TALAKAD or TALAKADU – was once flourishing capital of the Bangalore region [350-1000 CE]. It was ruled by the Western Ganga kings from 350 to 1050 CE, till they were overthrown by the powerful Cholas. They were in turn shunted out by the Hoyaslas in the 12th century. Clearly, it was a place of strategic importance because it was subsequently wrested by the rulers of the Vijayanagara Kingdom and then Maharajas of Mysore.
Today the charms of Talakadu reside in its laid back atmosphere and the beautiful temples with their brilliant sculptures. The Cauvery River takes a bend by the city before going on its way. Of interest here too are the massive sand deposits, which are imbued with a legend. Talakadu is home to over 30 temples- some in a state of ruin, some buried in the sand. But the surviving five in the area – Vaidyanatheshwara, Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arakeshwara - are rightly famed for their sculpture. The tour enlightens you on the stories of Talakadu, such as the curse that made the city sandy; it offers an excellent opportunity to visit a mango orchard nearby and also some silk farms along the way to learn more about the sericulture industry of Karnataka.
Rural charmsSilk farmsAncient beautiful carved templesSand dunesTraditional banana leaf lunch (optional)
Myths and legends abound in this region and the tour takes one through the rural countryside, just off Mysore, where you will discover some of them. On this a day tour of Talakadu we will see how the river Cauvery changed the town’s geography. We will enjoy beautiful vignettes of the beautiful countryside as we go visiting silk farms and explore some of the wonderful temples with their amazing sculptures that have survived the march of time. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal served on the traditional banana leaf.