Manjarabad Fort

Karnataka’s past lies in the beauty of its many forts and ruins that sing tales of its glory. Situated in the heart of the mountains of the Western Ghats, the Manjarabad Fort lies in Sakleshpur, Hassan district, Karnataka.

Manjarabad Fort - Karnataka

From a bird's-eye view, the fort takes the shape of an octal star. Built by the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, this fort has many secret tunnels that connect it to many other places and were used during attacks. The history of Karnataka would be incomplete without Tipu Sultan, who has contributed to a great number of historical places.

This unique fort was designed by the French when Tipu Sultan was at war with the English. He wanted the fort to be built in such a way that it could not be penetrated. On each of its eight edges lies a watch tower that can detect any signs of attack from afar.

Inside the fort lies a well structure, which is the only source of water storage for the fort. When the sky is clear on certain days, you can catch a glimpse of the horizon of the Arabian Sea. The environment within the fort is a unique one where you can spend some time sitting down and relaxing.

One of the unique features of the Manjarabad fort is its distinctive design, which is star-shaped and, when seen from above, resembles a twelve-pointed star. At a height of roughly 3240 feet above sea level, the fort was built of granite stones and lime mortar. Enclosing an area of around 5.4 hectares, the defensive walls span over 3 km, and the garrison used a sizable circular well on the fort's grounds as a supply of water. The British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore engaged in combat during the Anglo-Mysore Wars, in which the fort was involved in multiple engagements. The fort was ultimately taken by the British during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799, despite its strategic significance. Manjarabad Fort is a reflection of Karnataka's rich historical past and a monument to the military and architectural skills of Tipu Sultan.

How to reach ?

By Air : The Mangalore airport is 160 kilometers from the fort and is the nearest airport.

By Train : Situated in the district of Hassan, the Hassan railway station is 46 kilometers from Manjarabad Fort.

By Road : Manjarabad Fort is easily connected by road. You can reach Hassan and take the highway to reach Sakleshpur.

Nearby Attractions

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Sakleshpur

If you are planning on going on a vacation without all the hubbub of tourists and are lost in your own world, Sakleshpur is the ideal destination for you. Clad in a green shroud, Sakleshpur is overloaded with greenery, and its beauty is amplified, especially during the monsoons.

Sakleshpur - Karnataka

The entire place is in an offbeat location, and hence, the more serene and pristine you can expect it to be, As you roam around the place, you will come across the ancient Manjarabad fort. It is a fort in the shape of a star and was built during the rule of Tipu Sultan.The fort houses a secret passage to Srirangapatna so that people will be able to flee in case the fort is breached. The historical mystery that shrouds this fort makes it a must-visit place in Sakleshpur.

Sakleshpur is filled with gushing streams that are common to find, like the vehicles on the road. They flow all over Sakleshpur and meet at a point to cascade as waterfalls. Even though you don’t feel like walking along the streams, you can find a good spot and sit down with your feet dangling in the stream with the cool water gushing across your feet.

Situated amidst the green ranges of the Western Ghats mountains and Bisle Forest, Sakleshpur does not have any shortage of nature trails or trekking. There are many nature trails around Sakleshpur that take your breath away.

Sakleshpur is well-known for its extensive coffee plantations that are dispersed throughout the hills. The region's main industry is coffee cultivation, which visitors can tour to learn more about the process. Additionally, Sakleshpur is a part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its abundant biodiversity. Sakleshpur is home to a wide variety of indigenous species in both flora and fauna.

Nearby woodlands provide opportunity for close-up views of this natural splendour through treks and nature walks. Trekking trails suited for novices and experts alike can be found in the Western Ghats surrounding Sakleshpur. Popular routes for explorers and environment lovers include the Green Route Trek, the Bisle Ghat Trek, and the Kumara Parvatha Trek.It provides the ideal setting for tourists who like to take in Karnataka's natural beauty, adventure, and history.