tourist places near talakadu

Shivanasamudra Falls & Talakadu | Complete One Day Trip Guide!

Shivanasamudra Falls and Talakadu are the perennial favourites of Bangaloreans for a weekend picnic.

We present a complete one day trip guide here with a detailed itinerary to make it easy for you!

This trip from Bangalore will take you to two lovely waterfalls on the Cauvery River at Shivanasamudra. At Shivanasamudra Falls, the Cauvery River splits into two and jumps over rocks to create two spectacular falls. This day trip will also give you an opportunity to spend some time by the riverside, on a sandy beach at Talakadu!

All you can comfortably do in a day. Shivanasamudra Waterfalls from Bangalore is at a distance of 120 KMs. We will tell you how! This will also answer the following few questions.

• What is Shivanasamudra Falls famous for?
• Which is the best time to visit Shivanasamudra Falls?
• What is Talakdu famous for?
• What is a good time to visit Talakadu?

The Circuit

The falls can be reached either via Kanakapura or via the Mysore expressway.

Circuit 1 – Bangalore – Kanakapura – Malavalli – Gaganachukki falls – Bharachukki falls – Talakadu – Bangalore

Distance – 315 KMs

Road condition – Very good

Route –  Google Map of the circuit

Circuit 2 – Bangalore – Maddur – Malavalli – Gaganachukki falls – Barachukki falls – Talakadu – Bangalore

Distance – 307 KMs

Google map of the circuit –  https://goo.gl/maps/KkDPoL4LX6yGhwms6

This option helps avoid the traffic between Bangalore and Kanakapura if one is leaving late. This is also helpful for people living in West Bangalore. In this option have Breakfast at Maddur.

The Itinerary

Circuit 1 – Leave home and hit NICE road if you are near it. Exit at Kanakapura Road. Drive along the road with a few lakes to give you company. Driving early morning on this road is a pleasure as there is no traffic.

Circuit 2 – Leave home and hit NICE road if you are near it. Exit at Mysore Road. Drive along the road.

Circuit 1 – Have Breakfast at Kanakapura. Vasu Hotel is an excellent option. A traditional self-service hotel. This is not a hep hotel but has excellent Idlis, vadas and of course yummy Masala Dosa.

Circuit 2 – Have BF at Maddur either at Maddur Tiffannys which is famous for Maddur Vada.

8.45 AM –

Circuit 1 – Depart Kanakapura and drive along NH 209 (New No is 948). At Malavalli, continue on the bypass road and drive straight to the first of the two falls at Shivanasamudra – Gaganachukki. Follow excellent signage from the highway to the falls. Gaganchukki as the name says is the taller of the two.

Circuit 2 – Depart Maddur and drive along NH 209 (New No is 948). At Malavalli, continue on the Chamarajanagar road and drive straight to the first of the two falls at Shivanasamudra – Gaganachukki. Follow excellent signage from the highway to the falls. Gaganchukki as the name says is the taller of the two.

10 AM – Arrive at Gaganachukki Falls. Park your car and proceed to the viewpoint. Enjoy the spectacular view of the falls. Gaganachukki as the name suggests cascades from the tall rocks and forms a lovely waterfall. Do not venture to walk down to the bottom of the falls and try to swim in the water. It is dangerous as rocks are slippery and there are whirlpools. You may find some young boys venturing into it but we don’t advise.

10.45 AM – Depart from Gaganachukki and proceed towards Bharachukki. It is a fifteen minutes drive and you reach other spectacular waterfalls. On the way stop over and enjoy the panoramic view of the huge lake formed by the barrage against the Cauvery River. As the name suggests, this is wider with a larger volume of water. Go to the viewpoint and enjoy the panoramic view of the falls. Spend 30 -45 minutes here.

11.45 AM – Depart for Talakadu. This is a comfortable 45-minute drive. Reach Talakadu. Park your car in the parking area and enjoy the lovely sandy beach! Do not try to swim in the river. But you can play in the water near the bank. Please be careful of sudden depths due to loose sand patterns. You will also see coracles being rented out for rides. You can try at your own risk as these are not authorised and they don’t come with any life jackets.

