The Manjarabad Fort is located in the Sakaleshpur district on the banks of the Hemavati River. It was built by Tipu Sultan, who then ruled on behalf of the King of Mysore in 1792. The fort is 988 m above sea level, giving it an elevation and a clear view of its lush green surroundings. Its architecture is unique by all means due to its star shape. It is a popular spot amongst tourists due to its rich history, mesmerising premises and proximity to nature.
Manjarabad Fort: Perfect For History Buffs
The name ‘Manjarabad’ stems from the Kannada word Manju, meaning fog or mist. When the Sultan decided to build the fort in 1792 amidst his political attempts to establish sovereignty at Mysore, he was feuding with other South Indian dynasty kings. The fort was built on the highway between Mangalore and Coorg to secure his ideas of future expansion in the region. While his contemporaries, such as the Nizam of Hyderabad, were allied to the British, his alliance with the French led to him taking the assistance of Sebastien Le Preste de Vauben to build the fort in a signature French style of a star. Upon completion, when Tipu Sultan visited the fort, it was covered in mist, which gave rise to its name.
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Architectural Wonders Of Manjarabad Fort
- During construction and to date, the fort resembles an eight-pointed star.
- The fort’s internal structures, which used to house the army’s barracks, armoury, stores, and other facilities, are made of burned bricks, while the exterior walls are constructed with granite stones and lime mortar.
- The architecture is deeply influenced by the French and was constructed by a military engineer named Sebastien le Prestre de Vauben.
- The beauty of the fort is also heavily embedded in its utility. Its placement at the top of a hill gives it military and strategic importance as it was easier for soldiers to surveil their surroundings by being on a higher ground.
- The fort’s walls are built to deflect cannon fire and allow guns to be placed all around.
- The construction of the fort also features many secret passageways and watchtowers. The passageways, mostly underground, were discovered by historians fairly recently and have since been a source of fascination for explorers.
- The watchtowers also contributed to the Sultan’s vision of keeping the fort safe. Currently, the towers serve as beautiful places to enjoy the mesmerising views of the Manjarabad Fort’s surroundings.
How To Reach Manjarabad Fort
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- The fort is located in the Sakleshpur, Hassan district in Karnataka. The closest airport to the fort is in Bangalore, from where the best way to reach the fort is by road.
- Hassan is well connected to cities such as Bangalore, Mysore and Hubli by road, which is why tourists prefer to travel by road. The route from Bangalore to Hassan takes 4 hours, where the Manjarabad Fort is 40 km away.
- The fort is open from 8 am to 6 pm and is best known for its misty views of surroundings. The fort must be visited during winters and post-monsoons to make the most of its
- stunning ambience. There are no entry fees for the fort.
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Tips For Visiting Manjarabad Fort
Here are some tips for visiting Manjarabad Fort:
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- Tourists must arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene surroundings in peace.
- Consider hiring a local guide for a more enriching and detailed tour of the fort.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the path to the fort involves a short hike.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities at the site.
- Visitors are suggested to bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
- Visitors are also asked to be mindful of the environment by not littering and respecting the historical site.
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Now that you know more about what the Manjarabad Fort has to offer, take this opportunity to explore its beauty and history and many other such locations in Karnataka. Book your trip to Karnataka and check another place off your bucket list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Manjarabad Fort
Why is the Manjarabad Fort famous?
The Manjarabad Fort is most famous for its atypical shape. The fort is in an eight-pointed star shape inspired by the French. Its presence atop a hill also makes it popular since its presence on a hill intrigues all those who visit. This fort was one of Tipu Sultan’s most strategic forts.
Where is Manjarabad Fort located and how do you reach Manjarabad Fort?
Sakleshpur is the closest hub for anyone to reach Tippu Sultan’s famous Mandarabad Fort. There are a handful of local Karnataka state and private buses that can take you from Sakleshpur to Manjarabad Fort.
What are the best times to visit Manjarabad Fort?
The best months to visit Manjarabad Fort are between June and September, and October and February. The fort seems absolutely stunning during the monsoon season when mist and vegetation provide a beautiful touch. While winter offers cold, pleasant weather for exploring.
Does the Manjarabad Fort have food stalls and bathrooms?
No, the Fort does not have food stalls or bathrooms on its premises. so it is advisable to carry water and snacks. The nearest town, Sakleshpur, has several restaurants and accommodation options if you plan to stay overnight.
What can you see and do at Manjarabad Fort?
Visitors can explore the star-shaped architecture of Manjarabad Fort and take in panoramic views of the Western Ghats that surround the location. A central well and watchtowers are features of the fort's design. The verdant vistas and far-off mountain ranges are particularly breathtaking on a clear day. On a really clear day, tourists can even glimpse the Arabian Sea. To add to the site's historical interest are a number of inscriptions in Persian and Kannada.
Are there any myths and folklore associated with the Manjarabad Fort?
Several supernatural stories have risen out of the Manjarabad fort by locals, adding to its appeal. Many people claim that soldiers’ spirits who once guarded the fort continue to do so today. There is also a popular story about Tipu Sultan’s hidden treasure, which has intrigued people for generations.
How many steps does the Manjarabad Fort have?
The Manjarabad Fort has nearly 300 steps, making it a moderately tough climb.
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