Where To Go This Independence Day Weekend? Explore the Quiet Charm of Sakleshpur Near Bengaluru

Featured image courtesy: Borrbo

As Bengaluru readies itself for the Independence Day long weekend, the big question remains: Where do we go that’s not overrun, overhyped, or overpriced?

While Kodagu (Coorg) and Ooty get all the attention, just 225 kilometres away lies Sakleshpur — a lesser-known patch of green magic, with mist-kissed hills, hidden waterfalls, and coffee-scented mornings.

And the best part? You can do it all under Rs 20,000.

The escape route: How to reach?

It’s Thursday evening, 14 August. You and your friends hit NH75 post-work, music playing, monsoon breeze streaming through the windows, the road trip already setting the tone for a memorable weekend.

Whether you choose a self-driving Zoomcar (Rs 1,800 per head for a group of three to four) or hop onto a KSRTC sleeper bus, you’ll wake up in the quiet heart of the Western Ghats — where the signal drops and the air smells like wet earth.

Where to Stay in Sakleshpur?

Forget fancy hotels — Sakleshpur’s real charm lies in its homestays.

Nature’s Chalet Homestay in Sakleshpur is all about giving you a rural taste of life. Credits: Make My Trip

Rottikallu Resort: Tucked away in the hills, this one comes with its own private waterfall.

Nature’s Chalet Homestay: Warm hosts, estate walks, and soul-satisfying plates of idiyappam with spicy chicken roast.

The Coffee Castle Villa: Rainy mornings here come with the perfect cup of filter coffee.

Most stays cost between Rs 1,800 and Rs 2,200 per person per night including home-cooked meals. No Zomato needed — the aunties here serve sambar that beats any restaurant.

What to do in Sakleshpur besides doing nothing?

To make this trip well-planned, we have broken it down day-wise so that you can make the most of these three days.

From falls to hills, Sakleshpur has something for everyone. Credits: Shutterstock

Day 1 (15 August): Start your day with a short trek up Manjarabad Fort, a fog-draped, star-shaped marvel. 

Then head to Magajahalli Falls, where the water gushes fresh from the hills.

Evening plans? Sit by the bonfire (if it’s not raining), sip on chai, and let your phone die. You’re not checking emails here!

Day 2 (16 August): Up for adventure? Trek to Jenukal Gudda, which is the second-highest peak in Karnataka. Or you can take the scenic drive to Bisle Ghat View Point, where the clouds roll in like waves.

Bisle Ghat View Point offers one of the most beautiful views of the Western Ghats. Credits: Shutterstock

If it’s pouring, staying in is not a bad option. You can read up on your novel, nap, or sip more filtered coffee.

Day 3 (17 August): Wrap up with a coffee plantation or local spice market visit, where you can grab some pepper or roasted beans for home. Trust us, you will thank yourself when the Monday blues hit in, and you will be transported to your memories of Sakleshpur.

What to pack: The monsoon edition

Since monsoon months are at peak, don’t let Sakleshpur’s unpredictable skies catch you off guard. Here’s your essentials list:

• Umbrella or raincoat: Sudden downpours? Totally normal here.
• Waterproof shoes: Because soggy socks are nobody’s vibe.
• Warm layers: Evenings can get surprisingly chilly.
• Trek-friendly gear: Comfy clothes, a small daypack, and a refillable water bottle.
• Mosquito repellent: Plus a few basic first-aid meds, just in case.

But why Sakleshpur?

While Kodagu (Coorg) and Ooty get all the attention, just 225 kilometres away lies Sakleshpur — a lesser-known patch of green magic, with mist-kissed hills. Credits: Shutterstock

Because it’s not trying too hard. It’s not “Instagrammable” every second, and that’s exactly the charm. It lets you slow down, breathe, and just be.

So this August 14, skip the usual hill station crowds. Pack your bags, rally your crew, and write your own monsoon story — in the quiet corners of Sakleshpur.