours, beating the traffic onto the highway NH 75 that went towards Hassan. Sakleshpur is located roughly 240 KMs from Bangalore and the drive is very smooth – with perfect roads, zero traffic and no major views. If it isn’t for rumbling tummies, I doubt you will make any stop before you reach your main destination – Sakleshpur.
Sakleshpur is also known as 'The Poor Man's Ooty'
Sakleshpur also receives heavy rainfall during monsoon. It is believed that some of the places in Sakleshpur receives highest rainfall in whole of south India. Sakleshpur is also famous for its coffee and cardamom estates spread across the entire taluq. The cardamom grown in this region has unique flavor which is one more specialty of the region. It is exactly this experience we craved for when we set out for a visit to Saklespur during the monsoon months of July.
Top 5 places to visit in Saklespur:
Saklespur has a lot to offer. However, do note - most of the places are distant from each other and involves a good drive. Well, roll down your windows and soak in the freshness. Below are the 5 places we visited:
Manjarabad Fort - Manjarabad Fort is an ancient fort situated in Hassan district of Karnataka. It is one of the unique historical forts in the country and among the famous places to visit in Sakleshpur. Manjarabad Fort was built by the then ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan and showcases the brilliance of Islamic architecture. It is situated on a hill top and has a scenic view of the Western Ghats. Built as a frontier to store ammunition, Manjarabad Fort was used as a protection for Tipu Sultan’s army against the British. The fort, it enveloped in fog and hence named as Manjarabad fort. The name Manjara came from ‘manju’ which means ‘fog or mist’ in Kannada. It is one of the few sightseeing places that offers an unforgettable view of the Western Ghats. One can also be overwhelmed at the sight of Arabian Sea from this fort which is located at an elevation of about 3200 feet above sea level.
Manjehalli Falls - Manjehalli Waterfalls is indeed a must-visit spot in Sakleshpur. It is a scenic waterfall nestled amidst lush green forests, offering a serene and picturesque setting. The cascading water falling from a height creates a mesmerizing sight. Surrounded by dense forests, the waterfall creates a tranquil ambiance that is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. However, do note: During monsoons, the road leading to the waterfall will be awash with mud. So do take a conscious call on visiting this place.
Shettihalli Rosary Church - A 1860s church built by the French missionaries, the Shettilhali Rosary church is just minor diversion on the same NH 57 highway from Hassan. It is just 22 kms from the city but with roads that lead you to some scenic settings like this one. The church is in ruins but the Gothic architecture is still visible for anyone who visits here. The structure was abandoned in the 1960s after a dam was built on the Hemavati river near it. However, they say that the beauty and the mystical part of the church is best when the river is full during monsoons and the church is submerged halfway in water.
Mookanamane Abbi Falls - Tucked deep into the countryside of Malnad and flanked by the gorgeous Bisle and Kaginahare forests on either side, this humble waterfall is a tiny bit of paradise that is as offbeat and hidden as it comes. A dirt trail, a short downhill trek and a steep riverside boulder climb leads you to this waterfall. The Abbi falls is just your simple and small waterfall that is surrounded by some of the most beautiful stretch of forests in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. But, what it lacks for in popularity, it makes for in pristine location and natural beauty. However, a word of caution. Be safe in this terrain during the monsoons as the boulders are slippery. Also, since this is a forest waterfall, water levels can increase suddenly.
Bisle View Point - At a distance of 20 km from Kukke Subrahmanya and 55 km from Sakleshpur, Bisle Ghat is a ghat situated between Kukke Subrahmanya and Sakleshpura in Karnataka. It is one of the top adventurous spots in Karnataka and among the popular Sakleshpur Tourist Places. Bisle Viewpoint, about 5 Km from Bisle village, is popular as a view point to get the beautiful and astonishing views of three mountain ranges including Kumara Parvatha, Pushpagiri and Dodda Betta. The highlight of this point is that the view has a valley, with Giri River separating the beauty point and these mountain ranges. The forest department has erected a shelter here to sit and enjoy the view.
Climate in Sakleshpur:
Sakleshpur is a year-round destination, but the ideal time to visit is between the months of September to February. Sakleshpur is blessed with a moderate climate where the winters are cool and summers are quite pleasant as the temperatures don’t go above 30 degrees C. The monsoons here in the month of June-August are something to experience. This part of western ghat experiences massive rainfall. It is said that the best time to visit Sakleshpur is between the months of September to February, but one can truly experience Sakleshpur during the rainy season. If you are a rain lover, then visiting this region when it’s receiving rainfall is the best thing to do.
The Arohas experience:
One of the best part of our stay in Sakleshpur was the experience at Arohas Eco-Hill Resort. Set in the enchanting countryside, 25 KMs off the center, Arohas Eco-Hill resort had chic cottages facing the mountains. The cottages exhibit Malnad tradition coupled with elegant decor, earthy tones, classy woodwork and afford contemporary comfort.
There are multiple options available to choose from - including the Wood Cottage, Family Cottage, Hill View Cottage and the Duplex Cottage to choose from. We had taken up the Family Cottage to ensure we could lap up the beauty of the rains while having an undisturbed view of the misty hills.
Arohas Eco-Hill Resort also has a host of activities on offer, that include Zipline, Mud Volleyball, Rope Bridge, Rain Dance and a fully operational swimming pool. Add to that a guided trek organized every morning to a nearby hill that just adds to the charm of this serene place. Along with the majestic views provided, Arohas also has the finest local cuisines to serve your taste buds. Local Malnad cuisine specialities like Akki roti, Akki Sevige with coconut milk and Akki Kadabu are some of the delicacies on offer.
While Saklespur is easy to give a miss due to close proximity to both Coorg & Chikmagalur, we're glad we made it to this beauty! With loads of memories and hundreds of clicked pictures as proof, we slowly made our way back on the last day to our home - Bangalore.
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