Let me tell you something that surprised me during my first trip to Sakleshpur – while I was busy researching train routes, I discovered that many travelers actually look for flights to Sakleshpur! Even though this beautiful hill station in Karnataka’s Western Ghats doesn’t have its own airport, that search led me to some amazing route combinations that made my journey so much smoother.
After multiple visits to this misty coffee plantation paradise, I’ve figured out every possible way to get there – whether you’re starting from Hassan (just down the road), flying into Mangalore, or taking that scenic Bangalore to Sakleshpur train journey everyone talks about. Trust me, knowing all your options makes planning so much easier, especially when you’re traveling from distant places like Bellary, Belgaum, or even Goa.
Quick Facts: Getting to Sakleshpur
| Transport Mode | Nearest Hub | Distance/Time | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Mangalore Airport | 130 km, 3-4 hours drive | Rs. 4000-8000 + taxi Rs. 3500 |
| Train | Sakleshpur Station | Direct connectivity | Rs. 200-1500 |
| Bus | Sakleshpur Bus Stand | Regular KSRTC services | Rs. 150-800 |
| Car | National Highway 75 | 4-5 hours from Bangalore | Rs. 2000-3000 fuel |
Hassan to Sakleshpur Distance: Your Gateway Option
Here’s what I wish someone had told me earlier – the Hassan to Sakleshpur distance is just 33 kilometers! This makes Hassan your perfect backup plan when direct transport isn’t available. I’ve used this route multiple times, and it’s honestly one of the most convenient ways to reach Sakleshpur.
The road between Hassan and Sakleshpur is excellent, and you’ll find regular buses, shared taxis, and auto-rickshaws. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and the views are pretty nice too. Hassan connects to almost every major city in South India by train, which is why I always keep this option in my back pocket.
Flights to Sakleshpur: Mangalore Airport Route
While searching for flights to Sakleshpur might seem odd since there’s no airport here, Mangalore International Airport is actually your best bet for air travel. Located about 130 kilometers away, I found the airport-to-Sakleshpur journey quite pleasant – you’ll drive through gorgeous Western Ghats scenery that makes the 3-4 hour road trip feel like part of the adventure.
From Mangalore Airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi (around Rs. 3,500-4,000) or take a bus to Hassan first, then continue to Sakleshpur. The airport has good connectivity with major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore, plus some international flights.
I particularly like this option when I’m coming from distant cities or when train bookings are full. You just book your flight to Mangalore and then enjoy that scenic drive through coffee country.
Bangalore to Sakleshpur Train: The Scenic Route
The Bangalore to Sakleshpur train journey is probably the most popular way to reach this hill station, and after taking it several times, I can tell you why. Sakleshpur Railway Station sits right in the town, making train travel incredibly convenient.
For the Bangalore to Sakleshpur train route, you have these excellent options:
- Kannur Express (16511/16512) – My personal favorite
- Yesvantpur-Kannur Express – Good frequency
- Intercity Express – Comfortable day journey
The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, and honestly, those Western Ghats views make the train ride an experience in itself. You’ll pass through tunnels, cross bridges, and see some stunning landscapes that you’d completely miss if you flew.
From Chennai: Train Connections
For Chennai to Sakleshpur train travel, I discovered you’ll want to book trains to Hassan rather than hunting for direct routes. You can catch trains from Perambur Railway Station in Chennai – not MGR Central. Here are the trains I’ve found most reliable:
- Humsafar Express
- Intercity Express
- Kannur Express
- Gomteshwara Express
From Mumbai: Via Kalyan Junction
From Mumbai, catch trains from Kalyan Junction rather than Mumbai Central. These trains connect well:
- AII MYS Express
- Puducherry Express
- DR Hubballi Express
Distance Guide: Major Cities to Sakleshpur
Let me share some key distances that I’ve found super helpful for planning:
- Bellary to Sakleshpur distance: 280 km via road, train connections via Hassan
- Belgaum to Sakleshpur distance: 220 km, about 5-6 hours by road
- Goa to Sakleshpur distance: 200 km via NH66 and NH75, beautiful coastal to hills drive
- Davangere to Sakleshpur: 160 km, good train and road connectivity
- Chikmagalur to Sakleshpur: 65 km, perfect for a multi-hill station trip
- Dharwad to Sakleshpur distance: 180 km via NH75
Bus Travel: The Budget-Friendly Option
KSRTC runs excellent bus services to Sakleshpur from major Karnataka cities. I’ve taken the bus several times, and what I love most is watching the Western Ghats unfold outside my window. The buses are comfortable, affordable (Rs. 150-800 depending on distance and type), and quite reliable.
You can book tickets online through the KSRTC website or RedBus, or just show up at bus terminals. Regular services run from Bangalore (4-5 hours), Mangalore (3-4 hours), Mysore, and Hassan. The overnight buses from distant cities are pretty comfortable too.
Driving to Sakleshpur: Complete Freedom
Driving to Sakleshpur gives you complete freedom to explore, and honestly, some of my best travel memories come from those road trips. The main route follows National Highway 75, which connects Bangalore to Mangalore via Sakleshpur.
From Bangalore, the drive takes about 4-5 hours and costs around Rs. 2,000-3,000 in fuel. The roads are well-maintained, and you get those breathtaking Western Ghats views that make every kilometer worth it. Plus, having your own vehicle means you can easily explore nearby gems like Jog Falls or plan a longer South India road trip covering multiple hill stations.
Bellary to Sakleshpur: Long Distance Options
The Bellary to Sakleshpur journey is quite a distance, but I’ve done it and can share what works best. For Bellary to Sakleshpur travel, you have two main options: take a train via Hassan (which involves changing trains) or drive if you enjoy long road trips. The driving route takes you through some interesting places, and if you have time, you could even stop at Badami to break the journey.
Best Time and Planning Tips
The best time to visit Sakleshpur is October to March when the weather is pleasant and perfect for coffee plantation walks. During monsoon (June-September), the place looks absolutely magical, but transport can get tricky.
Once you reach Sakleshpur, you’ll find plenty of homestays in coffee plantations (Rs. 2,000-5,000 per night) and budget hotels in town (Rs. 800-2,000 per night). The hill station offers everything from nature walks to trekking opportunities. If you’re planning a longer stay, consider exploring other nearby destinations like Dandeli for adventure activities or BR Hills for wildlife experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there direct flights to Sakleshpur?
No, there are no direct flights to Sakleshpur. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, located 130 km away. From there, you need to take a taxi (Rs. 3,500-4,000) or bus for a 3-4 hour journey to Sakleshpur.
What is the exact Hassan to Sakleshpur distance by road?
The Hassan to Sakleshpur distance is 33 kilometers by road. This short distance makes Hassan an excellent transit point if you can’t find direct transport to Sakleshpur from your city. The journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How long is the Bangalore to Sakleshpur train journey?
The Bangalore to Sakleshpur train journey takes approximately 4-5 hours. Popular trains include Kannur Express and Yesvantpur-Kannur Express. The route offers beautiful Western Ghats scenery throughout the journey.
What’s the Goa to Sakleshpur distance by road?
The Goa to Sakleshpur distance is approximately 200 kilometers via NH66 and NH75. It’s a scenic drive from coastal areas to hill country, taking about 4-5 hours depending on your starting point in Goa and traffic conditions.
Which is better – train or bus from Belgaum to Sakleshpur?
For the Belgaum to Sakleshpur distance of 220 km, I’d recommend taking a train to Hassan first, then a local bus or taxi to Sakleshpur. This is more comfortable than a direct bus journey, though KSRTC buses are also available if you prefer direct connectivity.
