Somnathpur is a Grama Panchayat and town in the Mysore district in Karnataka, India. The town is located 38 km (23.6 mi) from Mysore and its main claim to fame is the beautiful and intricately carved Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur. This is a Vaishnava Hindu temple, nestling along the banks of the Kaveri River and was originally consecrated in 1258 CE by the general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III, Somanatha Dandanayaka. The temple has a number of other names, including the Chennakeshava Temple, Kesava Temple or Keshava Temple and is surrounded by peaceful gardens. Visit the splendid interiors of the temple and understand the rich past of India. The carvings on the wall have glorious stories to tell. Read up on this beautiful temple and the various things to see and do here in the guide to Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore, India.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
Highlights
Shrines
The Chennakesava Temple in Somnathpur is known as a “Trikutam” or three shine temple. It is possible to visit each shrine, each of which has a Vimana and Sukanasi. All three shrines were constructed in a 16-point star-shaped plan and the shrines, Vimanas and Sukanasis are perfectly symmetrical. Each shrine has been dedicated to the three forms of Vishnu and in particular, Krishna. In the past, the temples contained a series of beautifully carved idols, representing Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala. The Keshava idol has gone missing, but it is still possible to see the other two idols.
Decorative eaves
There are two eaves on the temple, each with beautifully intricate and decorative miniature towers running between them. The lower eaves feature a running frieze containing approximately 200 panels that depict the various Hindu deities. The other eaves depict a series of panels decorated with scenes of the great Indian epics.
Walls
The walls on the southern side of the temple offer intricate panels decorating with scenes from Ramayana, while the rear wall displays panels relating to the life of Sri Krishna. The northern wall features scenes from the Mahabharata.
Package tours
While visiting this architectural marvel is nothing less than sheer delight, it is even more engaging when a knowledgeable guide walks you through history. These enjoyable and interesting tours take visitors to some of the most beautiful and impressive sites within the temple. The tour itineraries are usually packed consisting of early-morning travel, visit to some beautiful temples such as the 14th-century Vaidyanatheswara Temple and Keertinarayana Temple and an elaborate tour of Chennakesava Temple in Somnathpur, with its intricate carvings which date back to the 13th century.
Travelers tips
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore, is between October and March. The rest of the year offers soaring temperatures and high humidity, making it uncomfortable to visit the temple. A tour of the temple takes approximately three hours.
Photography
While it is allowed to photograph or video footage of the exterior of the temple, photography is strictly prohibited inside the main complex.
Pets
Pets are not allowed in the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore.
Garden
Visitors are welcome to relax in the open garden which surrounds the temple but are urged to maintain cleanliness and not litter.
Tour guide
It is possible to hire the services of a government-certified guide at the temple at a rate of 300 INR (4 USD) for 30 minutes.
Wheelchairs
The interior of the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore is not wheelchair-friendly.
How to get there
Bus
The easiest way to travel to Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore, is by bus. Look for buses 328 and 340 and their routes from Mysore to gauge viability. Alternatively, you can check out the Moovit website or app for more information.
Car
The journey takes about an hour to travel 36 km (22.4 mi). The fastest route is via Jattipalla through Kanakapura Road in Malavalli driving onto Mysore Road :
You have to drive through Dr. BR Ambedkar Road and then Vani Vilas Double Road towards MG Road. Then you can drive to Kollegal Road and make way through Trichy Road which is in KR Mohalla. This takes only about 10 minutes. Once you reach Jattipalla to Kanakpuri Road in Malavalli keep driving and reach Mysore Road and then Sriranga Road. This journey covers about 50 minutes. Your destination is only two minutes from here.
Parking
Free parking is provided at the temple.
How to book tickets
The Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur entry fee is 5 INR (0.07 USD) per person for Indians, 100 INR (1.40 USD) for foreign visitors and 25 INR (0.35 USD) for a video camera. No entry fee is charged for a still camera or children under the age of 12 years. You can either purchase tickets onsite or book your tickets in advance online through third-party websites.
Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur information
Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore
Address: Somanathapura, Karnataka 571120, India
Official website: Mysore Tourism
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
Bangalore Private Talakadu and Somnathpur Tour
Duration: 9 hours
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to