Sakleshpura: A hidden gem in Karnataka’s Western Ghats

Sakleshpur is a quaint hill station town located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats, a mountain range known for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. Sakleshpur is surrounded by dense green forests and rolling hills, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Sakleshpur is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the Manjarabad Fort, an 18th-century fort built by Tipu Sultan as a defensive structure against the British East India Company. The town is also home to a number of temples and shrines, including the Jenukal Gudda Temple, a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the summit of the Jenukal Gudda hill. We will get into detail about it as your read further.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Sakleshpur is also known for its delicious local cuisine. The town is home to a number of restaurants and cafes that serve a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally grown ingredients.

In addition to basically nature heaven, Sakleshpur is also popular for being nearby to most other places of interest. For example, it is considerably near to Darmasthala’s Kukke Subramanya Temple and many other beautiful scenics yet rich historically significant places. 

The long history of Manjrabad Fort:

One of the standout places of interest in Sakleshpur is the Manjarabad Fort. We are sure you might have come across it, as it is the most visited place for movie shooting. Understandably so, one can’t deny the enchanting ancientness it evokes. But there is so much more to that fort apart from it just being the eye candy of many visitors. Let us dwell on the lesser-known history of the Manjrabad fort. The fort was built in the late 18th century by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, as a defensive structure against the British East India Company. It is situated on a hilltop overlooking the town of Sakleshpur and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The fort is a popular tourist destination in Sakleshpur and is known for its architectural beauty and historical significance. It is constructed in the style of military architecture and features a series of walls and bastions that were designed to protect the fort from enemy attacks. The fort also has a number of underground tunnels and secret passageways that were used as escape routes in case of an attack.

Inside the fort, visitors can explore the various rooms and chambers that the soldiers and rulers of the fort used. The fort also has a mosque and a well that was used by the soldiers and their families.In addition to its historical and architectural significance, the Manjarabad Fort is also an important ecological site. The fort is surrounded by lush green forests and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a nature walk through the forests and observe the various species of plants and animals that inhabit the area.

Don’t miss Jenukal Trek trail

Situated in the heart of, a mountain range known for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. The trek to Jenukal Gudda offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and valleys, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

The trek to Jenukal Gudda begins at the mountain’s base and follows a well-marked trail that winds through the dense forests and grasslands. Along the way, hikers can spot a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of plants and animals that are unique to the Western Ghats. The trail is moderate in difficulty and is suitable for hikers of all levels of experience.

At the top of Jenukal Gudda, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From the summit, hikers can see the lush green forests and rolling hills of the Western Ghats stretched out before them. The summit is also home to a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, making it a sacred site for Hindus. The Jenukal Gudda trek is a must-do for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting Sakleshpur. It offers a unique blend of breathtaking views, rich biodiversity, and cultural experiences, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Of course, Sakleshpur has so many places of interest that one should definitely explore as well. The above-mentioned ones are basically very well known only for their scenic beauty but not many people are aware of their historical and ecological significance. You come to Sakleshpur, you forget about the hustle and bustle of city life for a while, everything slows down, letting you completely experience the dense greenery, stunning landscapes, and breathtaking hills that one should absolutely try and trek. And Sakleshpur has a plethora of homestays and resorts that can give you the best overall experience of enjoying the place. You can choose them accordingly based on your taste and preferences.