Places to visit in Sakleshpur

By
Rajat Piplewar

Discover the Enchanting Places to Visit in Sakleshpur

A little, captivating town called Sakleshpur is located 220 kilometers from Bangalore. It provides breathtaking vistas because it is situated in the Malnad area at the base of the Western Ghats. Cardamom, coffee, and pepper farms are widely spread over the lush greenery of this intriguing town, making them ideal locations for a stunning surprise.

Sakleshpur has a variety of attractions. This charming hill town provides hiking lovers with spectacular routes and a wonderful time for naturalists. Sakleshpur is home to a variety of magnificent temples, imposing forts, stunning waterfalls, breathtaking mountain climbs, and biodiversity areas, which are among the most well-liked tourist destinations in the area.

Plan a retreat to Sakleshpur tourist places if you’re traveling to Bangalore shortly for a thrilling adventure.

How to Reach Sakleshpur?

By Air

To reach the main town of Sakleshpur, you have to either take a bus or a pre-booked cab to reach there. The Mangalore airport is 138km away from the town.

By Train

To reach the main town, you can easily board a train from any major city to the Sakleshpur railway station.

By Road

Public and private transport both are available for commutation within and outside the town.

14 Sakleshpur Tourist Places for an Exceptional Trip

Here is a brief list of the tourist places in Sakleshpur, with images of places that you shouldn’t miss.

Magajehalli Falls

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

One of the top tourist destinations in Sakleshpur is Manjehalli Waterfalls, which has rushing water and rich vegetation. This location, also called Abbi Falls, is where people go for picnics. The 20-foot-long waterfall is best explored during the rainy season.

You get the chance to engage with the locals as you walk past coffee farms on the one-kilometer route via Manjehalli hamlet to the waterfall. Spending the night camping with your family members and friends at Manjehalli Waterfalls to have an incredible getaway at Sakleshpur.

  • Distance: 22.8km
  • Best Time to Visit: Post monsoon
  • Timings: 7 AM – 5.30 PM
  • Entry: Free
  • How to Reach: Cab

Bisle View Point

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

The Bisle Reserve Forest’s Bisle Ghat Viewpoint is a trekker’s heaven since it is encircled by a thick forest, streams, and waterfalls. Visitors are drawn to the 3 mountain ranges—Doddabetta-Jenukallu Betta, Pushpagiri, and Kumara Parvatha—and the river Giri by their panoramic vistas.

The forest department built a shelter at the overlook to appreciate the mountains because it is a protected area with no human habitation. You might enjoy hiking up to the viewpoint and exploring the magnificent surroundings.

While walking through the reserve forest, you could also see a variety of wild animals, including monkeys, peacocks, elephants, and musk deer. One of the top sights to view in Sakleshpur is Bisle View Point, which provides a thrilling vacation for nature enthusiasts.

  • Distance: 55km from Sakleshpur Bus Stand
  • Best Time to Visit: September-December
  • Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
  • Entry: Free
  • How to Reach: Commute via a bus or cab from the Sakleshpur bus stand to Bisle viewpoint.

Manjarabad Fort

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

Tipu Sultan, a former king of Mysore, erected this unusual fort in 1792 to house his arsenal. Its octagonal shape offered the Sultan’s troops defense against the British as well as a breathtaking view of vast mountain ranges.

Discover the rich history encased in Manjarabad’s foggy surroundings by visiting this star-shaped fort. The granite and mud structures that have endured the passage of time contain cannon installations and rifle holes. Within this Sakleshpur tourist place’s fort, several chambers and tunnels are said to link to Srirangapatna Fort.

  • Distance: 8km from Sakleshpur bus stand
  • Best Time to Visit: Post monsoon
  • Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
  • Entry: Free
  • How to Reach: Cab/Auto

Belur and Halebid

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

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The Hoysala Empire spent 3 centuries in the twin cities of Belur and Halebid (mid-11th to mid-14th century). The temples in Belur and Halebid provide a glimpse of the magnificent Hoysala Dynasty temple architecture.

The unique assembly methods utilized to join the independently carved pieces to the temple walls provide the various stone creations with a cohesive and detachable aspect.

