Sakleshpur is known as the Switzerland of Karnataka. Thanks to its greenery, natural beauty and landscape, and rich flora and fauna. The hill town is situated in the Western Ghats and surrounded by hills that cater to various plantations including coffee, pepper, and cardamom. It is one of the best tourist spots in India, with its temperate climate adding to its charm. Check below list of Best 6 places to visit in Sakleshpur. Sakleshpur is famous for its various trekking spots through its rainforests; forts; submerged churches; and waterfalls. Sakleshpur homestay caters to tourists across the year. The best time to visit Sakleshpur is between October and March as the weather is cooler and the beauty of the hill town is in full view.
So, if you are planning to visit this hill town, here are the
6 places to visit in Sakleshpur.
1. Manjarabad Fort
First Place from Best 6 Places To visit in Sakleshpur is Manjarabad Fort. This is an architectural marvel and a must-visit place in Sakleshpur. Built by Tipu Sultan in 1792, this star-shaped fort was designed to store ammunition and keep the warriors safe from the Britishers. The fort gives a mesmerizing view of the Western Ghats, and even the sight of the Arabian Sea on a clear day. The fort was built by French military architects and has stood the test of time with granite stones, and lime mortar forming the exterior walls. The interior walls were made with fired bricks. The fort has many chambers and tunnels. It is believed that one of the tunnels inside the fort leads to Srirangapatna Fort.
Best time to visit: June to February is the ideal time to visit this fort. It is open from 8am to 6pm.
2. Bisle View Point
Second Place from Best 6 Places To visit in Sakleshpur is Bisle View Point. If you love trekking, then Bisle View Point is a must-visit for you. The view from the top is just out of the world. The Bisle View Point offers a beautiful landscape of mountains and ranges of three districts. Those mountain ranges are Kumara Parvatha in Dakshina Kannada, Pushpagiri and Dodda Betta in Kodagu, Patta Betta and Enni Kallu in Hassan. On the way to Bisle View Point, tourists could also catch a glimpse of wild animals such as peacocks, elephants that thrive in the thick forest.
Best time to visit: September to December is the best time to visit Bisle View Point.
3. Manjehalli Waterfalls
Third Place from Best 6 Places To visit in Sakleshpur is Manjehalli Waterfalls. At 8km from Sakleshpur, Manjehalli Waterfalls is one of the frequently visited tourist spots in this hill town. This waterfall is 20 feet long and serves as a great picnic spot. Those who want to take a bath under the waterfall need to be careful of slippery rocks on the bed. Otherwise, it is a great place to chill out amidst nature and clear water. It is also known as Abbi Falls, and can be easily reached out by road.
Ideal time to visit: Monsoon is the best time to visit Manjehalli Waterfalls. Avoid summer as this waterfall could dry up.
4. Jenukal Gudda
Fourth Place from Best 6 Places To visit in Sakleshpur is Jenukal Gudda. For the trekking enthusiasts, Jenukal Gudda is a paradise for them. Also, it would be an achievement for them to trek the Jenukal Gudda, which is the second highest peak in Karnataka after Mullayanagiri. It is also known as Honey Stone Mountain. The trek is just 8 kms but it will definitely test your fitness as you climb up. Nevertheless, you will get to savour the beautiful greenery, coffee plantations, and a view of the Arabian Sea and a few hills such as Kumara Parvatha and Shesha Parvatha.
Best time to trek: Any season apart from monsoon as the rain could make the ground slippery and risky.
5. Sakaleswara Temple
Fifth Place from Best 6 Places To visit in Sakleshpur is Sakaleswara Temple. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is done in Hoysala architecture and draws great admiration for its craftsmanship. Built along the banks of River Hemavathi, the Sakaleswara Temple draws a large number of devotees during the rath yatra in February. It is situated at the entrance of Sakleshpur town, and a giant statue of Lord Shiva is the main attraction. Although smaller in size compared to other South Indian temples, it makes up for it with its architectural finish.
Timings: You can visit the temple from 6 am to 6 pm on all days.
Read More: Murudeshwar Temple Karnataka – World’s Second Tallest Shiva Statue
6. Hemavathi Reservoir
Last Place from Best 6 Places To visit in Sakleshpur is Hemavathi Reservoir. It is also known as Gorur Dam and was built across the Hemavathi River in 1979. When the strong current of water flows out of the gates of Hemavathi Reservoir, it makes for a hard-to-miss moment. The gigantic structure also provides a perfect backdrop for a family picture. There is an adjacent garden where families can spend a day out. There is also an opportunity for bird-watchers to catch some native birds there.
Best time to see this dam: Visit the place in monsoon months when the gates are opened and the water flows out of it.