1.30 AM – Lunch time. There are some shacks in the town and you can have lunch there. Else, you can drive to any of the two resorts – Raya Resorts or Jaladhama Resort – close by for lunch.

3 PM – After lunch, you can visit the temples in Talakadu. There are around 30 temples. Some of them are buried under sand and some of them were excavated. The five temples of Shiva – Pancahalinga – are all excavated and opened for darshan. Also, don’t forget to visit the lovely Keerti Narayana Temple built in Hoysala Style.

4.30 PM – Depart for Bangalore. Retrace the same route which you took to reach the falls. You can either stop at Vasu Hotel or MTR near Art of Living ashram for snacks on the way if coming via Kanankapura and reach home by 7.30 PM OR have Maddur Vada and coffee at Maddur Tiffanys if coming via Maddur and Mysore expressway.

Travel Tips

a) The best time to visit the Shivanasamudra waterfalls is in the monsoon when the water is released from KRS Dam. But the falls and surroundings are lovely in all seasons. Shivanasamudra falls timings are from dawn to dusk.

b) Do not enter the water at the waterfalls. Many lives have been lost here due to misadventures.

c) At Talakadu, either you can visit the temple first, have lunch and then relax on the beach or vice versa.

d) You may take the help of a guide in Talakadu who will charge a nominal fee and take you around the temples and explain interesting stories about them. That way, one will not waste precious time.

e) Though there are trees on the Riverside, if you have a tent, carry it and pitch it on the beach closer to the river.

f) In the last few years a couple of resorts – Raya Resort and Jaladhama Resort – have opened in the region. If you are planning to stay overnight, you can do so. Staying overnight will help you explore Mudukuthore and the spectacular Hoysala temple of Somnathpur . These resorts also have boat rides with life jackets.

g) A resort by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation has been opened in the last couple of years near Gaganachukki. We are not sure about the quality of it.

h) Make sure you have a good hat and also sunscreen as the afternoon sun at Talakadu will be scorching. Check out good deals on Amazon for this lovely hat for men/Women

Conclusion 

Shivanasamudra waterfalls and Talakadu is an easy one day trip from Bangalore. It gives a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments box below and we will answer them.

Postscript – when water is released from krs dam and kabini reservoir, shivanasamudra falls will be a glorious sight as you can see in these pics.

More to explore around Bangalore!

If you are interested in longer road trips from Bangalore with detailed itineraries, please click on this post in this blog.

49 Lovely Road Trips from Bangalore in 2023 with an Easy daily Itinerary!

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Brinda and Poorna, Good post very concise and to the point well done

All the very best S.Kanniah

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• Timings : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee : No fee

The auspicious and vintage architecture of Talakadu will drive you crazy with its beauty and historical stories.  It is situated on the banks of Kaveri River, around 24 kilometers from the Somnathpur and 49 kilometers from the Mysore , this mystical place is rich with cultural heritage.  

Talakadu is a historical destination which is very famous as a pilgrimage site and known as the Kashi of the South. A must-visit destination while you are planning a trip to Mysore . At the destination, Talakadu there are over 30 temples which are majorly buried under the sand. There are few of the excavated ones which are open for the public view.  

Talakadu Panchalinga Darshana 

Among all, five of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva, called Panchalinga Darshana. These are named as Mallikarjuneshwara Temple, Pathaleshwara, Arkeshwara, Maruleshwara, and Vaideeshwara temple. The temple Keerthinarayana was mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu; it has lovely wood carvings on it.   As per the popular sayings, Pathaleshwara Shivalinga is considered to be changing the colour as per the time of the day. It is red in the morning and black in the afternoon and even white in the evening. 

At Talakadu several rulers have ruled from time to time. Starting from the Gangas to Hoysalas, to Rastrakootas, to the Vijayanagara Kings everyone has made their mark from time to time. The culture of the Talakadu is mixed due to the historical background, as numerous kings have ruled in their way.  

Talakadu is also known as the Curse of Talakad by Queen Alamelamma of the Wodeyar Dynasty, Mysore .  The place was named by chieftains named Tala and Kada. It is thus called as Talakadu.  

Talakadu temple timings

The temple timings are 6 am to 6 pm on all the days of the week. 

