Sightseeing Highlights:
The Sakaleswara Temple, after which the place was named, can be found right at the entrance of the town. This small house of worship is an excellent representation of Hoysala architecture, and is a remnant of the Hoysala Empire that ruled this region between the 11th and 14th centuries AD. Another site worth visiting is the Manjarabad Fort, situated a short distance from Sakleshpur. This imposing structure was constructed by Mysore monarch Tipu Sultan in 1752 AD, and is based at an altitude of 3,240 ft.
Also within driving distance, the Bisle Ghat is an extremely picturesque destination. The Bisle Gudda or Sunny Mountain here is a popular picnic spot, while the Bisle Betta or Bisle View Point offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The ghat borders the Bisle Reserve Forest, one of the country?s most magnificent rainforests. Its diverse habitat is home to an amazing selection of flora and fauna, making it a must-see for nature lovers.
Other Activities:
Sakleshpur is famous for the trekking opportunities it offers. One of the most traversed routes here is the Railway Track Trek, which, as the name suggests, is an unused railway track stretching from Sakleshpur to Kukke Subrahmanya, running along the Western Ghats. Featuring 109 bridges and 25 gushing waterfalls, it is an experience worth exploring.
The Bisle Reserve Forest is also a great place for trekking, as well as for bird watching. The forest authorities have constructed several observation points which provide vantage positions to see the reserve's varied birdlife, or to simply sit back and enjoy the panoramic view.
Tourism info:
Tourist Information Centre
Department of Tourism,
Halebidu, Belur Taluk,
Hassan District - 573 121.
Tel: 0817-7273224
Tourist Information Centre
Department of Tourism,
Bangalore Railway Station,
Bangalore
Phone No: 080-22870068
Marked by its tranquillity and verdant greenery, the small town of Sakleshpur is situated in Karnataka and lies on the highway that leads from Bangalore to Mangalore. However, what makes the town stand apart is its location in the southern section of the extensive mountain range of the Western Ghats. The town and its surrounding regions enjoy heavy rains, especially during the monsoons, creating an ideal setting for a variety of animal and plant life to thrive. In fact, the area has a highly diverse ecosystem.
Sakleshpur is primarily an agricultural settlement, as is evident from the vast coffee, pepper, cardamom, ginger, paddy and tea plantations and estates that dot its scenic landscape, even as the fragrant smell of coffee and spices fills the air. |
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