Inscriptions on the walls of these Sakleshpur temples depict gods, as well as scenes from combat, music, hunting, dancing, and human and animal life.

  • Distance: 52km
  • Best Time to Visit: October-March
  • Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
  • Entry: Free
  • How to Reach: Hassan Railway station is the nearest to the temple, and to reach the destination, you can commute via a bus or cab.

Sakleshwara Temple

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

The Sri Sakleshwara Swamy Temple has been one of the calmest tourist destinations in Sakleshpur and is a testament to the superb workmanship of Hoysala architecture. The temple, which is well-known for its yearly rath yatra in February, boasts a huge statue of Shiva that grabs everyone’s attention and commands a beautiful view from the river bank Hemavathi.

The town’s name comes from this temple built during the eleventh and fourteenth centuries. Thousands of devotees gather during the rath yatra to participate in the parade; however, the temple is smaller than the typical south Indian temple. One of the oldest temples in Karnataka is the Sri Sakleshwar Swamy Temple.

  • Distance: 1.5km from bus stand
  • Best Time to Visit: February for rath yatra
  • Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
  • Entry: Free
  • How to Reach: Auto/Walk

Jenukal Gudda Hill

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sakleshpur is Jenukal Gudda, sometimes referred to as “honey stone mountain” or Hodachalli. An 8-kilometer hike to Jenukal, Karnataka’s second-highest peak, will reward you with views of the Arabian Sea, coffee plantations, lush forests, and peaks like the Sheshaparvata, Ettina Bhuja, and Kumara Parvatha.

You may witness the most breathtaking sunsets and capture photographs to bring back a lasting memory of your vacation to Sakleshpur tourist places. You may go to Jenukallu Peak from Pandavar Gudda or the Betta Byraveshwara Temple for a beautiful view of several hills. However, these Sakleshpur place routes should be avoided during rains.

  • Distance: 40km
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March
  • Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
  • Entry: Free
  • How to Reach: Auto/Bus. There is an 8km long trek from the temple to the peak.

Raxidi Estate

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

Coffee and several spices are grown in the Raxidi Estate, which is 10 kilometers away from Sakleshpur. A trip to this little hamlet will give you an intriguing picture of rural life. Raxidi Estate, one of the greatest tourist destinations in Sakleshpur for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy some peace, offers stunning views of the fragrant coffee farms.

Interacting with growers to learn about the difficult activities they carry out and the method used to produce the coffee and spices that people consume every day is another enjoyable activity in Sakleshpur.

  • Distance: 11.5km
  • Best Time to Visit: October-March
  • How to Reach: Use public transport from Sakleshpur town to reach the estate.

Hemavathi Reservoir

Sakleshpur

Source: Pinterest

Hemavathi Reservoir, also known as Gorur Dam, was constructed over the Hemavathi River in 1979 and provides amazing scenery of the Western Ghats, the Manjarabad Fort, coffee plantations, the Shettihalli Church, and more.

Hemavathi, a branch of the Kaveri river, is well-known for kayaking, swimming, boating, banana-boat rides, rope crossings, and even quiet picnics in the garden that stretches out along its banks and is ringed by a forest.

The 8501-hectare reservoir is filled to the brim with water, and the 58-meter-high dam looks spectacular with its gates open. One of the top tourist destinations in Sakleshpur, you may witness a variety of rare birds in the early morning hours.

  • Distance: 63km
  • Best Time to Visit: October-March
  • Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
  • How to Reach: Bus/Cab

Shravanabelagola – Gigantic Bahubali Statue

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

There are many ancient landmarks in Shravanabelagola, and among them are numerous Jain temples. The Gomateshwara Temple, which houses the enormous Bahubali Statue (58 Feet), which is reputed to be the largest statue ever carved from a single piece of granite, is the location of the town’s most well-known landmark.

The statue was sculpted during King Rajamalla’s reign between 982 and 983 CE. This area is also one of the most well-known Jain pilgrimage sites in southern India.

