From Bengaluru UNESCO Somnathpur Talakadu Temple Mystery Tour

Your journey begins with a door-to-door pick-up at 6:30 AM from your hotel in Bangalore (Central Bangalore or Whitefield). Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through Karnataka’s countryside as we head towards Somnathpur.

By 9:30 AM, you’ll arrive at the Chennakesava (Keshava) Temple in Somnathpur, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll spend about 2 hours here exploring the temple’s star-shaped layout and marveling at the exquisite soapstone carvings that depict dancers, deities, and mythological tales. This is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture, and your guide will bring the stories behind each sculpture to life.

At 11:30 AM, enjoy a relaxed lunch in Somnathpur before continuing your journey.

By 12:30 PM, we set off for Talakadu, arriving around 1:30 PM. Here, you’ll spend about 3 hours uncovering the mysteries of this sand-buried town. Visit the Vaidhyanatheshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and learn about the legendary curse that shaped Talakadu’s landscape.

Keerthinarayana Temple: A striking Vishnu temple built in Hoysala style, notable for its grand stone pillars and detailed carvings. Unlike the Shiva shrines, this temple celebrates Lord Vishnu in his Keerthinarayana form. The temple was excavated from beneath the sands and restored, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Hoysala craftsmanship. Guests will see the balance of symmetry and ornamentation that defines this dynasty’s architecture.

• Pataleshwara Temple: Known for its unique legend — the Shiva linga here is said to change color depending on the time of day (black in the morning, red at noon, and white in the evening). This mystical quality makes it one of the most intriguing temples in Talakadu.
• Maraleshwara Temple: Another Shiva shrine, perched slightly higher on the sandy terrain. Its sanctum is simple yet powerful, and local lore connects it to the larger narrative of Talakadu’s “curse.” Visitors often remark on the temple’s serene atmosphere, contrasting with the bustling activity at Vaidhyanatheshwara.

By 4:30 PM, we begin the return journey to Bangalore. En route, you may stop at Maddur for its famous vada or at Channapatna to see the town’s colorful wooden toys. You’ll arrive back in Bangalore by 7:30 PM, with a door-to-door drop-off at your hotel, completing a day filled with history, culture, and scenic beauty.