Talakadu sand beach

The wonderful place Talakadu is a historical site. It is considered to be a place which is partially covered by sand. The city was cursed by the queen Alamelamma of the Wodeyar Dynasty of Mysore .  The ruling king of this place was much affected by a deadly disease and further went to the temple of the Vaidyesvara in the Talakadu leaving all the errands to the queen. 

The queen quickly left for Talakadu on hearing the loss of the king’s life. Later gave all the liabilities to the Raja of Mysore . The iniquitous kings always aspired to detain the properties and jewels. She later drowned into the River of Kaveri and cursed the town of Talakad to turn into sand.  The strangest things are the city actually drowned in the sand in the later period.    

Talakadu boating

Boating is one of the top activities explored by the travelers here on the course of the River Kaveri. The vast area near the bank of the river is filled with sand offering a lovely view. Often the devotees take bath in this river Kaveri before offering puja to the God at the Panchalinga Darshana. 

Talakadu is one of the top places to visit near Bangalore which must be explored if you are on a nearby trip. Its rich history, stories and culture will mesmerize you.

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"Kashi of the South"

Talakadu tourism.

Nestled on the banks of the River Kaveri, Talakadu in Karnataka is a mystical place steeped with a rich past and cultural heritage. It is famous for the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town has been a witness to the rise and falls of several great kingdoms including Cholas, Pallavas, Gangas, Vijayanagar and Hoysalas.

The place derives its name from two local chieftains Tala and Kada and this called Talakadu. Famous among devotees of Lord Shiva, visitors can witness the legacy of the town that still reflects in its age-old antiquity. There are a number of temples that are buried under the sand and are excavated once in every 12 years for special worship called 'Panchalinga Darshana'. The Panchalinga Darshana includes five major temples namely Vaidyeshwara temple, Arkeshwara temple, Vasukishwara or Pataleshwara temple Saikateshwara or Maraleshwara temple and Mallikarjuna temple. It is said that the Pataleshwara Shivalinga change colours according to the time of the day- red in the morning, black in the afternoon and white in the evening.

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Talakadu – Unraveling the Mysteries of the Ancient City : Best Places to Visit in and around Talakadu

Talakadu is a small town in Karnataka, India, famous for its rich history and heritage. The town is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri and is surrounded by sand dunes, making it a unique and beautiful place to visit. Talakadu is also known as the “City of Temples,” as it is home to several ancient temples that date back to the 11th century.

History of Talakadu

Talakadu has a fascinating and mysterious history that attracts tourists from all over the world. According to legends, Talakadu was once a prosperous city ruled by the powerful Ganga dynasty. However, a curse was placed on the city by a vengeful queen, and the entire city was buried under sand dunes, leaving only the temples behind.

Best Places to Visit in and around Talakadu

• Vaidyeshwara Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most popular temples in Talakadu. The temple’s architecture is breathtaking, and it is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the city.
• Maruleshwara Temple: This temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful carvings and sculptures. The temple is located on the banks of the river Kaveri, making it a peaceful and serene place to visit.
• Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Falls: These two waterfalls are located a few kilometers from Talakadu and are a must-visit for nature lovers. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and offer a breathtaking view.

Distance from Major Cities

• Talakadu is located around 135 kilometers from Bangalore
• The distance between Talakadu and Mysore is around 50 kilometers

Nearest Hotels

• KSTDC Hotel Mayura Sangama Talakadu: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms and excellent service.
• Shrikrishna River View: This hotel is located on the banks of the river Kaveri and offers beautiful views of the river and the surrounding landscape.

Entry Fee and Timings

• The entry fee for most of the temples in Talakadu is free.
• The temples are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• Explore the ancient temples and learn about the rich history and culture of the city.
• Take a dip in the river Kaveri and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
• Visit the nearby waterfalls and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.

In conclusion, Talakadu is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. It is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in exploring the rich heritage of India. So pack your bags and get ready to unravel the mysteries of this ancient city!

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Talakad , Mysore

Things to know, best time to visit talakad, nearby railway stations, airports near talakad.

