Brew everlasting talks over a little cup of coffee. Perhaps a fascinating family tale, a romance stimulating conversations, or a fresh idea of a new friendship in the jaw-dropping greenery of Sakleshpur hill station in Karnataka. Return home after buying coffee and tea powder from Sakleshpur.
Discover the trekking trails, ancient temples, and rainforests for nature walking trips at the best places to visit in Sakleshpur. This hill station in the lap of Western Ghats invites couples, family travelers, backpackers, and leisure tourists to paint their canvas with manicured greenery.
So from now onwards if someone will say lush greenery in Karnataka is restricted to Coorg, and Ooty, make sure you remind them of Sakleshpur. It is one of the less explored hill stations in Karnataka and therefore, mass tourism here is next to none.
Sakleshpur is embraced with the greenery of the Western Ghats at an elevation of 956 m (approx.) above sea level. It is around 220 kilometers (approx.) from the Silicon City of India. What makes it the best weekend getaway is the fact that it is well connected with the roads and railway lines of Karnataka.
Those who are coming from long-distance locations like Mumbai, and Delhi can arrive at Mangalore Airport (140 km approx.) or Bangalore Airport (245 kilometers/approx.) These are the nearest international airports to reach Sakleshpur.
Coming to its history and spiritual importance, here a 600 years old temple is situated on the banks of the Hemavathi River. A gigantic octagonal-shaped Manjarabad Fort dating back to 1792 awaits you!
Read Also: Most Popular Hill Stations near Bangalore
Why is Sakleshpur Worth A Visit?
Similar to the lush greenery of Coorg, Ooty, and Chikmagalur, Sakleshpur is a hidden paradise in Karnataka’s mountain range. It is an unspoiled, and unexplored gem of Western Ghats. Here, slopes are dotted with coffee, tea, and spice plantations. This hilly retreat is located in close proximity to Mangalore, Coorg, and Chikmagalur.
For a summer retreat in Karnataka, Sakleshpur is drenched in lush greenery and boasts a salubrious climate. Furthermore, Sakleshpur is often called “Poor Man’s Ooty” because of the same striking resemblance with the real one! However, accommodations in Sakleshpur are relatively affordable than Ooty.
Here we have done the hard work for you, so you don’t have to! Check out our compiled list of the 16 best places to visit in Sakleshpur. Happy exploring, travelers!
3 Days Tour to Chikmagalur
4 Days Tour to Ooty
Blissful 4 Days in Coorg
Short Escape Kabini Tour- Manjarabad Fort – To soak sweeping views of Western Ghats
- Bisle View Point – To spot diverse flora and fauna
- Jenukal Gudda Hill – To gaze at surreal panoramas
- Sakleshwara Temple – To awaken your spiritual side
- Manjehalli Waterfalls – For a relaxing picnic
- Hemavathi Reservoir – A bird watcher’s paradise
- Ombattu Gudda Hill – A delightful retreat for trekkers
- Murkannu Gudda and Hadlu Waterfalls
- Agni Gudda
- Belur
- Kukke Subramanya Temple
- Shravanabelagola
- Ayyappa Swami Temple
- Halebidu
- Chikmagalur
- Betta Byraveshwara Temple
1. Manjarabad Fort in Sakleshpur
Everyone will tell you in Sakleshpur to visit Manjarabad Fort as it boasts sweeping views of Western Ghats. This majestic fort was built by Tipu Sultan between 1785-1792 to store arms and ammunition. This fort’s design is made up of an Octagonal shape, which in the King’s era provided a shield to his army against Britishers.
Manjarabad Fort is a must-visit place in Sakleshpur for those who are historical buff. This fort showcases the brilliance of Islamic architecture. There are many chambers and tunnels within the fort to see for tourists.
Trip duration: 1-2 hours (approx.)
Opening timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 6 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Manjarabad Fort: February-June
Nearest railway station to Manjarabad Fort: Hassan Junction
Nearest airport to Manjarabad Fort: Mangalore International Airport
2. Bisle View Point
Even if you have visited viewpoints earlier, we strongly suggest you unlock enigmatic Western Ghats views from Bisle View Point. This place provides the perfect respite from the humdrum of monotonous life. Upon reaching there, you will see the spectacular views of three mountain ranges like Doddabetta, Yenikallu Betta, Kumara Parvatha, and Pushpagiri.
Reaching the summit requires hiking. Throughout your expedition, you will have the chance to spot the diverse flora and fauna. Bisle View Point will leave you speechless if you are a nature lover.
