Sakleshpur is a lesser-known hill station in the Western Ghats of India. It is filled with the beautiful aromatic coffee, tea and spice plantations, which calls tourists for a check-in. If you are looking to escape the mundane lifestyle, for a relaxing two days trip from Bangalore, pack your bags to this charming hill station.
Ideal for: Trekking, adventure, and sight-seeing
Best time to visit: Generally, the weather is pleasant in this hill station. However, it is better to visit Sakleshpur during the months from September to January.
Visit duration: It is preferable to plan for a two days trip to Sakleshpur, where you will comfortably be able to cover a handful of places.
How to reach by car/bus/train:
- By car: Sakleshpur is at a distance of 230-240 kms from Bangalore, and it takes approximately 4 hours to reach there by car.
- By bus: Direct routes are available from Bangalore. Night buses operate from Bangalore to Sakleshpur, and it takes around 4 to 5 hours of journey. (Most of the buses goes to Mangalore will go via sakaleshpur)
- By train: There are direct trains available from Bangalore. The fastest train of these reaches Sakleshpur in 5 hours.
Distance from Bangalore: 230-240 kms
Places to See near Sakleshpur:
- Sakleshwara temple, from which this place got its name, is famous for its renowned architecture, which is dated back to the Hoysala empire, during the 11th and 14th centuries. It has a gigantic structure of Lord Shiva and is situated in the banks of River Hemavathi.
- Manjarabad fort, built up Tipu Sultan, is one of its kind. It is surrounded by eight walls, shaped like an octagon. This also offers a breathtaking view of the Arabian sea from the top of this fort, which is located at an altitude of 3,200 feet above sea level.
- Manjehalli waterfalls, also known as the Abbe falls, give you the great bathe amidst such cool breeze flowing from the lush greenery around. You can expect more fun on a visit during the monsoon days because this waterfall tends to dry up during summers.
- Bisle viewpoint is ideal for trekkers and offers an enchanting view of the vast flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. You can be assured of a picture-perfect landscape view here.
- Gudda hill, which translates to ‘Fiery mountain’, is yet another trekkers favorite hill. It is also ideal for camping, sightseeing and nature photography.
- Shettihalli Church: built by the French missionaries in the 19th century. Which is also known as the “floating church”. One of the best place for photography and its photographer’s paradise to capture the ruins of church when its partly submerged during monsoon season.
Things to Do in Sakaleshpur:
- The most exciting thing to do at Sakleshpur is a railway trek. It is also known as the “green route trek”, where you can come across the best picturesque landscapes of the Western Ghats, the rich fauna and railway tracks and tunnels.
- For those who are interested in visiting places of historical importance, do visit Pandava Gudda. It has a temple which is declared to be over 1000 years old, by the archeological survey of India. It is believed that the Pandavas stayed here during their period, as per the Mahabharata.
- Take a challenging trek to the hills of Jenukal Gudda. During a clear sky, you will be able to overlook the Arabian sea from this hilltop. It offers such a picture-perfect landscape view, which shouldn’t miss your bucket list.
- If you are planning a bike trip from Bangalore, do stop at the Hemavathi dam to enjoy the magnificent beauty of the dam and click some pictures in that backdrop for your memories.