About Talakad

Talakad or Talakadu  is located 45 km away from Mysore. Being one of the famous pilgrimage spot, Talakad is the important archaeological site. There are numerous temples, nearly 30 are said to be buried under the sand dunes here. This place is located on the banks of river Cauvery. These temples are excavated once in 12 years for special poojas. The place is worth visiting.

2 Tours & Activities in Talakad

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Talakadu Shiva Temples Mysore (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Pooja, Location & Phone)

Talakadu Shiva Temples Mysore Entry Fee

• No Entry Fee
• 30 - 50 per person for Boat Rides

Talakadu Shiva Temples Mysore Phone

Talakadu Shiva Temples Mysore Address : Talakadu - Malavalli Rd, Talakadu , Mandya , Karnataka , 571122 , India

Mysore Tour Packages

Talakadu Shiva Temples Mysore Timings

Talakadu (or Talakad) is a historic site, near Mysore, on the banks of the River Kaveri. It was once a flourishing town, which saw the rise and fall of several kingdoms.

But today, much of Talakadu is buried under the sand. It is a scenic pilgrimage centre where you can visit ancient temples. Devotees come here to pray to Lord Shiva. And once in around 12 years, you can also be a part of the special 'Panchalinga Darshana’ worship.

Talakadu is a must-visit if you're looking for a one-day trip from Mysore. And during your visit, you'll also know the Talakadu Temples story in detail.

History of Talakadu Temples

The origin of Talakadu and its temples is unclear.

But as per the legends, it began with two brothers – Tala and Kadu. They found a tree being worshipped by elephants, which they then cut down. And they discovered the tree was bleeding. Then, a voice ordered them to heal it using its leaves. After the tree was restored, the blood turned into milk, which the brothers drank and attained moksha.

Later, the town was named Talakadu after those two brothers.

Curse of Talakadu Temples

Apart from the legend about Talakadu Temples history, another popular one is about the curse which buried Talakadu under the sand.

As per the local folklore, Wodeyar rulers (of Mysore) took over the region after the death of the king. Also, he was after the jewels belonging to the queen (Queen Alamelamma). But she fled. And when she found she couldn't escape, she drowned herself in River Kaveri.

But before jumping into the river, she uttered a three-fold curse – “Talakadu Maralagi, Malangi Maduvagi, Mysooru Arasarige Makkalagadirali.”

It translates to – “Let Talakadu become sand, let Malangi become a whirlpool, let the Mysore Rajas fail to beget heirs.” And Talakadu, the once prosperous town, is now buried in mounds of sand, several metres deep.

Architecture of Talakadu Temples

As per the legends, 30 temples are buried in the mounds of sand. And it is believed that most temples were built by the kings of Vijayanagar kingdom. The Hoysalas, Cholas and others too contributed and added many features to the existing temples.

However, only a few temples have been excavated. Revered among those are the five Shiva temples – Pataleshwara, Maraleshwara, Arkeshwara, Mallikarjuna and Vaidhyanatheshwara. The Keerthinarayana Temple is also a popular temple of Talakadu.

And of all the temples, the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple is the most detailed. It is crafted out of granite in the Dravidian style of architecture. The doors have ornate door jambs with huge dwarapalakas (doorkeepers) crafted out of stone on both sides. A stone chain and a five-headed snake are also cut out on the top corners.

Along with the temples, you'll also find stone pillars and square bases scattered around.

Talakadu Shiva Temples Mysore Image Galley

Popular shiva temples of talakadu.

1. Arkeshwara Temple – Arkeshwara Temple is slightly away from the other Shiva temples. And here, you'll find the idol of Bhairavar, Durga and Abhayangara lingam, along with Lord Shiva. The temple also has a rock at the entrance, with a Vaastu yantram. And local people believe if you tie ill cows to this rock, they’ll be cured.

2. Mallikarjuna Temple – Mallikarjuna Temple is on a hill in Mudukothare. And it offers a good view of the area. This temple has the idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Brahmaraambika. The temple got its name from “Mallika” flower, which Arjuna (one of the Pandavas) used during his ritual.

3. Maraleshwara Temple – Maraleshwara Temple has the largest Shivalinga among the Talakadu temples. And people believe Lord Brahma himself installed and worshipped it. You'll also find the idol of Ganapathi, Maheswara, Thirumal and some other gods in the front mandapam.

