Here’s a detailed overview of the Shiradi Ghat, one of the most important and well-known ghat sections in Karnataka, especially for those traveling between Mangaluru (Mangalore) and Bengaluru:

---

🏞️ Shiradi Ghat Overview

• Location: Lies in Dakshina Kannada district, part of the Western Ghats.
• Connects: Mangaluru (coastal Karnataka) with Hassan and Bengaluru (interior Karnataka).
• Highway: National Highway 75 (NH-75).
• Length: ~35–40 km of hilly terrain.
• Altitude Gain: From near sea level to ~1,000 meters.

---

🛣️ Key Features of Shiradi Ghat

Feature	Details
Hairpin Bends	~14 major curves with steep gradients.
Scenery	Lush tropical forests, rivers, and valleys.
Monsoon Impact	Frequent landslides, roadblocks, and flooding.
Road Type	Two-lane (widened and reinforced), with some stretches converted into concrete roads.
Rest Stops	Gundya (base), Sakleshpur (on the hill), and small tea shops.
Tunnels (Planned)	Tunnel-road project has been proposed to reduce ghat travel time and landslide risk.

---

🌿 Ecological Importance

• Part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
• Wildlife includes:
  • Malabar giant squirrel, leopards, king cobras, and numerous bird species.
  • River Gundya, a tributary of the Netravati, flows here.

---

⚠️ Common Issues in Shiradi Ghat

Issue	Notes
Landslides	Especially in June–August during heavy rains.
Night Travel Ban	Due to landslides and low visibility, night travel is sometimes restricted.
Heavy Vehicle Restrictions	Occasionally restricted for safety.
Traffic Jams	Common during monsoon or when repairs are ongoing.

---

🛠️ Recent Developments

• Phase I (2015): Concrete roads and shoulder work.
• Phase II (2018): Further upgrades, retaining walls, and slope stabilization.
• Tunnel Project: A multi-crore tunnel road from Gundya to Sakleshpur is under consideration to make it all-weather and reduce environmental damage.

---

📍 Nearby Places of Interest

• Sakleshpur – Hill station, coffee estates.
• Kukke Subramanya Temple – Just ~30 km from Gundya junction.
• Yedakumeri – Abandoned railway station; famous for the “Green Route” trekking trail.
• Kempu Hole River – Picturesque forest stream along the ghat.

---

🧭 Travel Tips

• Best Time to Travel: October to February (post-monsoon, clear skies).
• Avoid: June–August unless necessary—high landslide risk.
• Vehicle Advice: Ensure brakes and tires are in good condition.
• Petrol Stations: Last reliable ones before the climb are in Sakleshpur or Uppinangady.

🚗 Reaching Shiradi Ghat by Road

✅ From Mangaluru (West side – Coastal)

• Distance: ~60 km to start of ghat (Gundya)
• Route:
  • Mangaluru → BC Road (Bantwal Cross Road) → Uppinangady → Gundya → Start climbing Shiradi Ghat.
• Approx Time: ~1.5 hours

---

✅ From Bengaluru / Hassan (East side)

• Bengaluru to Sakleshpur: ~220 km (4.5–5 hrs)
• Sakleshpur to Shiradi Ghat start: ~20 km
• Full Route:
  • Bengaluru → Hassan → Sakleshpur → Start of Shiradi Ghat → Gundya → Uppinangady → Mangaluru
• Approx Time: ~6–7 hours total

---

🚌 By Bus

• KSRTC and private buses run frequently between Mangaluru and Bengaluru via Shiradi Ghat.
• Check for:
  • “Via Shiradi” buses on KSRTC or RedBus portals.
  • Some buses go via Charmadi Ghat or Bisle Ghat, so check the route before booking.

---

🚆 By Train (Partial Access)

• Nearest major railway stations:
  • Sakleshpur (East side)
  • Subrahmanya Road or Mangaluru Junction (West side)
• The Green Route Trek (Yedakumeri) passes through this ghat, but the railway line is not open to public travel across the ghat.
• Train journeys are useful only to reach either end—not through the ghat itself.

---

✈️ By Air

• Nearest Airport:Mangalore International Airport (IXE)
  • ~80 km from Shiradi Ghat
  • Connected to major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, and Dubai.