Verdant hills, rolling meadows with cows grazing, gushing waterfalls and breathtaking scenes at every turn..... if this paints the picture of an idyllic holiday for you, then Sakleshpur is your destination!
I'd first heard about this tiny hamlet from my father, who visited Sakleshpur about 40 years ago as a college student, and was wowed by its rustic charm.
I recently got a chance to explore parts of this place, and here's your perfect guide if you want to visit. It is also one of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore and Mangalore
How to Reach
Sakleshpur is located around 230 km from Bangalore and 130 km from Mangalore. Trains are available till Sakleshpur junction and buses are available till Sakleshpur town. However, it is not very commercialized so it's best to take your own vehicle and explore at peace.
At present, the road from Hassan to Sakleshpur is under construction. We were staying at Dhruv Farms Homestay in Bykaravalli, and the owner suggested to come from Hassan to Shettihalli Rosary Church and then from there to Homestay.
It's always best to check with your resort/Homestay contact person about the road conditions and the best way to get to your accommodation.
What to See
1. Manjarabad Fort:
This is a star shaped fort built by Tipu Sultan in 1792. It has about 300 odd steps to ascend, but it is quite picturesque. We gave it a skip since we were travelling with parents and a toddler.
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: None
2. Bisle Ghat View Point and Mallali Falls:
Bisle Ghat view point lies in the Western Ghats and it is a hotbed of biodiversity. The view point offers expansive views of 3 peaks- Kumara Parvata, Dodda Betta and Pushpagiri. You have to walk around 200-300 m from the entrance, but it's not a very tough trail. We had a lovely time clicking pics over here.
Note: You can combine a trip to Bisle Ghat with Mallali falls, which is situated in Coorg, but only a 45 min drive from the view point. We gave it a miss because we have to descend around 700 steps to reach the base. It is a beautiful place though
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fees: Rs. 20 per person
3. Shettihalli Rosary Church:
This Gothic Church is slowly becoming famous because it gets submerged during rains, when it gives the impression of floating, and you can see the complete ruins when the water recedes. It was built by French missionaries in India in the 1870s. Though technically, it is not in Sakleshpur, but it is a must visit place, either as a day trip from Bangalore or en-route Sakleshpur from Bangalore. The backwaters of the Hemavathi river which surrounds the place, give it a surreal charm. It is the prefect place to enjoy the setting sun. It requires a walk of 500 m from the road through the fields. We visited it around sunset on the way to our homestay, and it was an amazing experience!
Timings: None
Entry Fees: None
4. Bettada Byraveshwara Temple
This is an ancient temple located atop Pandavar Gudda hill. It offers panoramic views of the western ghats and trekking opportunities as well.
5. Kaginahare view point:
This is a View point offering sights of rolling meadows. A ruined fort built by Tipu Sultan resides on a hill, but enquire with locals about the condition of the road before venturing with your vehicle
Timings: none
Entry Fees: none
6. Just Drive Around
Best way to admire the beauty of Sakleshpur is to just drive around. This place really comes alive during and just after rains, with the greens of the hills and the blues of the skies and the whites of streams and waterfalls in striking contrast with each other. We got some of the best views driving around.
7. Kukke Subramanya Temple
This temple is around 60 km from Sakleshpur. Lord Kartikeya is worshipped in the form of a serpent in this temple
Where to Stay
1. Machaan Plantation Resort: This place in the countryside has beautiful views of the rolling hills. They offer a number of activities such as nature walks, bonfire, pool access etc. They have an in- house restaurant as well. The rooms are air-conditioned and the balconies have a sit out area with smashing views.
Price: Approx. 11210 for 2 including breakfast.
Contact: sakleshpur@machaan.com, 8930335544
2. Rottikallu Resort
This resort is located amidst mist covered green hills, with a stream flowing through the property. Their 14 cottages are built in harmony with nature. They offer various adventure and water sports
Price: starts from Approx. Rs.6000 per couple per day ( including accomodation, 3 meals and some adventure activities)
Contact: rottikallu99@gmail.com, 8095052225, 9483175373, 9611590055
3. Kadumakki Resort
This resort promises you a slice of heaven, with its picture perfect setting and hospitality. They have a hanging bridge and private waterfall on their property, which is one of their prime attractions.
Price: Approx Rs. 8000 per couple for rooms. Tents also available.
Contact: +91 94839 72244 / 99000 02691
4. Pearl Valley Retreat
Located in the middle of coffee plantation, with stream flowing through it, and waterfalls around, this place promises a peaceful stay amid nature, with modern amenities.
Price: Approx. Rs. 3500 per head per day for rooms, cottages. Tents also available.
Contact: booking@pearlvalleyretreat.in, +919845171355, +919945056308, +919008012795
5. Siri Miri Resort
Nestled within the coffee estate in Sakleshpur, it's a great place to visit with family.
Contact: 9611994444
There are a number of homestays available as well.
Sakleshpur has the ability to surprise and amaze the most seasoned travelers . It has stays for every budget, a plethora of homestays and boutique resorts but not many hotels. Most homestays and resorts have unique locations and access to undiscovered views. So if you are looking for an offbeat holiday from Bangalore, Mangalore or other places around, Sakleshpur is the place to go.
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