4. Pataleshwara Temple – Pataleshwara Temple is a cut stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is a cave-style temple which has different Shivalingas on the way to the main temple. And the main Shivalinga in this cave temple is said to have the ability to change colour. People say that the Shivalinga is red in the morning, black in the afternoon and white at night.

5. Vaidhyanatheshwara Temple – Vaidhyanatheshwara Temple, as per the legends, is built where the tree cut by the brothers' Tala and Kadu healed itself. Also, Vaidhyanatheshwara is known as the Lord of Doctors, and this temple is a popular place for Hindu pilgrimage.

Things to do in Talakadu

1. Being a part of the Panchalinga Darshana – The five Shiva temples are collectively known as Panchalingas. And once in 12 years, priests decide a day for the holy ritual of Panchalinga Darshana. The festivities begin at the exact time in all the temples with a dip in the holy water basin near the Vaidhyanatheshwara Temple.

2. Visiting Keerthinarayana Temple – Keerthinarayana Temple is another temple in the Talakadu temple list. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Talakadu Keerthi Narayana Temple was built by the Hoysalas upon winning Talakadu from the Cholas. Apart from the main temple, you'll see a grand stone entranceway, pillars and stone inscriptions lying all over the place.

3. Exploring Somanathapura village – The small village of Somanathapura near Talakadu is known for the Chennakeshava Temple. It was built during the rule of the Hoysala dynasty. Another temple in the village built around the same time is Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple. Both these temples have beautiful wall carvings depicting various incidents from Indian mythology.

4. Boating in River Kaveri – Only a few metres away from the Talakadu panchalinga temples is a picnic spot on the bank of River Kaveri. Local people come here to spend time away from the chaos of the city. And you can also enjoy a coracle ride down the river.

Talakadu Temple Timings and Entry Fee

Talakadu Temple darshan timings aren’t fixed, but the panchalinga temples usually open around 8 AM. And you can visit them until 6 PM.

Also, you don’t have to pay any entry fee for darshan in the temples. But the nearby boat rides are chargeable at ₹30 - ₹50 per person. These rides on the River Kaveri are for about 30 minutes.

Best time to visit Talakadu Temples Mysore

Winters are the best time to visit Talakadu Temples Mysore. Winter begins around October-November, and the weather remains pleasant to visit until February. And you'll be able to explore the temples better.

Time to explore Talakadu Shiva Temples

It will take you an entire day to visit Talakadu from Mysore and explore the temples. These architectural beauties are spread in a large area. And it might take you about 3 hours to visit all the panchalinga temples.

Then, apart from those five temples, you can also visit other temples in and near Talakadu.

Things to keep in mind while visiting Talakadu Temples

• Take your hat and sunscreen.
• Carry a bottle of water and packed food.
• Wear comfortable shoes/slippers.

How to reach Talakadu Temples Mysore?

Talakadu Temple's distance from Mysore is about 45 km. And it doesn’t take much effort to reach Talakadu. The nearest airport is in Mysore itself. Also, the nearest railway station is in Mysore.

But the only way to reach Talakadu is by road.

By bus – You can get a bus from Mysore to reach Talakadu. And then explore the temples here.

By cab – Booking a full-day cab from top car rental companies in Mysore would be the best way to take a trip to Talakadu. You can visit the temples in the vicinity and be a part of the other activities around.

If your travel plans bring you to Mysore, book a Mysore Tour package with us. We at Mysore Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA offer best value and seasonal offers for you to enjoy the popular sightseeing places of Mysore at leisure. Please fill the Contact Us form to know more.

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Best places to visit in Talakadu

Top destinations in talakadu.

Here you will find tourists attractions in Talakadu, Sightseeing in Talakadu and Things to do in Talakadu.

