Sakleshpur

The story behind the name of this hill station is very intriguing. Between the 10th and the 14th century, this region was ruled by the Hoysalas. During their reign a broken Shivalingam was found and it was named Sakleshwara. After this incident the neighboring villages started calling this place Sakleshpur and the name stuck. Another story tells that the place was also called “sakala aishwaryagalindaa kudida pura”.

Boasting of rich biodiversity, Sakleshpur is home to many plants and animals including some of the endemic and endangered species. This place is one of the 18 most diverse spots in the world when it comes to flora and fauna. Elephants, deers, king cobras, tigers, Kadave are some of the animals that can be stopped easily. The reddish-orange pagoda flower which is locally called Ratha Pushpa is a beautiful flower that can be seen hanging from the trees in bunches.

Since Sakleshpur is a hill station what better activity to indulge in than trekking? This hill station is the best place for trekkers since it provides with ample trekking routes, both long and short.

1. The Green Route Trek

The one you must visit is “The Green Route Trek”. It is situated on railway tracks and is 56 km long starting from Sakleshpur to Kukke Subrahmanya. On the way you will not only encounter lush green trees and plants but 58 tunnels, 109 bridges and 25 waterfalls. But a prior permission from the Forest Department is important. There are various homestays on this trekking route to relax.

2. Bisle Ghat Trek

A trek amidst this ghat which is replete with flora and fauna will leave you enchanted. During the the possibility of a tiger or a king cobra passing by you is high. The trek is full of flourishing trees adorned with colourful flowers.

3. Ombattu Gudda Trek

Ombattu Gudda which translates to nine hills is an amalgamation of nine bumps that completes to form a mountain.the rocky surface and the rugged terrain of this place makes it an enthralling spot to trek. The mountain is an an elevation of 971 meters and the view from top is impeccable.

1. Since the region is immune to rainfall, do not forget to pack umbrellas and raincoat.

2. Avoid wearing fancy footwear instead wear comfortable shoes because you will have to walk a lot.

Biodiversity at Bisle Reserve Forest, architecture of Manjarabad Fort, rath yatra at Sri Sakleshwara Swamy Temple

Monsoon showers followed by roads getting closed due to fallen trees, almost no water in the falls during summer

The best time to visit Sakleshpur is during the cooler months of October and March. During peak winter, the temperature comes down to 15° C while in peak summer, the temperature rises as much as 35° C. If you want to have a budget trip, the best time is between October and March as this is the shoulder season when the cost of hotels or homestays is low. 
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Sakleshpur is accessed through road and rail. In fact, it is recommended that you drive there are the roads are very scenic as you drive through winding roads with coffee estates on both sides. Sakleshpur has its own railway station and is connected to all the major cities in Karnataka. The nearest airport is in Mangalore, located at a distance of 130 km. From here there are many buses going to and from Mangalore as well. There are also buses going to Bangalore that is 220 km away. 
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The top things to do in Sakleshpur are Manjarabad Fort, Sakleshwara Temple, Bisle Reserve Forest, Agni Gudda Hill, Manjehalli Waterfalls, Kukke Subramanya Temple. You can see all the places to visit in Sakleshpur here

The top places near to Sakleshpur are Coorg which is 58 km from Sakleshpur, Chikmagalur which is located 40 km from Sakleshpur, Halebid which is located 37 km from Sakleshpur, Kudremukh which is located 61 km from Sakleshpur, Wayanad which is located 141 km from Sakleshpur