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.