The Explore: In and Around Sakleshpur
- Nutan K Toppo
- Feb 8, 2018
- 5 min read
Smooth Green Snake Or Opheodrys Vernalis
Sakleshpur, Karnataka State, India
The 2nd phase of the Sakleshpur trip came with an underlying motive to explore the scenic beauty reflected in the adjoined mountain views, whispering streams, and a linked prehistoric past.
Sakleshpur was a 3 days long weekend getaway trip for us, we were on our own taking time to enjoy the trip at our own pace mixing relaxation with explore.
Abandoned Railway Route - A Trekkers Delight
The sub-tropical climate through out the year and rains in the wet season which stretches from May end to October begets an environment for wildlife to flourish in this region. In one of our wanderings, the glimpse of a smooth green snake basking in the sun gave me goosebumps, while let me also confess that I was rendered speechless with admiration seeing this beautiful yet venomous creation of nature. Furry caterpillars, colorful spiders, flying peacocks and wandering peahens are other common eye-catchers.
Though Sakleshpur is said to be trekkers and photographers paradise, one of must try trekking route in the Western Ghat is the green route trek - along the abandoned railway route to Yedakumeri via Donigal, we planned to leave it for our next trekking holiday.
Must Visit If You Are In Sakleshpur
The Cross Shaped Descent To The Well At Manjarabad Fort
Manjarabad Fort Diary
1: Manjarabad Fort
If I was an astronaut orbiting in space, this is the place I would hover around to see the star meet the stone.
The octagonal fort known for its unique layout, currently lie in its ruins. In an aerial view you will be able to distinctly identify its resemblance to a star. Astonishingly it is one of the few forts in India who irrespective of its uniqueness stand unexplored and forgotten.
The fort gets it name inspired from its surrounding environment. Manjara is derived from the word Manju which means fog or mist in Kannada (language spoken in Karnataka).
Built on a hillock next to the Bangalore - Mangalore highway route, it is a 5.2 km drive from main Sakleshpur town (and approx 13 km drive from Myst Homestay). The fort was built in 1792 during the reign of Tipu Sultan, the king of Mysore.
A rise of 3241 ft atop of a hillock, the star shaped fort gives a commanding view of the interlocking hills and adjoining valleys of the western ghats while the hemavathi river flows peacefully at the other side, standing on top of a rampart I stood hypnotized in the awe of nature.
It is said that if you visit the fort during the dry season, when the sky is clear you will be able to see the Arabian sea from the fort. Unfortunately we were not that lucky as the rain laden clouds hovered over the distant hills, blocking our vision to reach that far.
As we explored the fort, we also couldn’t help noticing what appeared like a Greek cross, resting at the epicenter on the open top level of the fort. As we walked towards it we could see the descending stairs from the 4 edges leading to the node where the square shaped well which sparkled as the ray hit the water. Saying goes that this is the entrance to the secret tunnel which links the fort to the Tipu Sultans fort at Srirangapatna.
Resting in its ruins, the Star shaped fort for me was worth a visit.
Handy Tips:
Wear non slippery shoes while you visit the fort as the stairs leading to the center are decaying and is moist during and after the rains.
Do carry drinking water as you might get thirsty post the gradual ascending walk to reach the fort entrance.
If you are visiting the region during rains or immediately after, I would advise you to walk a little away from the side railings along the stairs on the ascend as there is greenery and you might miss out on a green snake trying to catch some sun.
The fort is open from 8 am to 5 pm, I don't remember paying an entrance fee though.
2: Jenukallu Guda
As we had time in hand we proceeded to our next destination on our list to visit. Jenukallu Guda is a trekking destination usually frequented by the Western Ghat trekkers, as trekking was not in our plan for this visit we planned to go off-roading up-to the point where it faded into a private property of a resort.
The drive up the unpaved road was a little wobbly so Tirthankar took the wheels while I enjoyed the view. Oh wait! what was that? A peacock just flew over the car and vanished in the bushes the other side of the road. I had never seen a flying peacock before, though it was just a glimpse but even in its flight mode the colorful tail looked beautiful.
Jenukallu Guda is a small hill in the town of hills. You may wonder so what makes it special apart from the trekking bliss?
The top of the hill gives an overwhelming view of the scenic landscape and the daunting mountains fanning out forming ranges arise up to the sky.
3: Manjehalli Waterfall
It is when one renounce the fear, you enjoy living the moment. Cooper (my dog) is someone who inspires me, never scared of the unknown. As she enjoyed her swim at Manjehalli waterfall we chose to dip our legs in the cold flowing water and enjoy the view.
Manjehalli waterfall is a must visit spot if you are going during or just after the monsoon season. The gust of water flowing down the slippery rock can only be enjoyed during this time of the year.
The waterfall which remains open till 5:30 p.m., hosts a perfect picnic spot for locals amidst nature. Where you not only enjoy the food but also get a natural acupuncture treatment done, as you stand under the fall with the water falling from 20 feet above you creating that affect. It is an awesome way to cool off after exploring the ruins and nature trails at Sakleshpur!
The view of the valley and river Giri juxtaposed between mountain ranges
Bisle view point
4: Bisle Betta
Bisle Betta gives a spectacular view of India's most beautiful rain forest - Bisle reserve forest. Form the viewpoint you can see the unconfined rainwater flow down the mountain terrain to form natural streams and gradually coalesce forming part of river Giri, while the valleys lay juxtaposed between interlocking foothills of mountains, no doubt the viewpoint is known as Bisle beauty spot. I felt tranquility of my soul meeting mother nature!
From the spot one can get a view the daunting yet mesmerizing mountain ranges of 3 districts - Kumara Parvatha of Dakshina Kannada district, Pushpagiri and Dodda Betta of Kodagu district, Patta Betta and Enni Kallu of Hassan district.
The Bisle ghat has cajoled trekkers and explorers with its flora and fauna for many decades now. The spot is an hour and a half drive up the Bisle ghat zigzag road from Sakleshpur town, the route remain placid and unruffled by human activities. It is thus advised to carry your own supplies of water and food or snacks.
The lush and thick forest is a home to the largest number of wildlife in the western ghat region. If trekking and exploring is in your mind, you can hire a local guide or join a trekking group rather than wander on your own.
Have any questions about Sakleshpur? What about other suggestions? Do leave a message in the comments below!
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