Every biker is familiar with the feeling of freedom, the joy of flying through the freeways and shredding the tarmacs from a great ride. This is perhaps the greatest reason why those of us with a hint of madness love our two wheeled beasts. Now imagine every feeling intensify thanks to some picturesque landscapes that take breath away from their sheer beauty. Imagine yourself riding amidst nature’s best creations. Makes you want to drop that cup of coffee, switch your pristine suit for an equally pristine riding jacket and head out on the roads doesn’t it?
A RIDE THROUGH THE COFFEE HOUSE OF KARNATAKA
The first location to visit was the good old hill station in Hassan district on the way from Bangalore to Mangalore. If you couldn’t guess it yet, we talk of Sakleshpur. Just about 250Km from Bangalore, the location is about 5 hours ride from Bangalore. Sakleshpur is definitely worth a ride. The roads are mostly in good condition with plenty of pitstops peppered on the way. The weather is an absolute beauty and the landscape is full of lush green coffee plantations, breath taking mountains, tiny creeks and streams and some waterfalls too.
SIP SOME CLASSY TEA AT KELAGUR
A pitstop at Kelagur tea estate plantation is a must for any one visiting that place. Pick some tea powder from the local shop to gift it to your friends and family. A nice picturesque tea garden can bring some nice photographs to your memorable road trip.
TACKLE SOME CURVY BEND WITH THE QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS
Once inside Mudigere you simply can’t let Charmadi Ghat slip by your fingers and that’s exactly what riders thinks. Charmadi Ghat is is the Queen of Hill stations and it is also a short ride away from Mudigere. What makes the trail one of the most exciting one for riders is the fact that it has close to 11 sharp hairpin bends that make for a perfect recipe to a memorable ride. If you’re headed from Bangalore you could have a short pit stop at Shiradi Ghat for some bird watching before you hit the Dharmasthala road to Mudigere towards Ujire.
SAY HELLO TO SOME ELEPHANTS IN THE WESTERN GHATS
We don’t really mean it. Please do not try saying hello to wild elephants. That can end very badly for everyone.
Getting back on track, riders hear some talk of elephants and Western Ghats from some of the caretakers at their homestay inChikmagalur. Head to plateau nestled amidst the towering mountains of the Western Ghats known as Kalasa. The best way to ride to Kalasa is via Kottigehara as this allows you to pass through the forests (best not to do this at night) and plenty of tiny waterfalls and if you are lucky you may even spot some elephants crossing the road. This is one of the most picturesque roads in all South India.
SHRED THE HIGHWAYS THROUGH THE SCOTLAND OF SOUTH INDIA
Once at Sakleshpur you won’t feel heading back to home base. Instead choose to ride on visiting Belur, Halebidu, Shravanabelagola and a bunch of other places on their way to Coorg. Coorg is an absolutely stunning but rather quiet town nestled in the midst of coffee plantations, colonial style bungalows and the river Cauvery. The food here is absolutely amazing especially the pork which is a major delicacy in the town. We’d like you to know that Coorg is a convenient 280Kms from Bangalore just in case if you’re planning on a ride. Once at Coorg you can opt to stay at many home stay options (some may require pre-booking).
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 acrosscoffee 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)
There’s a saying, “Athithi Devo Bhava”, which means “the guest is God”. Specially in Karnataka it’s a huge honor to have guests in our homes and please them. Our hospitality is no were in the world. Sadly, most travellers first finds to stay in hotels, never get to experience true malnad hospitality. The good news is that everything is gradually changing as a result of growing popularity of homestays in Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur.
Staying in homestay is better than staying at resorts
Staying at a homestay is a great way to experience the culture and lifestyle of a destination, while saving money and enjoying more comfort and convenience than a resort. Here are some reasons why you should choose a homestay over a resort for your next trip:
A homestay is more personal and friendly than a resort. You can interact with the host family, learn about their customs and traditions, and get insider tips on the best places to visit and eat. A resort, on the other hand, is more impersonal and formal, with standardized services and facilities that may not suit your preferences or needs.
A homestay is more authentic and immersive than a resort. You can live like a local, eat home-cooked meals, participate in daily activities, and explore hidden gems that are off the beaten track. A resort, on the other hand, is more isolated and artificial, with a touristy atmosphere and a limited exposure to the local culture and environment.
A homestay is more affordable and flexible than a resort. You can find a homestay that fits your budget and expectations, with different options for amenities, location, and duration. You can also negotiate the price and conditions with the host directly, without any intermediaries or commissions. A resort, on the other hand, is more expensive and rigid, with fixed rates and policies that may not match your requirements or plans.
A homestay is similar to bed and breakfast concept. They are accommodated in the own home, or in separate guest house. Nowadays, most homestays provide guests as much comfort as reputable hotel do.
Unique and Characterful Accommodation – Tired of sterile hotels? There better way to experience the incredibly diversity and charm of Chikmagalur – Sakleshpur at a homestay. The options are almost endless and include plantation bungalows, historic mansions, and remote rural cottages.
Personalized Service – In contrast to a hotel, a homestay usually only has a few rooms. The family who resides there runs it, and acts as host. This guarantees that guests receive plenty of individual attention. You can spend as little or as much time with the host family as you like. Some guests choose only to dine with them, while others spend hours chatting to them. Regardless, staying with an malnad family is the easiest way of finding out about Chikmagalur – Sakleshpur culture and way of life. Many guests and hosts find that they bond with each other so much, that they keep in touch long after the vacation is over.
Local Knowledge — The wealth of information that the hosts have about their local area makes deciding what to see and do a breeze. Such local knowledge is extremely helpful in getting the most from your visit. Many hosts are delighted to show their guests around their local area.
Home Cooked Food — There is a huge difference between the malnad food served in restaurants and hotels, and the food that’s cooked in Chikmagalur – Sakleshpur homestay. By staying at a homestay, you’ll be able to taste authentic malnad home cooked food. Some homestays even welcome their guests into their kitchen, and let them watch and participate in the cooking process.
Unique Activities — As a guest at a homestay, activities will vary depending on location. Exploring a coffee plantation in Chikmagalur, watching birds, herding animals, village visits, picnics, and temple tours.
Those who prefer their privacy may feel more relaxed at a homestay that has separate accommodations for guests, rather than rooms in the family home.
