Raxidi Estate is a small village in Sakleshpur which gives the visitor a glimpse into the village life there. One also finds here beautiful greenery and coffee plantations. There are also spices and cardamom plantations here. This makes for an amazing place for nature lovers to visit. The climate here is also quite pleasant. Here the visitor also gets an opportunity to interact with the villagers and even understand the various types of tasks that they perform here with regards to the plantations. This also adds to the knowledge of the visitor with regards to the process of how coffee and spices are made here.
TRANSPORTATION AND BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PLACE
The Mangalore Airport is the closest to this place. From there one will have to take a bus or a taxi to reach the estate. There are many buses which one can take to reach the estate. If not bus one can also travel by taxi to reach here. One can also drive down to this place. The Sakleshpur Railway station is the closest to this place. From there one can take a bus or a taxi to reach the estate. The best time to visit this place is from the months of October to March.
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
There are many places where one can stay around the estate. The prices too are affordable. Some of the names of the places are Raxidi Jungle Homes, Watehalli Homestay, River Valley Homestay, Hemavathi Nature Stay, CoffeeBean Villa, etc. There are also many places where one can eat food at. Some of the names of the restaurants are The Ossoor, Imperial Heritage, Hotel Samrat Grand, Surabhi’s Veg Restaurant, Mythri Restaurant, etc.
PLACES TO VISIT
The Manjarabad Fort is an ancient as well as a unique fort which is located in the Hassan District of Karnataka. This fort is situated at an altitude of approximately 3240 feet. It was built by Tipu Sultan. When Tipu Sultan built this fort it is believed that he inspected the place and found it covered in fog and thus he named the fort as Manjarabad Fort. The term Manjara means fog or mist. The fort displays the beauty of Islamic architecture. It was built using granite blocks and it was surrounded by a deep moat. This fort has an interesting octagonal design with eight walls. Another noteworthy thing about this fort is that it has just one level whereas the other forts have multiple levels. If one looks at this fort from above it appears to have a beautiful star-shaped appearance. The purpose behind building the fort was to store ammunition and also protect the army of Tipu Sultan from the British. When one goes inside the fort they get to see a cross-shaped tank that was made for the purpose of collecting water so that the drinking water needs of the guards who lived there were met. There is also a deep well here and next to this two cellars were built where gunpowder was stored. One also finds cannon mounts and musket holes at fixed intervals here. An exciting thing that one can find here is a secret tunnel that will take one directly to Srirangapatna Fort. Currently, the Archaeology Department maintains the Manjarabad Fort.
The Sakleshwara Temple is located in Sakleshpur which is in the Hassan District of Karnataka. It is situated on the banks of the River Hemavathi. One can find this temple right at the entrance of the city. It is also believed that Sakleshpur derived its name from this temple. This temple was constructed approximately between the 11th to 14th centuries. During this time period, the Hoysala Empire was at its peak in South India. The temple thus showcases the beautiful Hoysala architecture. There is also a beautiful huge statue of Lord Shiva here. Also since this temple is along the banks of River Hemavathi the view around is wonderful to look at. This temple also celebrates the rath yatra festival every year in the month of February and many people come there during that time.
Mandalpatti is another popular viewpoint. It is located purely amidst nature. Mandalpatti actually means head amidst the clouds or head touching the clouds because of the elevation of this place. This place is quite popular because the atmosphere is quite calm and peaceful. One has to trek in order to reach this viewpoint. From the top there one gets to see an amazing view of the city and also the plains. Watching sunsets from here is extremely beautiful. The trek to this place should be avoided during the monsoon season because it is quite risky then.
The Manikyadhara Falls is a famous tourist attraction. This fall is located in the forest of Baba Budangiri Hills in the Western Ghats of India. Another name for this waterfall is Nellikayi Theertha. The term Manikyadhara means a string of pearls and thus this is why the waterfall gets its name because the water shines bright in sunlight. A specialty of this fall is that it does not get drained during summer. There is a very popular tale here which states that the Saint Baba Budan came here to search for water and after he prayed here this place was blessed with water that flows from this waterfall. This place is also very important to both Hindus and Muslims and it is also believed that if one bathes here they are cured of their ailments. Thus one finds many shops here that sell herbal medicines.
The Hebbe Falls is located in Kesavimane. It is 10kms away from Kemmangundi. This place is hidden inside the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. It is among the most beautiful falls in Karnataka. It is also the 6th highest waterfall in Karnataka. The height of this waterfall is approximately 551ft. The water from these falls gushes down in two parts. These two parts are called Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe respectively.Dodda Hebbe means Big Falls and Chikka Hebbe means Small Falls.There are coffee estates that surround the falls and the walk to the falls will take one through dense forests with the smell of coffee all around making it a delight for all those visiting the falls. This fall also serves as a natural jacuzzi that has medicinal substances filled in it. These medicinal herbs are believed to offer healing qualities which makes it an interesting place for biologists to visit.
Thus for all nature lovers, the Raxidi Estate is a must-visit place.