Somanathapura

Panchalina Darshana

Mallikarjuna Temple

Pathaleshwara Temple

Keerthi Narayan Temple

Tirumakudal Narsipur

Maruleshwara Temple

Vaidyanatheshwara Temple

Arkeshwara Temple

Book Talakadu Activities

Temples are the most visiting and attracting places among the Tourist places in Karnataka. Temple town Talakad is gaining popularity among the tourist places in Karnataka. Once having more than 30 temples stood, had now been swooshed by the sea of sand. Pancha linga temples of Talakadu, the historical places in Karnataka witnessed the changing dynasty of Talakadu and still surviving the curse, The few Talakad temples from tourist places in Karnataka stood still there to make you witness and experience the gone era.

Group of Temples at Talakadu

Keerthi narayan temple.

This temple is one of the most famous temples dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. The temple has been excavated from sand but still, a major portion of the temple is still buried under the sand. The temple is having eight feet tall idol of God Vishnu on Garuda Peeta.Keerti Narayana temple also is the representation of Hoysala win over Chola dynasty.This is the only temple having Hoysala architecture till now in Talakad history .

Pathaleshwara Cave Temple

This cave temple has been carved in the Rashtrkutas period. It is cut stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. A unique shiviling is installed in the cave temple. The shivling is known for its unique ability to change color. It is said that the Shiva linga appears red in morning, black in afternoon and white at night. The temple premises also have some different types of lingas. The way to temple goes downside for witnessing the main Shiva cave temple.

Mallikarjuna Temple

Temple is situated on the hill in Mudukothare . The Mallikarjuna temple is a temple with the idol of Lord Shiva and the Brahmaraambika goddess. The Lord Shiva idol has a footmark of Kamdhenu, the mother of all cows. According to the beliefs and stories, it is believed that the Kamdhenu itself comes up to the hilltop where the temple is built for Lord Shiva to give milk. The 100 step up walk to the temple, which is one of the panchlinga temples is worth to take to have a look to scenic beauty from the top.

Arkeshwara Temple

This temple is from one of the historical places of Talakadu and the most important tourist places in Karnataka, is slightly located in an isolated place. The Temple has the idol of Durga, Bhairavar and Abhayangara lingam along with Lord Shiva. A Vastu Yantra is at the front of the temple. According to locals and belief, it is said that the cows suffering from any disease can be cured in this temple. Temple has located in Vijaypura away from Talakadu of distance 15 to 20 km.

Vaidhyanatheshwara Temple

The temple from one of the panchlinga places is a place of Hindu pilgrimage. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the temple. According to a local narration, the temple is a devotion to Vidhyanatheshwara also known as the Lord of doctors. According to the legend, about Vidhyanatheshwara of healing himself as in tree form when was axed by two brothers. The temple stood still since from the Chola dynasty reign having a Dravidian architectural design. A Bronze Gajasthamba also can be witnessed in the temple.

Maruleshwara Temple

This temple has the largest linga among the Talakadu panchlinga’s temples. It is also one of the oldest in the history of Talakad built by Ganga kings. It has believed that Brahma himself has installed the shivaling here. Maruleshwara temple is nearby from Keerti Narayan Temple. To worship the deity, stairs of 20 to 30 is taken to walk down. The temple also has the idol of other god named Maheswara, Thirumal, Ambigai, Surya, Ganapathi, Shanmugar, Veerabadhrar, and Navagrahams.

A city situated in Karnataka, south of India. Talakadu is located on the left bank of river Kaveri. Talakadu was a town with many temples, now left with only few ones. Talakadu has a stirring history to uncover. The city Talakadu history has traces from the Ganga line of kings. Ganga dynasty was than succumbed to Cholas which than seized by the Hoysala rulers. Talakadu is now a place of many ancient temples, Wineyard known as Bangalore’s Gourmet Valley.

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Talkadu in pictures – one day trip from Bangalore to Talkadu

Weekend is around the corner and you must be thinking about where to go. Talkad (also called as Talakadu ), a small town in the Mandya district of Karnatka, around 136 Kms from Bengaluru and 45 Kms from Mysore offers a good option. 

Talkadu is named after 2 brother “Tala” and “Kadu”.

There are 2 stones which represent these brothers and they are supposed to be placed in the front of Sri Veerabadra Swamy temple (One of the many temples in Talakadu)

But the most interesting fact about this place is, it is full of sand. It is actually a desert like area, almost 1000 acres next to river Caveri.