Entry fee: Free
Opening timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 60 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Bisle View Point: September-March
Nearest railway station to Bisle View Point: Hassan Junction
Nearest airport to Bisle View Point: Mangalore International Airport
Explore Karnataka Tour Packages.
3. Jenukal Gudda Hill
Touted to be the second highest peak in Karnataka, Jenukal Gudda Hill attracts trekking enthusiasts. This place listed itself as one of the top sights in Sakleshpur. From here, you will get to see the spectacular views of the Western Ghats.
If you are hunting on an adventure, Jenukal Gudda Hill trek takes you through lush green landscapes. It is suggested to stay there till the sunset if you are traveling with your spouse. Sunsets here are magical.
Trip duration: 4-5 hours (approx.)
Opening timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 95 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Jenukal Gudda Hill: October-March.
Nearest railway station to Jenukal Gudda Hill: Alnavar and Tavargatti.
Nearest airport to Jenukal Gudda Hill: Mangalore International Airport.
Bangalore Mysore Ooty Tour
Short Escape to Jog Falls4. Sakaleswara Temple
Sakleshwara Temple is a perfect example of top-notch craftsmanship of Hoysala architecture. It was constructed between the 11th-14th century when the Hoysala empire was at its peak in South India. Sakaleswara Temple is positioned along the Hemavathi river banks, and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the nearby landscape.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses the giant statue of Lord Shiva. If you plan to visit Sakleshpur, make sure you visit this temple to awaken your spiritual enlightenment. Sakaleswara Temple is considered the epitome of spirituality for pilgrimage.
Trip duration: 30-40 minutes (approx.)
Opening timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 650 meters (approx.)
Best time to visit Sakaleswara Temple: February-June
Nearest railway station to Sakaleswara Temple: Hassan Junction
Nearest airport to Sakaleswara Temple: Mangalore International Airport
Also read about the best time to visit Sakleshpur and how to reach Sakleshpur.
5. Manjehalli Waterfalls
This 20 ft towering waterfall near Bangalore will surprise you with its hiking ability. Manjehalli Waterfalls is a perfect place for a picnic and provides travelers with the opportunity to marvel at the nearby Pushpagiri Mountain Range’s spectacular views. This gurgling waterfall is set between the emerald green hills, and you can swim in the falls for a rejuvenating experience.
If you love easy trekking, this enchanting waterfall takes you through the charming Manjehalli village. You will be passing through coffee plantations and meet with the locals during your hike. Did we mention that Manjehalli Waterfalls is a retreat for shutterbugs too?
Trip duration: 2-3 hours (approx.)
Opening timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 21 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Manjehalli Waterfalls: July-September
Nearest railway station to Manjehalli Waterfalls: Hassan Junction
Nearest airport to Manjehalli Waterfalls: Mangalore International Airport
Also check: Top 8 water places near Bangalore.
6. Hemavathi Reservoir
It is an outstanding dam that was constructed in 1979 across the Hemavathi River. Due to the green garden adjacent to it, a perfect picnic spot, Hemavathi Reservoir is considered one of the best tourist places in Sakleshpur.
You must visit Gorur Dam (locals call it) to witness the water gushes down with full force. This place is home to many unique birds that can be seen on an early morning walk. So if you love bird watching, Hemavathi Reservoir is a must-visit place.
Trip duration: 30-40 minutes (approx.)
Opening timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 72 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Hemavathi Reservoir: October-March
Nearest railway station to Hemavathi Reservoir: Hassan Junction
Nearest airport to Hemavathi Reservoir: Mangalore International Airport
Karnataka Tour with Wildlife
Bandipur National Park Tour
Bangalore Mysore Bandipur Tour
Bangalore Mysore Nagarhole Tour7. Ombattu Gudda Hill
A must visit place for trekkers enthusiasts in Sakleshpur, Ombattu Gudda Hills is a must-visit place to go in the Western Ghats. Literally translated into Nine Hill, a famous trekking place is a cluster of beautiful streams cutting across the green valleys.
Ombattu Gudda Hill’s base camp is at Kabinhole Reserve Forest – a – perfect place to spot the unique animals and birds. If you consider yourself an adrenaline junkie, Ombattu Gudda Hill calls you!
There you have it, the best places to visit in Sakleshpur for nature and peace lovers. Let us know about your experiences, or if some sights are missing from this list, in the comments section below. We hope this list provided you with enough travel inspiration and you bookmarked these places to your Sakleshpur bucket list after reading this.
