Manjarabad Fort

Manjarabad Fort is a star fort built by Tipu Sultan in 1792 on a hill 988 metres high, 4 km south-west of Sakleshpur in Hassan district, Karnataka. Tipu wanted to secure the road between Mangalore and Coorg, and as an ally of France he used French engineers and the star design popularised by Vauban, which deflects cannon fire and leaves no blind spots. When he came to inspect it the fort was wrapped in fog, and he named it Manjarabad, from the Persian manzar, 'scene'.

The fort forms an eight-pointed star. Its outer walls are of granite and lime mortar, while the buildings inside, once barracks, an armoury and stores, are of fired brick. Next to a deep well are two underground cellars that held gunpowder and stayed cool through the summer. The hilltop gives a commanding view of the country around, and on a clear day the Arabian Sea can be seen. Tourist facilities are basic, though the state tourism department has plans for amenities and a park.