  • Distance: 90km
  • Best Time to Visit: October-March
  • Timings: 6.30 AM to 11.30 AM and 3.30 PM to 6.30 PM
  • How to Reach: Bus/Cab/Train. Board a train from the Sakleshpur railway station to the Sharavanbela Gola railway station. Taxis or public transport outside will help you in commuting.

Hadlu Waterfall

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

Hadlu Waterfalls, a well-known hiking location, is one of the top attractions in Sakleshpur for others seeking an exhilarating journey. The freezing waterfalls, displaying abundant biodiversity, are accessible after a fascinating hike through the lush coffee plantations and woodlands that line the trail.

A summer getaway to the Hadlu waterfalls with friends and family is a revitalizing event where you can get away from the rush and busy city. Bathing in the cool Hadlu waterfalls water is one of Sakleshpur’s enjoyable activities. Don’t forget to bring your camera so you may document this Sakleshpur place’s captivating qualities.

  • Distance: 2km
  • Best Time to Visit: October-March
  • Timings: 07:00 AM to 05:30 PM
  • How to Reach: Public transport like bus or a cab is the best option to commute between these places.

Agni Gudda Hill

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

Agni Gudda hill is among the greatest spots to explore in Sakleshpur for a fast and peaceful break since it is encircled by strange, beautiful nature. This location, also known as the trekker’s paradise, is great for day trips.

The mountain’s name, which translates to “Fiery Mountain,” comes from the hill’s intense volcanic activity. This is a location that would undoubtedly stoke your sense of adventure and wanderlust.

  • Distance: 25km
  • Best Time to Visit: October-March
  • Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM
  • How to Reach: 3km trek from Agni village. The closest railway station to this hill is the Hassan Junction. From there one can take either a bus or a taxi to reach the place. One can also travel by bus to reach the hill and then trek accordingly. If not by bus, one can also travel by taxi. The Mangalore Airport is the closest to the hill. From the airport, one can take either a bus or a taxi to reach the hill.

Kukke Subramanya Temple

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

This is a well-known spiritual destination in Sakleshpur that receives a lot of pilgrimage year-round. This location, surrounded by fantastical scenery, provides a joyful ambiance that is calming.

The temple is known as the nagas’ residence. Lord Subrahmanya is honored there. Legend has it that when the Garuda attacked them, Lord Subrahmanya gave the heavenly snake Vasuki a place to hide. This temple provides an exceptional vista as well as significant significance in Indian mythology.

  • Distance: 60.5km
  • Best Time to Visit: October-March
  • Timings: 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM – 8 PM
  • How to Reach: Public transport would help you reach the desired location.

Betta Byraveshwara Temple

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

Betta Byraveshwara Temple, a 600-year-old historic temple surrounded by mountains, is located in a tranquil area. It is one of the best spots to explore in Sakleshpur and is tucked away in the Western Ghats.

People sometimes assume that the exiled Pandavas from the “Mahabharata” spent a brief period here. This temple is a fantastic tourist destination that draws visitors looking to unwind and appreciate nature.

  • Distance: 35km
  • Best Time to Visit: July-September
  • Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
  • How to Reach: Bus, Cab

Shettihalli Rosary Church

14 Sakleshpur places to visit for an exceptional trip

Source: Pinterest

French missionaries constructed Shettihalli Church in 1860 for an affluent British family who possessed property in Shettihalli.

Since the completion of the Hemavathi Dam and Reservoir in 1960, the church has been commonly referred to as the “Floating Church” because, during the rainy season, it is buried underwater.

By using a coracle or by visiting in the summer when the water in the reservoir is receding, you can see the Gothic architecture of this historic church. Shettihalli Church is a great Sakleshpur place to take pictures of birds if you enjoy nature or are a bird watcher.

  • Distance: 45km
  • Best Time to Visit: July-September
  • Timings: 6:00 AM – 6 PM
  • How to Reach: Bus/Cab

Conclusion

Sakleshpur is a treasure trove of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Sakleshpur has something to offer. From the serene waterfalls and lush coffee plantations to the ancient temples and forts, every corner of this charming town promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the enchanting places to visit in Sakleshpur!

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