Manjarabad Fort is a star-shaped fort that is tucked away on the outskirts of a small hill town Sakleshpur, Hassan. This Strategic fort stuck on a hillock at 3240 ft above sea level in western ghats was built by Tipu Sultan. Manjarabad is possibly one of the most cinematic forts in Karnataka that is always covered with mist. Hence, it is called Manjarabad Ford. which is derived from the Kannada word ”Manju” which translates to fog or mist.
Surrounded by green plains, steep valleys, dense shola forest, lofty peaks, and of course pungent coffee plantations make it an ideal picnic spot among travelers. As you are hiking to the top, a cool breeze and a pinch of drizzle will mostly be waiting to welcome you with open arms. Outside of this, if you are lucky and the weather is good then you can even spot glittering Arabian sea.
About Manjarabad Fortress Architecture
Manjarabad Fort was designed by French architect Sebastian Le Prestre De Vauban during the Tipu Sultan reign in 1792 AD. Fort displays a mixture of European and Islamic styles of architecture and it is one of its kind. When looked from the sky this fort looks like an eight-point star-shaped or octagonal star-shaped. It is a strategic fort built mainly to prevent British, Nizams, Marathas, and Kodagu empire’s army encroachment into Mysore territory ruled by Tipu sultan.
This fort has only one level which is in contrast when compared to other forts that have many levels. External Fort walls are made of granite chunks and lime mortars. A cross-shaped pond is built in the center of the fort to harvest rainwater. They were also used to store ammunition. Besides this, there are 2 underground cellars that store gunpowders and you can also spot musket holes and cannon mounts.
Above all, as per local people, there are secret tunnels that lead to Srirangapatna and Mysore, The Capital of the Tipu Sultan empire.
How To Reach Manjarabad Fort
You can head to Sakleshpur in a car, it is just 4 hours long drive from Bangalore. Else you can always hop into a train or frequently available buses from Bangalore. From Saklespur you can either take an auto-rickshaw or bus to reach Manjarabad fort that is 10 km away, Get down near Donegal stop, take a muddy path that leads you to concrete steps and from there fort is just 250 steps away.
Manjarabad Fort Information
Timings: 8:00 Am to 6 Pm.
Entry Fee: Rs 10 / person.
Duration: 4 Hours.
Best Time To Visit: September To March.
Distance From Sakleshpur: 10 Km.
Distance From Bangalore: 230 Km.
Also, read: Murudeshwara Town
Comments