Somanathapura Temple

Somanathapur is a little peaceful town located on the banks of the Holy River Kaveri. The famous Prasanna Chennakesave Temple which is also known as the Kesava Temple or Somanathapura Temple is the most perfect example of Hoysala architecture.

Dedicated to the strength and beauty of Lord Krishna (Kesava = Krishna, and Chenna = Beautiful), the Somanathapura Temple was constructed in the year 1258 CE. Visitors travel from near or far places to the temple to get the blessing from the Lord Krishna.

The Chennakesava Temple is one of the 1500 temples constructed by the monarchs of the Hoysala Empire in various regions of their kingdom which is regarded as the peak of the Hoysala temple style while remaining distinctive in numerous other respects.

One of only three temples of its type to be nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage list, it is a quintessential example of the renowned Hoysala architectural style. Sadly, the idols in this temple have been destroyed and desecrated by the Muslim invaders, thus it is no longer used as a site of worship.

Nevertheless, the temple's splendour continues to entice thousands of tourists who come to see the astounding technical and artistic feats of the time, ask for the Lord's blessing, and behold the complex sculptures and carvings, whose beauty is equal to and unlike that of the God it houses and you can enjoy it with Mysore Holiday Packages.

Points to Remember

Timing: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM.

Duration: 1-2 Hours.

Entry Fees: Indians: INR 20, Foreign Nationals: INR 250, Children (Up to 12 years): No entry fee and Videography: INR 25.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the temple is from October to March.

How to Reach Somnathapura Temple

Mysore can be reached by different ways of transportation which you can enjoy more by including it in Karnataka Holiday Packages and having a lifetime memory.

By Road

From Bangalore to Somanathapura: The distance from Bangalore to Somanathapura Temple is approximately 125 kilometres.

By Car: It takes around 2.5-3 hours to drive via NH 275. By Bus: You can take a bus from Bangalore to Mysore and then hire a taxi or take a local bus from Mysore to Somanathapura.

By Train

From Mysore to Somanathapura Temple: Somanathapura is about 35 kilometres from Mysore. You can hire a taxi, take a private car, or use a bus for the journey.

By Flight

From the Airport to Mysore: You can take a taxi or hire a car to drive to Mysore, which takes about 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train from Bangalore to Mysore.

What to expect at Somnathapura Temple

Somanathapura Temple features exquisite Hoysala architecture, intricate carvings, and serene surroundings. Expect a well-preserved example of medieval art with ornate sculptures, detailed bas-reliefs, and a tranquil atmosphere.