“Explore Misty Manjarabad Fort – A Hidden Gem in Sakleshpur Hills”
Manjarabad Fort – Tipu Sultan’s Star-Shaped Legacy in the Misty Hills of Sakleshpur
Located on the outskirts of Sakleshpur town, just a few minutes from the Sakleshpur Railway Station, the Manjarabad Fort stands as a majestic reminder of Tipu Sultan’s military brilliance. Built in the late 18th century by the ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, the fort was strategically constructed atop a hillock to monitor and safeguard the vital Bengaluru–Mangaluru trade route, which is today known as National Highway 75 (formerly NH-48).
Interestingly, the highway now bypasses the town via the Sakleshpur Ring Road, making the fort accessible only through the main town entry, preserving its historic charm away from direct highway traffic. The fort once served as an important armoury and lookout point, similar in purpose to Tipu’s better-known armoury in Srirangapatna. Local legends even speak of a secret tunnel within the fort that connected it directly to Srirangapatna, through which Tipu is believed to have travelled on horseback.
Inside the fort are pyramid-shaped ammunition storage structures, ingeniously designed for safety and ventilation. The unique star-shaped architecture, visible best from an aerial view, coupled with the misty weather of the Western Ghats, makes this a must-visit destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and photographers alike.
Despite its rich heritage, visitors often note that the fort lacks proper maintenance, with fungal growth on the walls and a shortage of informational signage. Still, its robust stone walls stand tall, a testament to the engineering of its time. With more attention from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and local tourism authorities, Manjarabad Fort could be better preserved and promoted as one of Karnataka’s top historical attractions.
So if you’re travelling towards Dharmasthala or Kukke Subramanya, don’t miss this short detour into Sakleshpur town – the Manjarabad Fort is just waiting to tell its story through its stones and silence.
“Fog covering Manjarabad Fort giving it a mystical appearance in Sakleshpur”
“Misty morning view of Manjarabad Fort surrounded by Western Ghats”
Manjarabad Fort – Star-Shaped Gateway to the Western Ghats
A Fort Wrapped in Fog, History, and Hills
Located in Sakleshpur, Karnataka, Manjarabad Fort is one of India’s most unique hill forts, renowned for its star-shaped architecture, lush surroundings, and misty allure. Built by Tipu Sultan in 1792, the fort was strategically positioned to guard the vital trade and military route that connects the eastern plains to the Malnad region of the Western Ghats. This historical marvel served as both a military outpost and an armoury, keeping watch over enemy movements, particularly those of the British East India Company.
🏰 Historical Significance
Commissioned by: Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore
Built in: 1792, with French-style star-shaped design
Purpose: Strategic military fortification, surveillance point, and ammunition storage
Tunnel Legend: A secret tunnel inside the fort is believed to connect to Srirangapatna, Tipu’s stronghold
British Era: The fort later served as a checkpoint and surveillance post to monitor entry into the Ghats from the plains
Its location gave it a military edge – as the only known fort at that time overseeing the Sakleshpur pass, it became a crucial access and control point for both Mysorean forces and later, the British.
🌿 Flora and Fauna of the Region
Nestled in the biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats, Manjarabad Fort is surrounded by:
Shola forests
Wild orchids and medicinal plants
Exotic bird species like Malabar trogons and hornbills
Occasional sightings of civets, macaques, and jungle cats
Comments
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super place to stay in sakleshpur and must visit fort ghat and water falls
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sporthi
June 18, 2021good place to be with family and friends