Two days in Sakleshpur

Its been pretty long time since we been for a long ride by bike. So we decided to go to Sakleshpur. Actually we wanted to ride our bikes when its raining. So Sakleshpur is came into our mind. Rather than the place, we were enthusiastic to drove our bike for a long. So we started our journey on 14th August Saturday around 7.00am from Bangalore. Our teammates already reserved the stay at the place called Jenukallu resort. We reached our destination at around 12.00 noon. It was nice journey,when we reached Sakleshpur it started drizzling and when we moved further it was started pouring heavily. So we were dripping wet when we reach the place. Roads were very bad and slippery so one of our teammate fell down.The best thing I wanted to mention over here is the coffee we had on our way. We stopped our bike in one point to stretch for a while and we had coffee in one small canteen. The coffee was ultimate,even we don't get such taste in any of the coffee day for sure.

The place
Sakleshapur or Sakaleshpura the town with the bountiful is located on the border of Malnad and Bayaluseemae in Hassan district of Karnataka, South India. It is located at an average elevation of 949 metres (3113 feet). Since it has temperate climate on the Western Ghats, it is suited for growing Cash crops. Coffee growers from the neighboring villages throng to sell coffee at Sakleshpur. The town lies on National Highway 48 (NH-48), which connects Mangalore with Bangalore.

History
Long ago a Shiva Linga which is broken/ cracked was found in these regions. Hence Sakala means Bhirukada or Bhinnavada meaning " broken " or "cracked" . There is a Shiva temple at the entrance of the town. It is also means Sakal Aaishwarya Pura meaning Town with all Wealth, river, coffee, cardamom, pepper, hill stations education etc. Sakaleshwara swami rata yatra or Car Festival takes place every year in February.

Our destination is Jenukallu
The western ghats is a trekkers paradise. A trek to JENUKALLU mountain, which is the second highest peak in Karnataka will be the most memorable experience.

From the top of Jenukallu Mountain on a clear day, one can see the coast of Arabian Sea in Mangalore. Needless to say, you will be on top of the world after climbing the peak of JENUKALLU. If you are not interested in long distance treks, then the mountain which stands right next to the resort is the place for you. You can watch the beautiful sunset and sunrise and of course the mesmerizing landscape of western ghats.

JenuKallu Valley Retreat is located in near Devaldkere village, 265 kms away from Bangalore, 27 kms from Sakleshpur in the Western Ghats. Our resort is strategically located on the hill ranges of JenuKallu and serves as a wonderful way to experience Nature. 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.
Marked by its tranquility and verdant greenery, Sakleshpur lies in the southern section of extensive mountain range of the Western Ghats. One such mountain range is the JenuKallu mountain which is the second highest peak in Karnataka only next to Mullayanagiri.

Trekking
First day we decided to climb a small hill to get a full view of the place. It looked like a simple task of walking on the ridge from one peak to another!! We could see lot of leaches on the way to hill. I got a bite for sure. I was not realized it first,when I got to see the blood clot on my feet. From the top of Jenukallu Mountain on a clear day, one can see the coast of Arabian Sea in Mangalore. Needless to say, you will be on top of the world after climbing the peak of JENUKALLU. If you are not interested in long distance treks, then the mountain which stands right next to the resort is the place for you. You can watch the beautiful sunset and sunrise and of course the mesmerizing landscape of western ghats.
In the night they have arranged a campfire for us and we had a fun till late night and slept lateron.

Temple visit
On the second day we decided to visit the temple and falls.So our vehicles headed towards the temple. The day was 64th Independence day. We got to see the flag hoist in one small school when we were passing. We visited Betta Byraveshwara Temple which was near to our resort. This Temple is in a serene location on a hill top. It looks like the road is constructed newly to the Temple. I was astonished upon seeing a brand new sulabh sauchalaya (Toilet) next to the Temple!! It was too much for a Temple located in a remote location. But anyway, the Temple is quite old and provides some nice view of the surrounding places.We then climbed a small hill to get a full view of the place. The Jenukallu gudda and digallu peak were the prominent ones.We spent some time just watching those peaks and lazed at a small pond next to the Temple. Later we went to see the Devaladakere falls. Some of us had nice bath over there. We were there for few mins then came back to our place and packed our bags and started back. Again we got the rain when we started from there.


How to reach

Bangalore-->Tumkur road-->Nelamangala road-->NH48-->Kunigal-->CR Patna-->Hassan-->Sakleshpur-->Take right turn at Anemahal-->Hanbal-->Devaladakere-->Athibeedu-->Jenukallu valley retreat

Total distance

265kms from Bangalore
From Sakleshpur to resort 27kms