There are so many reasons why you should visit Sakleshpur. Sakleshpur has been crowned one of the best offbeat places to visit near Bangalore with its stunning landscape beauty, ancient temples, incredible natural trails, and never-ending adventure.
8. Murkannu Gudda and Hadlu Waterfalls
Get yourself drenched in waterfall trekking fun at Murkannu Gudda and Hadlu Waterfalls. As the name suggests, it is a waterfall trek for beginners to moderate-level trekkers. On this waterfall trek, embrace rich biodiversity and pass through the coffee plantations.
Also, there is one picturesque manmade lake where you can swim and get over your summer blues. The waterfalls are icy cold and therefore, invokes trekkers. Apart from the waterfall trekking, keep your camera handy as this place has some serious avifauna that can amp your social media game.
Trek duration: 4-5 hours (approx.)
Opening timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
Trek distance: 10 kilometers (approx.)
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Best time to visit Murkannu Gudda and Hadlu Waterfalls: Early summer, post-monsoon, and winter.
Travel Tip: Do not encourage littering at the falls and keep yourself hydrated.
9. Agni Gudda
Shutterbugs – gear up yourself for a tantalizing trekking experience at Agni Gudda. Capture the green pasture lands and paddy fields embracing their beauty. This place to visit in Sakleshpur warrants a visit by adventure seekers because here pitching the tent for overnight camping is the best thing to do! You will find several others, like-minded travelers, at the summit. Agni Gudda Peak base camp is Agni Village where the trek starts.
The total stretch of this trek is easy to cover by the newbie’s trekkers. This place is a famous spot for many Tollywood movies. If you are lucky, who knows you might spot your favorite South Indian movie star. Unleash your adventure spirit at Agni Gudda and keep in mind that treks take around 3-4 hours for both ascend and descend.
Trip duration: 4-5 hours (approx.)
Opening timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 10 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Agni Gudda: Early summer, post-monsoon, and winter.
10. Belur
Do you love temple hopping and admire architecture? If you are shaking your head in agreement, bookmark Belur in your Sakleshpur Itinerary. Belur is replicated with Banaras of South India. Here you will come across temples depicting the Hoysala architecture.
Go on a guided excursion to learn the rise and downfall of the Hoysala empire. The whole place is dotted with ornate temples, and you will be amazed to see the carvings on the temple walls.
If you want to witness the historical lanes, the architecture of the erstwhile Hoysala Empire ruled by the Hindus, you should not miss a visit to Belur, one of the finest places to visit in Sakleshpur. Did we mention that carvings on the walls of the temples of Belur are inspired or related to Upanishads and Puranas?
Trip duration: 6-7 hours (approx.)
Places to Visit in Belur: Yagachi Dam, Hoysaleswara Temple, Kedareshwara Temple
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 32 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Belur: October-March
11. Kukke Subramanya Temple
The Lord of all serpents, Lord Kartikeya is worshipped at Kukke Subramanya Temple. If you want to get intrigued by Indian mythology, Kukke Subramanya Temple is an ideal place to visit in Sakleshpur.
Tourism here comes from all over India as it is one of the ancient Hindu Temples in Karnataka. Encircling the Kukke Subramanya Temple are lush green hills that overlook the mountain Kumara Parvatha.
Kukke Subramanya Temple is located in Subramanya village and it is also called the abode of Nagas. Inside the temple complex, there is Kumaradhara Thirtha and Madesnana where you can take a spiritual bath to get over any skin diseases.
It is believed that this temple pool has therapeutic properties. If you are suffering from Naga Doshas and want to attain salvation, you can ask the priests inside the temple to perform the Sarpa Samskara Pooja, Ashlesha Pooja, and other such rituals.
Trip duration: 1-2 hours (approx.)
Opening timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 75 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Kukke Subramanya Temple: October-March
Travel Tip: Cover your full body with the Indian dress code.
12. Shravanabelagola
The in and around attractions to visit in Sakleshpur are wrapped with spiritual vibes and Shravanabelagola is no exception. This is one of the famous and notable pilgrimage sites for Jainism followers.
Shravanabelagola has a series of Jain temples with flawless intricate carvings on the temple walls. You could say Shravanabelagola town on the outskirts of Sakleshpur is like a Chota Char Dham for the followers of Jainism.
There is a 57 meter (approx.) tall monolith structure of Lord Gomteshwara (Bahubali statue) installed which is the highlight of this temple town.
The monolith structure is carved out of a single granite block. If you love trekking, camping, and nature walks, Shravanabelagola is wedged between Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri hills which means options for adventures amidst nature are endless.
