• Somnathpur Temple - Somnathpur is renowned for the stunning Chennakesava temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in 1268 by Somanatha, a general under King Narasimha III, this temple features three shrines and three intricately carved peaks connected by a common Mandapa. Visitors will spend a couple of hours admiring the 16 unique ceilings, each illustrating a different stage of a blooming banana flower, and the central wall adorned with images of deities embellished with jewelry, bangles, crowns, and anklets.
• Keerthi Narayana Temple - The next stop is the Keerthi Narayana temple, crafted from black granite and bricks, showcasing the splendid Hoysala architectural style. Built to celebrate King Vishnuvardhan’s victory over the Cholas, the temple’s highlight is the 2-meter tall main deity of the Lord.
• Talakad Panchalinga Temples - The journey begins with a hotel pick-up at 7:30 am, heading towards Talakadu, 130 km from Bangalore, taking approximately 3 hours.

Talakadu was once a thriving town with over 30 temples in ancient times. A legendary queen’s curse buried the town under sand dunes. Visitors will explore the Vaidyanatheswara temple, one of the five temples excavated from the sands. Over the next 2 hours, they will discover this granite structure built in the 14th century by Chola Kings and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Additionally, the Pataleshwara Shiva temple will be visited, where the Lingam is believed to change colors throughout the day from red, black, and white.

• Pickup and drop-off
• Private guide
• Lunch

• Beverages
• Gratuities
• Any food ordered other than south indian lunch

In Somnathpur, visitors can explore one of India’s most impeccably preserved temples. The 13th-century Chennakesava Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed by the Hoysala dynasty on a star-shaped platform, with its exterior adorned entirely with intricate sculptures. Interestingly, each dancer depicted on the walls has her nose cut off, a mystery that the guide will explain.

Talakadu offers a contrasting experience. Once a bustling town with 30 temples, it was cursed by a queen in the 17th century, leading to its burial under sand dunes. Five temples have been unearthed from the sands, including one with a lingam that reportedly changes color throughout the day from red to black to white. A bullock cart ride provides a unique journey between the temples through the dunes.

These are two remarkable sites. Travel in a private car from Bangalore, accompanied by an expert cultural guide. All entry fees and a South Indian vegetarian lunch are included.

• Minimum age is 18 years
• Footwear needs to be removed before entering temples and we have multiple temples on this itinerary. So slippers or slip-ons which can be easily removed, are preferable
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.