No one really knows from where the sand came. But there is an interesting legend which points to this. Infact there are more than 30 temples and a palace which all were buried below the sand.

Out of which 5 has been excavated. All these monument belong to Ganga Dynasity.

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The legend of Talkadu – Why is Talakadu famous?

It is said that the desert like land here in Talkadu is because of the famous “The Curse of Talkad” or “Curse of Almelamma”

What is the curse of Almelamma?

It is said that in the year 1610, Raja Wadiyar, conquered Srirangapatna fort from Srirangaraya, then viceroy of Vijayanagar Empire. 

The viceroy then moved to Talakad. His wife, Alamelamma, also followed him. It is said that she carried with her a lot of jewels. Raja Wadiyar sent his soldiers to Talakadu.

Alamelamma assumed the king’s men had come to capture her and make her a slave. She tried to escape but found no way to escape.

She jumped into Malangi River. Before drowning into the river she cursed – “ Talakadu managali, Malangi madwagali, Mysooru arasarige makkalu aagadirali”. Which means “May Malangi turn into an unfathomed whirlpool, Talakad turn into a barren expanse of sand and the Rajas of Wadiyar not beget male heir ”.

It is said that the curse still holds true. Talakad is desert like and no one knows from where the sand has come.

There are 5 temples which you can visit. Not very far from each other, but you have to walk in sand from one temple to another.

Though government has covered the walkway and hence it’s in shade.

Be aware of monkeys though. Lot’s of them around. First temple is on the right hand side of the parking lot and then you go around, after the last temple you come back to the parking lot.

If you are very much interested in knowing history hire a guide. But negotiate the price. They generally quote 30 to 40% higher.

Once you are done, head towards Kaveri river. The river bank is a nice sand beach. You can have a nice bath and coracle ride there.

So check Talakadu out, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy the pictures below.

It’s sand and monkeys everywhere.

Which are the 5 temples in Talakadu?

The five must visit temples are

• Sri Vaidhyanatheshwar,
• Sri Maruleshwar,
• Sri Pathaleshwar,
• Sri Arkeshwar and
• Sri Mallikarjuna.

Sri Vaidyeshvara temple

Pathaleshwara and Maraleshwara temples

The Vishnu temple

Friends, hope you will like this place. Do visit this place when you find time.

How to reach Talakadu from Bangalore?

• Talkadu is near to Bangalore and Mysore.
• From Bangalore it will be around 135 Kms and will take around 3 and half hours. You need to tarvel via Mysore road.
• And it is around 50 Kms from Bangalore – 1 hr 5 min (48.8 km) via Mysore – Kollegal Rd/Mysore – Trichy Rd/T Narsipura Rd

What is the best time to visit Talakadu?

Talkadu is amazing. It is like a desert popping out of no where.

But being sand and you need to walk on sand, it becomes a bit difficult during summers. As it is hot and difficult to walk.

Winters are best to visit Talakadu. From my perspecitve August to February are best to visit Talakadu.

Which railway station is near to Talakadu?

Mysore is the nearest railway station to Talakadu ( or Talkad as it is also known as ).

It is approx 50 Kms and there are regular taxis available. You can also take public transport from there. Rgular buses ply from Mysore to Talkad.

How many km for Talakadu from Shivasamudram ?

• 24 Kms from Bangalore
• It is a 40 minute drive from Shivasamudram to Talakadu

Have a look at Leepakshi as well.

FAQ – Bangalore to Talkadu

A dip in the Cauvery at Talakadu has long been regarded as sacred, if not refreshing. You can also take a crocale ride which is quite popular here.

Talkadu is at situated at the banks of Kaveri.

According to legend, Talakad was swept away by sand dunes after it was cursed by Alamelamma. It is famously known as “The Curse of Talkad” or “Curse of Almelamma”

Located 130 km away from the city of Bangalore and 50 km from the city of Mysore, Talakadu is a desert on the banks of river Cauvery. It is known as the mini desert in Karnataka.

Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana According to the art historian Adam Hardy, the Kirtinarayana temple (also spelt Keertinarayana) was built in 1117 A.D. by the famous Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana to celebrate his victory over the Cholas in the battle of Talakad.

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