Trip duration: 4-5 hours (approx.)
Things to Do in Shravanabelagola: Camping, trekking, and temple hopping.
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 90 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Shravanabelagola: Monsoon or rainfall.
13. Ayyappa Swami Temple
Unlock the ravishing views of the lush green forests and river valleys encircling the Ayyappa Swamy Temple. It is located inside Lake Park where green fields are perfect for morning and evening walks!
A visit to Ayyappa Swami Temple will inject a dose of spirituality amidst nature with its peaceful vibes and mindblowing setting. If you want to manifest the divine powers on your Sakleshpur holidays, bookmark Ayyappa Swami Temple as it is one of the famous tourist attractions in Sakleshpur.
Trip duration: 1-2 hours (approx.)
Opening timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 2 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Ayyappa Swami Temple: October-March
[ Plan your Sakleshpur Holidays with our customized packages. ]
14. Halebidu
Adorned with a beautiful collection of temples, and sculptures, Halebidu is the erstwhile capital of the Hoysala Empire. A visit to this charming town near Sakleshpur will reward you with some magnificent old age temples and a range of Jainism-related sites. Also called Dwarasamudra, and Halebid, this city is in ruins now!
Annually in every march, this city gets brims with tourists because the Hoysala Mahotsava festival is held with full zest and enthusiasm. If you want to take a sneak peek into the erstwhile Hoysalas Empire, Halebidu is the place to go on Sakleshpur vacations.
Trip duration: 1-2 hours (approx.)
Places to Visit in Halebid: Basadi Halli, Yagachi Dam, and Archeological Museum
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 58 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Halebidu: October-March
15. Chikmagalur
Forget your city’s coffee and instead, take a coffee plantation tour in the coffee land of Karnataka. Chikmagalur is the cornerstone of coffee estates tucked in the Western Ghats. It has several other highlights other than tranquilizing you with its aromas of coffee.
Nature enthusiasts would be in retreat at Chikmagalur because there are several trekking trails dotted in Chikmagalur. Standing at a staggering elevation of 3,400 feet (approx.), Chikmagalur has all the elements to make your holidays a worthwhile affair in the backdrops of the Mullayanagiri Ranges.
If you want to escape from the city’s monotony of 9 to 5, a trip to Chikmagalur will make a huge shift in your life. Choose to stay in the middle of the lush green coffee plantains. Camping, jeep safari, and rock climbing are a few of the adventure activities in Chikmagalur. It is one of the best places to visit near Sakleshpur for couples.
Trip duration: 2-3 days (approx.)
Places to Visit in Chikmagalur: Z Point, Coffee Museum Chikmagalur, and Ayyanakere Lake
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 60 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Chikmagalur: Early summers, post-monsoon, and winter.
16. Betta Byraveshwara Temple
Snuggled with the jungles and the lush green hills, the road to reach Betta Byraveshwara Temple is bumpy. You will get aerial views of the temple from the nearby hills surrounding Betta Byraveshwara Temple if you embark on hiking fun. There is no habitation around the temple.
We strongly suggest you visit with a guided excursion because you might get lost in the vast stretches of greenery. Legends say that this temple dates back to 600 years (approx.) and is the same place where the Pandavas had to spend their few days after their exile. You will be engulfed in the peaceful vibes of the Betta Byraveshwara Temple on your visit to Sakleshpur.
Trip duration: 1-2 hours (approx.)
Opening timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Distance from Sakleshpur bus stand: 40 km (approx.)
Best time to visit Betta Byraveshwara Temple: October-March
Sakleshpur Travel Questions and Answers
Q. How many days do I need to explore Sakleshpur?
To explore Sakleshpur, you need at least 3-4 days. It is the ideal duration to enjoy your holidays in Sakleshpur.
Q. Which is the nearest airport to Sakleshpur?
Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport to Sakleshpur, which is at a distance of 98.8 km. However, other airports near Sakleshpur are Kannur (117 km), Mysuru (155 km), Bengaluru (210.3 km), Kochi (316.7 km), and Goa (343.3 km).
So, aren’t you excited to indulge in the fun of exploring this fantastic place? There are so many places to visit that you won’t get bored. So, pack your bags, plan a trip to Bangalore, and enjoy! Also, book your tour packages with easy cancellations and a quick refund policy. So, contact us!
Also Read:
- Historical Monuments in Karnataka
- Offbeat Places to Visit in Karnataka
- Top Hill Stations in Karnataka
- Must Visit Waterfalls in Karnataka to enjoy with family
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