Sakleshapuror 'Sakaleshpura' in Kannada is a small town in Hassan district in the South Indian state of Karnataka. The name shakala is a sanskrit word means "Bhinnavada" or "Birukada". In the past a shivalinga found in this town which was broken.The linga was called as shakaleshwara which was then became sakaleshwara in the tongue of the local people.

Location details of Sakleshpura:

Sakleshpura is in Hassan district in the South Indian state of Karnataka. The town lies on National Highway 48 (NH-48), which connects Mangalore with Bangalore. The town is on the border between the Western Ghats (Malnad) and Bayaluseemae (plain region).

Bio-diversity in & around Sakleshpur:

Sakleshpur is located in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that stretches from Kerala to Gujarat. The southern range, which includes Bisle reserve forest and the region around Sakleshpur is listed as one of the 18 most diverse spots in the world in terms of flora and fauna. The sub-tropical climate and heavy rains during the wet season create an environment where several unique plant and animal species flourish. With people of Karnataka being very hospitable, the tourism industry is increasingly embracing the Bed & Breakfast model and now offers several choices for a weekend getaway.

Attractions in & around Sakleshpura:

Manjarabad fort

The Manjarabad fort is located just outside of Sakleshpur on National Highway 48. The fort is reputed to have been constructed by Tippu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore as a strategic defensive location as it commands the approach to the plateau beyond Sakleshpur from the coast. It is also believed that he had constructed a tunnel from this fort to another fort in Srirangapattana near Mysore.

Trekking spots near Sakleshpur

The "Trek on the Railway Track", as it is well known, is a stretch of track from Sakleshpur to the Subramanya Road Station, which was closed down in 1996 to convert the gauge from Meter to Broad Gauge. This track, that traverses some distance of the Western Ghats, had been abandoned, but now the track is being converted to broad-gauge. It forms a part of 56.80-km stretch from Sakleshpur to Kukke Subrahmanya, dotted by 58 tunnels, 109 bridges and about 25 waterfalls. So, for all you trekking freaks, this is the place to be in. Since 2005 goods trains are carrying freight to/from the Mangalore Port. Its recommended to trek after monsoon season i.e. during october.

Another place to trek in Sakleshpur taluk is Bisle ghat or Bisle reserve forest.

Sakleshpur, the picturesque town

The town itself makes for a pleasant halfway stop for travellers along National Highway 48 -- being the apex town in a long trail of road beginning in Bantwal near Mangalore, winding its way up the Western Ghats. As such, the town is often swathed in mist as the cool temperate surroundings are met with warm air from the coastal lowlands. The exit highway is equally picturesque with tall hedges lining both sides of the road, enclosing coffee groves within.