Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by admin
Are you looking to add some adventure to your temple run in Talakadu? Then there is a perfect solution – taking up a coracle ride at Talakadu beach, a river beach.
Are you confused with a lot of terminologies I used? Coracle? River Beach?
Well, this blog covers all of these points promising a perfect adventure in Talakadu.
Adventure and fun beckon at Talakadu Beach and Talakadu river. A perfect one day trip that can be combined with Shivanasamudra Falls and Chennakesava Temple Somanathapura, riding a coracle is part of the must do things in Talakadu.
Table of Contents
ALL ABOUT TALAKADU
Where is Talakadu Beach?
The ancient town of Talakadu resides on the banks of River Kaveri in Mysore District. The town that is still recovering from the curse of a queen from the 16th century has seen light in the dark with many engaging activities for pilgrims and tourists who visit Talakadu temples.
According to a myth Talakadu town has over thirty temples that lay buried beneath the sand.
What is a River Beach?
Talakad or Talakadu has a river beach, the only one in Karnataka. Although a seashore is most commonly associated with the word ‘beach’, beaches are also found by lakes and large rivers.
In Talakad the beach is formed on the banks of the Kaveri river which is why it is known as Talakadu Beach.
What is a Coracle?
Coracles, also known as ‘Teppa’ (ತೆಪ್ಪ) in Kannada, are round boats traditionally used to ferry people across rivers. Coracles have been in existence for many centuries and are used in many parts of Asia such as India and Vietnam as well as in parts of Europe. In Karnataka, coracles have been used from the times of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The coracles in Talakadu are made of bamboo and plastic. About 6-7 tourists along with a boatman can ride a coracle. Riding these coracles earns a livelihood for the ‘Ambigas‘ (boatmen). With no railings on the coracle, it sure is interesting riding the coracle at Talakadu beach especially when the Boatman swirls the boat 360 degrees! Fancy an adventure, do you?
The Legend of Talakadu
Well bespoke of several myths and mysteries, the one licit evidence is that the name Talakadu derived from two twin brothers – Tala and Kadu. One day, they saw wild elephants paying homage to a tree that they had cut down. When they observed the event closely, the tree resembled an image of Shiva and the elephants were the disguises of the rishis. In an instant, the tree was miraculously restored to its original. The event made both the brothers and the transformed rishis obtain mōksha. Later, the place was named Tala-kādu owing to the two brothers, or Dala-van in Sanskrit.
The Buried Temples of Talakadu | Talakadu curse
Tirumala-Raja, a king in Vijayanagar dynasty at Srirangagapattanam was ill. He travelled to Talakad to offer sacrifices at the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple. Meanwhile, his second wife, Queen Alamelamma went after him to Talakad to see him for the last time as she knew that it was her husband’s last.
Before she began her journey, she handed over her charge to Raja Wodeyar of Mysore who was obsessed with the queen’s jewels. It so happened that the queen took the jewels along with her. Noticing that, Raja Wodeyar who decided to possess the jewels at any cost summoned his army to attack the queen.
The queen went to the bank of Kaveri river, threw the jewels in the water and drowned herself in the river uttering a curse that goes “Talakadu maralagali, Malangi maduvagali, Mysuru dhorege makkalilladhe hogali” meaning “May Talakadu be filled with Sand; Malangi be a whirlpool and let the Mysuru Raja never have an heir.”
The curse came into effect in Talakad. The Mysore royals have had trouble in appointing their heir to the throne and Talakadu became a sandhill.
CORACLE RIDE AT TALAKADU BEACH
Talakadu Beach is 135 km away from Bangalore city making it a perfect weekend trip from Bangalore.
Talakadu beach is a short ride away from the Talakadu temples. After parking in a dedicated area, one has to walk for about 800 meters through a Chowpatty area to reach the beach. The Chowpatty area is full of eateries selling street food like Maggi, chai, fresh coconut water, boiled corn, lemon soda and many other things.
Be aware of monkeys snatching whatever you buy the very same instant!
After wading through all the vendors, you can reach the beach where coracles wait to take you on a ride. One coracle can easily accommodate 5-6 people.
