As we cross the gate of a five-acre estate that borders the homestay, our host points to a tree with its trunk largely covered in flowers. The flowers resemble the shivalinga , the icon most associated with Lord Shiva. This is a fitting coincidence, as Sakleshpur is believed to derive its name from a broken shivalinga found in the region.
Located 220 kilometres west of Bengaluru as the crow flies, the taluk in Hassan district is best known for its coffee plantations, and its proximity to popular tourist spots Chikmagalur and Halebidu.
Centre for Jainism
The easiest way to reach Sakleshpur from Bengaluru is to take the Mangalore highway straight through Hassan. This route passes through Shravanabelagola, one of the foremost pilgrim spots in Jainism, which features the two hills of Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri, with the famed 57-foot Gommateshwara statue resting atop the former. If a visit to Shravanabelagola is on the itinerary however, it is best to leave early and reach there before noon, as the climb up either hill on a hot day can be quite taxing.
The remaining 70-odd kilometres to Sakleshpur, particularly as the town draws closer, present contrasting vistas. Low hills beckon in the distance, but the route itself is lined with fallen trees, as highway expansion work on the stretch continues. The real beauty of the region is encountered off the main road, on twisting tree-lined paths ringed by coffee estates, where locals go about leisurely lives, transporting commodities in small pick-up trucks and strolling under avenues lined with blooming trees.
We take the opportunity to explore the estate near our homestay more thoroughly, walking along a path amid the coffee and pepper plants, which are the main produce of the region. As coffee requires a fair amount of shade, these estates also grow orange, silver oak and jackfruit trees. The coffee plantations provide basic livelihood to locals, who pick up dried wood from plants infected by the coffee berry borer insect and turn it into works of art, which can be found along stretches of the highway near Sakleshpur.
The town itself is a small collection of buildings, with a couple of bus stands and fuel stations for travellers passing through. There are small hotels on its outskirts, which also have shops on the premises that sell souvenirs and local coffee.
Stars and stones
The main attraction on the highway out of town is the Manjarabad Fort, a star-shaped structure located atop a hillock. The fort itself is way up the hill from the main road, which is lined by shops offering refreshment, from fresh coconut water to sugarcane juice.
The fort itself is small, with a pathway leading to the main entrance and out into a courtyard, with a hollow sealed entrance at its centre. The views of the countryside from the ramparts are worth the climb, with unbroken greenery visible for kilometres around.
For anyone looking to spend a day or two at Sakleshpur, there is a lot of history to take in nearby. The Chennakeshava temple at Belur and the Hoysaleshwara temple in nearby Halebidu — which are among the many feats of Hoysala architecture in the region and have been proposed to be listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites — are worth a visit, as is the nearby Bisle Reserve Forest, which is a biodiversity hotspot.
The area, rich in greenery and mountain paths, is also a favoured trekking destination. While the famous trek along the railway line to Donigal is now officially off limits as a result of recommencement of rail services in the region, there are options aplenty for adventure lovers.
At home
Off-road vehicle enthusiasts can also exploit the dirt tracks in the hills around the monsoon, post April. Some travel and adventure companies in Bengaluru organise weekend getaways and activities as well.
Accommodation-wise, it’s best to pick from the numerous homestays that dot the area, many of which use eco-friendly practices and are run by people with a knowledge of the area and its history.
Some of these provide additional activities like organised treks, Nature walks and camping facilities, apart from welcoming pets.
Not a lot else happens in this sleepy town in the hills, and cellular connectivity in some regions is non-existent, which is perfect for people looking to get away from it all and enjoy some peace amidst Nature. For those looking to get work done, it is best to check with accommodation providers beforehand to ensure network connectivity and Internet access.
With the variety of ways it offers to interact with Nature and the peaceful ambience it provides, Sakleshpur works both as a scenic stopover on the way to Mangalore or as a weekend getaway with exploration in mind.
The area, rich in greenery and mountain paths, is also a favoured trekking destination. The famous trek along the railway line to Donigal is now officially off limits as a result of recommencement of rail services in the region.
How to get there
Sakleshpur is located approximately 220km from Bengaluru along the Bangalore-Mangalore Highway (NH 75).
Trains connecting Kannur, Karwar and Mangalore to Bengaluru pass through Sakleshpur station. The closest airport is in Mangalore.
Things to do
The historic Manjarabad Fort built by Tipu Sultan is located on the outskirts of the town, and the famous Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebidu are closeby. Travellers from Bengaluru can make a stop at Shravanabelagola en route to Sakleshpur.
Where to stay
The town boasts a number of homestays, which offer camping facilities and tours through coffee estates. Other activities include trails for trekking and off-road driving, which are best explored after April.
What to buy
Sakleshpur, like Coorg, is known for its coffee estates, and locally-grown coffee beans can be procured at shops in the area.
