Sakleshpur, or Sakleshpura, is one of Karnataka’s least visited tourist destinations. However, with its cool climate and extravagant beauty, Sakleshpura is a must-visit destination with your family. It is a hill station located at an altitude of 3,061 feet above sea level and is the headquarters of the Sakleshpur taluk in Hasan district.
You can visit Sakleshpur any time of the year and spend quality time with your family by enjoying the extravagant beauty of the marvellous places around this region.
In this blog, let us explore the places you can visit with your family in Sakleshpur.
Sakleshpur Temple
The Sakleshwara Swamy Temple is a pilgrim destination and a very famous temple. The hill town of Sakleshpur got its name from this temple. It is located at the town entrance and is very hard to miss. Sakleshpur temple is one of the top places you can visit in Sakleshpur, especially if you are visiting this place with your family.
The Sakleshpur temple was built between the 11th and the 14th centuries during the Hoysala reign. Today, it stands as a testimony to the excellent craftsmanship. Apart from the eminent architecture and craftsmanship, the sentinel statue of Lord Shiva is the main attraction of this temple.
The Sakleshpur Temple is approximately 1.5 kilometres from the Sakleshpur Bus Stand in Sakleshpura town. You can visit this place any time of the year. This temple is famous for its Rath Yatra festival, a grand procession led by various folk art forms of Karnataka like the Dollu Kunitha, Drum sets, Marshavadya, and Nandidhwaja that takes place in February every year during the Purnima Night.
Best time to Visit: Any time of the year
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Manjrabad Fort
Do you enjoy marvelling at the aesthetic beauty of the historical architecture? Then, Manjrabad Fort is the place for you. The Manjrabad Fort is one of the unique forts believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan under the guidance of French military engineers in 1792.
The Manjrabad Fort is a unique architectural design constructed in an octagonal design that resembles an ‘eight-pointed star’. This fort served military significance as it was situated at a height of 988 meters and served as a vantage point to monitor any invasion. The Manjrabad fort got its name from Manju, which means fog or mist in Kannada.
Manjrabad Fort is one of the trekking spots in Sakleshpur, and as you enter the fort, you get to see the panoramic view of the landscapes. This trek to the fort is not tiring and can be an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Once you reach the top of the fort, you get to enjoy not just the panoramic scenic beauty of the hills and the valleys but also explore the underground passages that served as escape routes in the past. The trek to the top of the fort includes about 300 steps that you will have to climb to reach the top.
Though the trek to the top hardly takes time, it may be difficult for older people. So, if you are travelling with older people who experience trouble walking for a long time, then they can wait for you at the parking place until you finish your trek and come.
Best time to Visit: Winter or Post Monsoon
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Bisle Viewpoint
Bisle Viewpoint is a mesmerising place you must not miss when you visit Sakleshpur. It is one of the best places in Sakleshpur for all trekking and nature enthusiasts who can enjoy the panoramic view of the Western Ghats and its serene beauty.
The trek to the top is an amazing experience as you may spot peacocks, spotted deer, elephants and monkeys on your way with natural streams and small waterfalls. The course of the trek can be intense for some.
Best time to Visit: Early Summer
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Manjehalli Waterfalls
Manjelli Waterfalls is a 20-foot-long falls situated amidst the lush green forest. Manjehalli Waterfalls is recognised as Abbe Falls by the locals and is the perfect spot for a picnic with your family and friends.
This waterfall is situated at the foothill of a mountain, and it is about a 1-kilometer trek to reach the waterfall from the Manjehalli village. During the trek, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the enchanting coffee plantations. Once at the falls, you can take a dip in the gurgling stream and experience the overnight camping facilities available here.
But when you are near the waterfalls, you must be careful about the rocks as they might be slippery and cause accidents. Also, avoid visiting the waterfalls during the monsoon season since the reptiles may come out to the shore as the water level rises, and during the peak summer season, there will be hardly any water.
Best time to Visit: Post Monsoon or Early Summer
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Hadlu Waterfalls
Hadlu Waterfalls is a famous trekking destination and one of the best places to visit in Sakleshpur. The trip to Hadlu waterfalls can be exciting as you trek through the coffee plantations and cover the six stages of the trek to take a dip under the chilly falls. Apart from that, homestays and restaurants are available here, where you can take short breaks before continuing with the trek.
Best time to Visit: During the Monsoon
Timings: 7 AM – 5:30 PM
Shettihalli Rosary Church
Shettihalli Rosary Church, also called the Floating church, is one of the major attractions in Sakleshpur. Sporting Gothic architecture, this church was built in 1860 and used for prayers till 1960. During the monsoon season, this church gets partially submerged in the water, while during the summer season, it is home to thousands of migratory birds. The road that leads to Shettihalli Rosary Church is an isolated dirt track, but the view that awaits you at the end is unique and worth the drive. But remember, there are no signboards on the way, so you can either use your phones or ask the locals for the right direction.
Best time to Visit: During the Monsoon or Early Summer
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Betta Byraveshwara Temple
Betta Byraveshwara Temple is a 600-year-old temple surrounded by breathtaking hills. It is considered one of the best spots to enjoy silence and calmness. Some popular trekking places like Paandavara Betta and Jenkal Gudda are nearby from this place. This temple is built from black stones and resembles the Kadamba architectural style.
The popular myth associated with this place is that it is one of the places where the Pandavas stayed during their exile.
Best time to Visit: Any Time of the year
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
FAQs
Are Sakleshpur Temple and Betta Byraveshwara Temple the same?
Most people think these two temples are the same, but they are not. Sakleshpura temple is located right at the entrance of the town, whereas Betta Byraweshwara temple is around 35 km away.
Is Sakleshpur suitable for young children?
Sakleshpur offers several activities suitable for young children, such as picnicking at Hemavathi Dam, exploring the Railway Bridge Trek with manageable paths, and visiting plantations where kids can learn about spice and coffee cultivation in a safe environment. So yes, it is suitable for young children.
Are there any adventure activities for teenagers in Sakleshpur?
Teenagers can engage in adventure activities like camping under the stars, trekking through the Western Ghats, and participating in outdoor sports like mountain biking, rope challenges or kayaking that are available at various campsites and adventure parks in the area.
What is the best time to visit Sakleshpur with family?
The best time to visit Sakleshpur with family is from June to September, after the monsoon. During this time, the landscape is lush green and the waterfalls at their full glory. However, if you don’t prefer the rain, the months from October to April provide pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities.
How accessible are the major attractions in Sakleshpur for families with small children or elderly members?
While many attractions in Sakleshpur are accessible, the hilly terrain and natural landscape may pose challenges for families with small children or elderly members. So, it is advisable to check the accessibility options before visiting more remote locations.
