7.30 AM- Pick up
3.30 PM- Drop back
This one day trip from Bangalore is about the 800 year old Somnathpur temple and Talakadu, a town with 5 spectacular temples excavated from the sand. At Somnathpur the highlight is the 13th century temple of Chennakesava built in soapstone and on a star shaped pedestal. It features exquisite sculptures of dancers with their noses cut, mysteriously. We will unravel the mystery of the Queen’s curse and associated geological anomalies at Talakadu featuring 5 temples excavated from sand.
Talakadu, the cursed town
Talakadu used to be a flourishing town with more than 30 temples during ancient times. The legendary Queen’s curse buried the entire town with sand dunes. We will visit Vaidyanatheswara temple, one of the 5 temples excavated from the sands of Talakadu. We will explore this granite structure built in the 14th century by Chola Kings and dedicated to Lord Shiva. We will also visit Pataleshwara Shiva temple where the Lingam is supposed to change colors through the day from red, black and white!
Next we will visit Keertinarayana temple, built using black granite and bricks, and a splendid example of Hoysala style of architecture. This was built to commemorate the victory of King Vishnuvardhan over the Cholas.
Somnathpura Temple
Our next destination is Somnathpur which has the magnificent Chennakesava temple. This temple was built in 1268 by Somanatha, a general of King Narasimha III. We will explore the three shrines and three wonderfully carved peaks with a common Mandapa.
Time is well spent at Somnathpur temple appreciating the 16 different ceilings, each depicting a different stage of a blooming banana flower, the central wall space adorned with images of deities with jewelry, bangles, crowns and anklets.
Minimum guests required- 2
Charges- Rs 5750 per person
Includes- Pick and drop, travel by AC vehicle, guide, entrance charges and vegetarian south Indian meals as lunch
Excludes- Beverages
Note- Guests will be sharing the vehicle with their colleagues.
Available dates- 23, 24, 25 and 27July, 2023
Booking cut off- 7 days prior to conference commencement.
Bookings need to be made latest by July 16
