What to expect
Highlights
- The star-shaped triple-shrine (trikuta) plan on a raised platform.
- Bands of intricate soapstone sculpture and friezes on the outer walls.
- Its UNESCO World Heritage Hoysala status (2023).
Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura
The Chennakeshava (Keshava) Temple at Somanathapura, consecrated in 1268 CE, is the last great temple of the Hoysala empire and one of its most complete. In 2023 it was inscribed, with Belur and Halebidu, as a UNESCO World Heritage "Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas" site.
Practical guide
Plan Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura
Typetemple
Nearest baseSomanathapura
Best timeOctober to February
Time needed1 to 1
EntryASI ticket ~Rs 25 (Indian), higher for foreign nationals
Nearest town/baseSomanathapura
DistrictMysuru
Place typetemple
Time needed1 to 1.5 hours.
The Chennakeshava (Keshava) Temple at Somanathapura, consecrated in 1268 CE, is the last great temple of the Hoysala empire and one of its most complete. In 2023 it was inscribed, with Belur and Halebidu, as a UNESCO World Heritage "Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas" site.
Built on a star-shaped platform, its three shrines (trikuta) and outer walls carry dense, finely carved bands of gods, friezes of elephants, horsemen and epic scenes in soapstone — a masterwork of Hoysala sculpture, though the main idols are no longer worshipped.
Visiting
Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura — at a glance
Timings8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Best timeOctober to February; morning light
Entry: ASI ticket ~Rs 25 (Indian), higher for foreign nationals
Getting here
How to reach Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura
~35 km east of Mysuru near Bannur
A monument, not an active temple; pair with Talakad.
Getting there
How to visit
- About 35 km east of Mysuru near Bannur; reached by taxi or a day trip, often paired with Talakad.
- An ASI monument — buy the entry ticket; it is not an active worship temple.
Distance by road
- Bengaluru145 km
- Ooty125 km
- Coorg (Madikeri)120 km
- Mangaluru250 km
- Kozhikode215 km
Road km to Mysuru; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February; morning light is best for photographing the carvings.
Weather in Chennakeshava Temple, SomanathapuraSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
- ASI entry ticket applies; the shrines are non-functioning, so it is visited as a monument.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura is
Photos
Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura in pictures
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Good to know
Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura?
October to February; morning light is best for photographing the carvings.
What are the entry fee and timings at Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura?
Entry: ASI ticket ~Rs 25 (Indian), higher for foreign nationals. Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura?
About 35 km east of Mysuru near Bannur; reached by taxi or a day trip, often paired with Talakad. An ASI monument — buy the entry ticket; it is not an active worship temple.
How much time do I need for Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura?
1 to 1.5 hours.
What else is near Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura?
Nearby you can pair Gunja Narasimhaswamy Temple, T. Narasipura (7.8 km), Talakadu (18.6 km), Lalitha Mahal (20.7 km), Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum (21.8 km).
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Image credits
- Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura:Vasukrishnan57, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0