GET QUOTES

Manjarabad Fort, located in Hassan district, Karnataka, was built by Tipu Sultan at an altitude of 3,240 feet. Known for its unique star-shaped design and Islamic architectural style, the fort features a single-level layout, granite walls, a moat, and hidden tunnels. It was used to store ammunition and protect Tipu Sultan’s army from the British.

TRANSPORTATION AND BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PLACE

Manjarabad Fort is best accessed via Sakleshpur Railway Station, the nearest railhead. From there, visitors can take a KSRTC bus, taxi, or drive to the fort. The closest airport is Mangalore Airport, with bus and taxi options available. The best time to visit is between June and February for pleasant weather and clear views.

 

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Affordable accommodations near Manjarabad Fort include Mugilu Homestay, Hashtag Sakleshpur, Janaki Stay, Hotel Durga International, and Cloud Alley Homestay. Popular nearby restaurants are Hotel Samrat Grand, Simply Malnad, Hotel Yadgar, Hotel Picnic, and Hotel Kaimara, offering a variety of local and Indian cuisine options.

 

Trekking Tips

  • Trail Start: The trek begins near NH-75, just 4 km from Sakleshpur town.

  • Trek Length: Roughly 1 km uphill from the parking area.

  • Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate – suitable for beginners and families.

  • Time Required: 30–45 minutes depending on fitness level.

  • Best Time to Trek: Early morning or late afternoon (avoid noon heat).

  • What to Carry:

    • Water bottles

    • Light snacks

    • Cap/sunglasses

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Raincoat (during monsoon months)

 

Entrance Details

  • Entry Fee: Free (as of latest updates)

  • Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily

  • Guides: Not mandatory, but local guides are available at the base for a small fee

 

Things to Look Out For Inside the Fort

  • Star-Shaped Layout – Best viewed via drone or aerial photography

  • Cross-shaped Water Tank

  • Underground Cellars – Once used to store gunpowder

  • Secret Tunnel – Said to connect to Srirangapatna Fort

  • Cannon Mounts & Musket Holes

 

Best Time to Visit

  • June to February – Lush greenery and misty views

  • Avoid peak monsoon for trekking safety, but early monsoon offers magical fog-covered views — just like the fort's name Manjara (meaning fog)!

 

PLACES TO VISIT

Nearby Attractions:

  • Bisle Viewpoint: Trek to see scenic vistas of Yenikallu Betta, Doddabetta, and Pushpagiri hills.

  • Ombattu Gudda: A green trail of Nine Hills with forest and stream views.

  • Hemavathi Dam: Ideal picnic spot with birdwatching near Gorur.

  • Yoga Narasimha Temple, Melkote: Historic temple with rich Hoysala heritage.

  • Srirangapatna Fort: 15th-century fort with Tipu Sultan’s legacy and Indo-Islamic architecture.

  • Jenukal Gudda: Karnataka’s second-highest peak with Arabian Sea views (best avoided in monsoon).

 

The Bisle View Point is located near the Bisle Ghat. From this point one gets to see an amazing view of the Western Ghats particularly three mountain ranges which are the Yenikallu Betta, Doddabetta and Pushpagiri, Kumaraparvatha. One has to trek in order to reach this point. On the way trekking one comes across various waterfalls and streams. There is also a possibility of spotting animals like peacocks, monkeys, elephants,etc thus truly making it an interesting trek.

Ombattu Gudda is another interesting place to visit. It actually means Nine Hills. The trek to the top of this place is a nice experience. There is greenery all around and one also gets to see various streams during the trek. The trek starts from Kabinhold Reserve Forest and one gets to see many animals and birds too. The best time to come here is during sunrise or sunset as the view is beautiful.

The Hemavathi Dam is located in Gorur which is in Hassan District of Karnataka. This dam is also called Gorur Dam. It was built across the River Hemavathi in the year 1979. The purpose behind building this dam was to provide water and also help in irrigation to the villages nearby. There is a garden which is opposite the dam and people use that garden as a picnic spot to enjoy watching the water gushing down from the dam. If one goes here early in the morning they get to see many beautiful varieties of birds here.

The Yoga Narasimha temple at Melkote is another  famous tourist attraction. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Narsimha. There is an idol of Narsimha here where he is seated with the Yogapatta. This temple was built during the reign of the Hoysala Empire. It is believed that Tipu Sultan donated a huge drum to this temple. There is also another belief which states that during the reign of the Wodeyar Kings of Mysore, King Krishnaraja Wodeyar III donated a golden crown to the temple deity. The Narasimha Jayanti Festival is celebrated here every year by keeping special pujas.

The Srirangapatna Fort is a perfect example of Indo- Islamic architecture. This fort is also known as Tipu Fort. This fort was built in the year 1454 and it eventually came under the control of Tipu Sultan. There is a Persian inscription at the gateway of the fort that mentions the date when the fort was constructed. This fort has four gates which are named as Delhi,Bangalore, Mysore and Water and Elephant gates. Here one even finds a Rocket court from where Tipu Sultan's army used to launch missiles. One can also see the Lal Mahal which was the residence of Tipu Sultan.

Jennukal Gudda is another tourist attraction.  It is a mountain peak that is located in the Hassan District of Karnataka. This mountain peak is the second highest peak in the state. Jenukal Gudda is also known as Honey stone mountain or Hodachalli. One has to trek in order to reach the mountain top. This place is surrounded by coffee plantations and also lots of greenery. One also gets to see the Arabian Sea from the mountain top. Various other peaks like Kumaraparvatha, Ettina Bhuja, etc can be seen from here too. One should avoid trekking here during the monsoon season as it becomes very difficult to trek.


whatsapp