Manjarabad Fort

Manjarabad Fort is a star-shaped hill fort located near Sakleshpur in Hassan district, Karnataka, on National Highway 75. Built in 1792 by Tipu Sultan with assistance from French engineers, it sits at about 988 metres elevation in the Western Ghats. Notable for its eight-pointed star design, the fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and Arabian Sea on clear days and is a protected monument showcasing 18th-century military architecture.

Visitors can expect a short uphill climb of about 200 steps to reach the fort entrance on a hilltop surrounded by Western Ghats forest and coffee plantations. Inside, the eight-pointed star-shaped ramparts, bastions, and remains of barracks, armory and water cisterns can be explored. The elevated walls provide 360-degree views of Sakleshpur hills, valleys and NH 75 below. The site is open and exposed with limited shade, suitable for sightseeing, photography and nature viewing.

Constructed in 1792 by Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore, with assistance from French engineers. The fort was built as a strategic military outpost to control the route between Mangaluru and the Mysore plateau and to store ammunition. Its star-shaped design reflects contemporary European fortification principles. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Represents 18th-century Mysore military architecture and the influence of French engineering during Tipu Sultan's reign. It is a notable heritage landmark of the Malnad region and an example of hill fort construction in the Western Ghats.