Somnathpur (Somnathpura) is a small town situated half a mile far from the River Kaveri. The town is around 35 kms away from the city of Mysore.
Somnathpur is a home to the popular Keshava temple built during the reign of Hoysala emperors. The temple stands erect as a symbol of great authority and skills possessed by Hoysala rulers. The sculpture and the idols of God and Goddesses speak volume about the Hoysala kingdom. This temple has won the recognition of a heritage site and is taken care by Archeological Survey of India.
Somnathpura – the magnet that attracts tourist
The best time to visit this place is from October to March. This place is of great significance to people who have a taste in archeological structures. It might be a small town but the information given by the historical structures here are of great importance due to which this place is a huge tourist attraction.
Places to visit in and around Somnathpur
There are many tourist spots that are worth visiting. The temples here are famous for their fine-looking carvings and engravings. A variety of sightseeing options available around this place becomes another reason of tourists flocking here in large numbers.
Chennakeshava Temple
This temple was built in 1268 A.D. by Somnath who was a commander back then during the Hoysala’s reign. It is also called as Keshava temple. Somnathpur is mainly famous because of this temple and the architectural design the temple possess. Moreover, Chennakeshava temple is a live example of the rich culture and heritage of Hoysala rulers and also the power they had. Soapstone is used for its construction. The beauty of the temple is so enchanting that people all over the world come here to catch a glimpse of this temple.
Moreover, Chennakeshava temple is a live example of the rich culture and heritage of Hoysala rulers and also the power they had. Soapstone is used for its construction. The beauty of the temple is so enchanting that people all over the world come here to catch a glimpse of this temple.
Talakad Panchalinga Temple
The temple is a dedication to five forms of Lord Shiva. It is situated 15km away from the Chennakeshava Temple. This temple is famous for the Pathaleshwara Shivalinga that changes colors. It turns red in the morning, changes to black in the afternoon and during the evening the color changes to white.
Vaidyeshvara temple, Talakad. Photographer Dineshkannambadi
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Mysore
Mysore is 35kms away from Somnathpura. Mysore is famous for zoological gardens, historical monuments and also temples. The Mysore fort and palace are a major tourist attraction. Almost everyone who visits Somnathpur travels via Mysore and therefore pays a quick visit to Mysore too.
Mudukuthore Mallikarjuna Temple
This temple is 26kms away from Somnathpur. Lord Malikarjuna is worshipped here. Every year in the month of January or February, there is a festival celebrated that lasts for a week and trading of cattle and other useful things from the agricultural point of view takes place.
Mysore Palace during Dasara. Image courtesy Arul Prasad
Shivanasamudra is a name of the village that possesses two waterfalls namely Gaganachukki and Barachukki which are both an origination of River Kaveri. These waterfalls are situated 27km far from Somnathpur. The lush green vegetation adds to the scenic beauty of this place.
How to reach Somnathpura
To give your eyes a delightful treat does visit Somnathpura. Here is how you can plan your visit to this beautiful place.
By air
Somnathpur does not possess an airport of its own. The nearest airport is in Mysore which is around 42km away from the main location. After reaching there, further travelling will be by bus or taxi.
By rail
There is no railway station in Somnathpur since it’s a small village. The nearest station is in Mysore which is approximately 35km away from Somnathpur. Mysore is well connected to other parts of India and can easily be reached. Taxi’s and buses are easily available from here to take you further to the destination.
By road
There are both private and government buses available that can easily take you to Somnathpur. For the ease purpose, one can come down to Mysore and then take a direct bus to Somnathpura from there. There are varied options available through but this is the most feasible one. KSRTC buses ply from Bangalore (139 kms) to the village every day.