Talakad

This place is very famous for various temples submerged in sand. The sand is of very fine quality which is reflective, just like a sea shore sand. Talakadu (or Talakad) is also famous for the shiva temple Vaidyanatheswara. The place is nearer to Mysore, approximately 60kms. During January-February a big festival for a week will be organized in the place called Mudukuthore only 4 kms away from here. During that time, selling of cattles and other items required for agriculture take place.

Importance of Talkad

Talakadu is situated at the bank of river Kaveri. The name of the place is derived from two local chieftains called Tala and Kada. Talkad was the capital of Gangas and Cholas. There are five shrines of Lord Shiva which are called Pancha Linga. These temples are buried under the sand (except one). These temples are opened once in twelve years and a ceremonial worship is done. Kirti Narayana temple (constructed during Vishnuvardhana period) is situated in this place.

How to reach Talkad

There are several ways to reach this place from Mysore (central place for the trip). First way is to come to a place called T.Narasipura (also called T.N.Pura which is a taluk head quarters) which is 25Kms from Mysore and then proceeding towards Talakad via Hemmige. The distance from T.N.Pura to Talakad via Hemmige is 25 Kms. Hemmige is 10 Kms away from T.N.Pura. People visiting Somnathpur (famous for Chennakesava temple) first from Mysore can also reach this place from Somnathpur directly. There are two ways to go to Talakad from Somnathpur. One is to come to T.N.Pura which is only 8 Kms and then proceeding to Talakad via Hemmige. There is one more direct route to Talakad which is 30 Kms via Mudukuthore. Somnathpur to Mudukuthore is 26 Kms and from Mudukuthore to Talakad the distance is only 4 Kms.

Only bus transportation is available. Both Karnataka state government (KSRTC) and private buses are available. The total trip for Somanathapura, Thalakadu, Shivanasamudram and Mudukuthore can be booked either from Mysore or Bangalore at KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation). The best visiting time is from September to February as there will not be any rain and the various temples situated at Thalakadu can be seen clearly. These temples are submerged in sand. The climate is moderate entire year. But, possible to visit and see during most of the time in the entire year.

Resorts are available in Mudukuthore place (4 Kms away) to stay. These are to be booked at Bangalore KSTDC centre. There are no entry fees at temple for anything. But, toll gate fees are there at 2-3 places until one reaches the place Thalakadu. All types of cameras are allowed inside the temple. The place is purely village area. No good hotels are available. Small hotels are only available at Thalakadu. This place is not a shopping place.

Normal practice of the trip is to visit Somanathapur temple (from Mysore) and then proceed to Mudukuthore and then to Thalakadu. If one is interested to see the sun set in Thalakadu, the trip can changed to proceed to Shivanasamudram from Somanathpur and then from Shivanasamudram to Thalakad. In the latter case, be sure to reach before 4.00pm as the temples at Thalakad cannot be seen.

Visit the Mysore home page to get the details of visiting other places in Mysore district

This article is written by go2india.in team.