Talakadu (or Talakad) is a popular weekend getaway spot from Bangalore and Mysore and is a picnic and excursion spot. It is 45 km from Mysore and 185 km from Bangalore (Bengaluru) in Karnataka, India.

History and Importance 

A historic site, Talakad once had over 30 temples that today are buried in sand. Now it is a scenic and spiritual pilgrimage center. Here the eastward flowing Kaveri River changes course and seems magnificently vast as here the sand on its banks spreads over a wide area. Talakad came under the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century, followed by the powerful Vijayanagar Kingdom rulers and the Maharajas of Mysore.

The Submerged temples at Talkad

Temple at TalakadAt Talakad, the temples are submerged under the sands. Among the temples of Talakad, the Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaideeshwara and Mallikarjuneshwara, the five Lingams believed to represent the five faces of Shiva, form the Pancha Pathi and have become famous.

In honour of these five Shiva temples, a fair is held once every 12 years called Panchalinga Darshana, last held in 2006. 

(Photo by: chandanb)

Festival once every 12 years

The uniqueness of this festival is that the five temple poojas begin at the same time following the ancient tradition for well being for devotees and rulers equally. Since the festival is held once in 12 years, it draws heavy crowd of pilgrims and elaborate preparations are made for safety of one and all.

Talakadu's Curse 

It is a mythical that one Alamellamma cursed that Talakadu be submerged under the Earth and that the Royal family of Mysore have no children. Whether this curse has really worked or not, is up to one's own opinion. But it is still unclear why the temples got buried beneath the sands.

Things to do 

Kaveri River and Beach at TalakaduIf you really wished Bangalore or Mysore had a beach, Talakad would be the answer ! The river shore is almost like a sea-beach and the environment is also shrouded among trees and thick bushes. 

You can go on a weekend trip to Talakadu with friends or family and have fun and play games in the water there. The river and the beach are beautiful and serene here, but it is really deep at certain places.

You can swim or play in the water to some depth; there are boundaries marked in the river, beyond which venturing into is not advisable.

(Photo credit: mattlogelin)

Best time to go is between September and March.