Since I visited in monsoon, I couldn’t really see the beach as the water levels were up. However, coracle rides were still operational. I was too scared to ride one looking at the water level and the absence of life jackets made my decision quite easy.
However, I saw many families taking the plunge and going on rides. I asked a lady who had recently got down if it was worth going and she said ‘no’ because the ride was very short as compared to the longer rides during other seasons.
Talakadu Coracle ride: Price & Duration
Coracle rides in Talakadu cost between INR 250 to INR 400 per person depending upon the season. The rides are cheaper in monsoons due to few takers but are on the higher side during summer and winters. Prices also jump up on weekends and festival days when more tourists arrive.
The duration of the Coracle ride in the Kaveri river is approximately 20-25 minutes.
Best time to take a coracle ride on Talakadu Beach
Coracles ply between 8 am and 6 pm every day of the week.
The best time to take a ride is either early in the day or in the evening. It is pleasant to ride during those times and you will be able to enjoy the ride and the soothing river waters. However, it may get crowded at these times and you may have to wait longer.
Entry fees
There are no entry fees to Talakadu beach and Talakadu temples.
Where To Stay in Talakadu | Resorts in Talakadu
While there are not many options in Talakadu, a recently opened resort is a perfect getaway to extend the stay in Talakadu. Tucked away amidst the backwaters of the Kaveri river, Jaladhama Resort is surrounded by an unpolluted natural environment and is located at Talakadu.
Another option is a Hotel near Shivanasamudra falls is KSTDC – Hotel Maurya. The hotel offers 4 A/C double rooms and is budget-friendly. Advance reservation can be made by contacting: 8970650053 or by email: [email protected]
Where to eat at Talakadu
If you do not like the street food options at the Talakadu Chowpatty, there are many family-run roadside eateries that serve authentic Dakshin Karnataka cuisine just outside the beach. Just stop by any of them and relish the delicious and fresh vegetarian breakfast or meals. I had an epic Udipi meal here.
Other things to do in Talakadu
The impeccable landscape of Talakadu can keep a visitor busy with ancient temples, the sandy area, and gorgeous waterfalls.
Temples in Talakadu
Talakadu is associated with temples buried in the sand after Rani Alamelamma’s curse. While most temples are beneath the dunes of sand, some sites such as stone pillars, squares, and other objects lay scattered around the excavated area. At present, the archaeologists have successfully unearthed the Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaidyanatheshwara, and Mallikarjuna temples.
These temples are the five Lingas representing the five faces of Shiva which is why the temples are known as the Talakadu Panchalinga temples.
Play volleyball at Talakadu Beach
Thanks to the sand, there are options to play handball or volleyball. There are nets put up and anyone can play here. Just get a ball and get going.
Picnic at Talakadu Chowpatty
With eateries offering delicious street food, it is only fair to have a picnic. You can get a picnic basket full of your favourite things or order from one of the eateries here. There are ample shaded sit-outs to picnic or have a birthday celebration!
How to Reach Talakadu from Bangalore/Mysore
By road:
Talakadu is situated approximately 45 km from Mysore and 185 km from Bangalore. Government buses are available from Mysore to T. Narsipur bus stand. Private auto-rickshaws and shared cabs ply between T. Narsipur and Talakadu villages.
By train:
Mandya and Mysore have closed railway stations. From there, government-run buses, shared auto-rickshaws and cabs are available to reach Talakadu beach.
By flight:
The nearest Airports are the Mysore Domestic Airport or Bangalore Airport. From there, government-run buses, and private cabs are available to reach Talakadu temple.
Sustainable tips for visiting Talakadu Beach
- Carry reusable and refillable water bottles.
- Do not litter – It is perfectly okay to snack near the beach and at the chowpatty, but do not litter the pristine areas. Use a trash bin to dispose of snack pouches or pet bottles.
- Respect nature – Though you may get the most perfect shot and a thousand likes for the photo, do not in any way harm the natural formations of the waterfalls or trees for a vantage point.
Read More posts from Karnataka
- Aihole – The ancient temple town
- Mahakuta temples of Karnataka
- Rock-cut Badami cave temples
- All about Belgaum
- Things to do in Nirvana Beach, Kumta
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