Sakleshpur ( kannada: ಸಕಲೇಶಪುರ) is a hill station town and headquarters of Sakleshpur Taluk in Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is referred to as ‘poor man’s Ooty’.
Sakleshpur or Sakleshpura is a hill station town in Hassan District of the South Indian state of Karnataka. It is a beautiful town located in Western Ghats on Bangalore‑Mangalore Highway. Sakleshpur is located on the border of Malnad and Bayaluseemae in Hassan district. It receives heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon and because of the temperate climate; this place is blessed with huge amount of coffee, tea, cardamom, and pepper plantations. It is located at an average elevation of 949 metres (3,113 feet). Since it has temperate climate on the Western Ghats, it is suited for growing Cash crops. Coffee growers from the neighbouring villages throng to sell coffee at Sakleshpur. Sakleshpur is located in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that stretches from Kerala to Gujarat. The southern range, which includes Bisle reserve forest and the region around Sakleshpur is listed as one of the 18 most diverse spots in the world in terms of flora and fauna. If you are planning a holiday in Sakleshpur, you will be glad to know that there are many home stays, resorts, camping and trekking groups that provide good accommodation and trekking facility.
The town lies in the Malnad region on the magnificent hills of the biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats. It has a temperate climate surrounded with lofty green hills full of coffee, cardamom, pepper and areca plantations . These crops which contribute mainly to the economy of the Taluk are grown in the surrounding villages and entire taluk are brought to Sakleshpur city for sale. The town lies on National Highway 48 (NH-48) which connects port city of Mangaluru with capital city Bengaluru of Karnataka state. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport.
The town lies in the Malnad region on the magnificent hills of the biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats. It has a temperate climate surrounded with lofty green hills full of coffee, cardamom, pepper and areca plantations . These crops which contribute mainly to the economy of the Taluk are grown in the surrounding villages and entire taluk are brought to Sakleshpur city for sale. The town lies on National Highway 48 (NH-48) which connects port city of Mangaluru with capital city Bengaluru of Karnataka state. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport.
Distance from Bangalore: 222 kilometers
Sakleshpur has something for everyone. Trekking trails, coffee plantations, waterfalls, temples and wildlife all await you here. So, if you are in Bangalore and have a day or two to spare, hit the road to Sakleshpur.
Things to Do in Sakleshpur
1. Relaxing: There can be nothing more than relaxing amidst lush green environment. Visit the Sakleshpur green valleys and later relish a nice lunch at homestay. They have a great malnad cuisine on offer.
2. Coffee Camaraderie: A lot really can happen over a good brew. While in Sakleshpur, sample the region’s finest in flavour at tasting sessions across coffee plantations in the region.
3. Trekking Trails: Sakleshpur has many breathtaking trails that you can take off on. Trek up to Jenkal / Diggal, which offers great views or make your way to North India, which is a little further away from Betta Bhairaveshwara Prasanna Temple.
4. Temple Tour: Visit Bhairaveshwara Prasanna Temples at Maragunda & Byrapura, a nearby hamlet known for its ancient temples. Here, the Bhairaveshwara Swamy temple is a must visit for its pristine divines and silence. Checkout other nearby temples near Sakleshpur.
5. Birding Best: With its expanse of green, Sakleshpur is home to many avian species. Remember to carry your binoculars to spot several varieties of birds chirping for your attention. A visit to the nearby deep jungle is a must for bird lovers.
6. Jeep Drive: If you get a chance to have a jeep drive, please opt for it. Many people do not get the opportunity to experience these off beat drives other than leaving in hilly regions. Sakleshpur hosts many off beat drive events for 4×4 vehicles. If you have one you could participate in these off beat jeep drives. Subscribe for events happening near Sakleshpur.
7. Nature: Try knowing local nature and culture of people in these Western Ghats regions. Be a good listener to local people talking, winds blowing, birds chirping and insects sounds. The Sakleshpur culture varies a bit compared to Coorg but the hospitality and food is same.
Places to Visit near Sakleshpur
Hassan
180 kms. From Bangalore in the district head quarters, Hassan. This quiet and peaceful town is convenient base to visit Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebidu. Hassan offers a wide variety of accommodations. It is well connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore.
1. Sharavanabelagola: 51 kms, South-East of Hassan, is one of the most important Jain Pilgrim Center. Here is the 17 mtr. High monolith of Lord Bahubali, the world’s tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamasthakabhisheka – a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years when the 1000-year-old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamasthakabhisheka will be held in 2005 A.D.Shravanabelagola is 150 kms. From Bangalore.
2. Belur: The quaint hamlet-38 kms. From Hassan is located on the banks of river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire, total made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakeshava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and the reason is evident. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and freezes with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers… they are all there-awe inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Inside are hand lathe turned filigreed pillars.
The Kappe Channigaraya temple and the smaller shrines are well worth a visit.
3. Halebidu: is 27 kms. North-West of Hassan and 17 kms. East of Belur. The Temples of Halebid – like those of Belur, bear mute testimony to the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleshwara temple, dating back to the 12th century is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covers with an endless variety of Gods and Godesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. The magnificent temple guarded by the Nandi bull was never completed despite 86 years of labour.
4. The Jain basadis near by are equally rich sculptural detail. Belur and Halebidu are 222 and 216 kms. From Bangalore respectively.
Insider Tips
Sakleshpur has many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. While on your weekend getaway, do not forget to pick up the finest coffee beans at local Coffee Works in Sakleshpur
Where to stay? Sakleshpur has good homestays for guests and is a comfortable accommodation option. You can visit our homestay in Sakleshpur
Budget: Rs. 2,000 per person for a weekend (inclusive of accommodation and food)
Traveller Type: Family, Friends, Corporate groups