A hilltop Vaishnava temple town with the Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple, stepped tank and Sanskrit college.
Melkote is a hill town revered by followers of the Sri Vaishnava tradition, where the saint Ramanujacharya spent years. The Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple, the Yoganarasimha temple on the summit and the stepped Kalyani tanks are its main sights. Its Sanskrit research academy preserves manuscripts. The town is often included on a Mysuru itinerary. Facilities are basic.
| Distance | About 130 km west of Bengaluru |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 3 hours each way by road |
| Getting there | Mode: Car; Detail: Road via Mandya on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway; buses to Mandya then local transport |
| Cost | Free temple access; small charges for special entry |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Melukote, Pandavapura, Mandya district, Karnataka 571431, India |
How to get there
- Car with driver: about ₹4,000-6,500 (approx $42-68 USD) for the full day
- Bus: KSRTC to Mandya or Pandavapura, then a local bus or auto
- Train: Mandya station, followed by road transfer
- Organised tour: often combined with Srirangapatna and Mysuru
Location
Melukote, Pandavapura, Mandya district, Karnataka 571431, India
12.6667, 76.6500 View on map
Highlights
- Yoganarasimha temple on the hill
- Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple
- Stepped kalyani tanks
- Sanskrit academy
Tips for visiting
- Wear modest clothing
- Climb the hill early to avoid heat
- Carry food; options are limited
When to visit
Morning between October and March.
Frequently asked questions
Is Melkote on the way to Mysuru?
It is a detour of about 40 km from the Mandya-Mysuru road.
Is it suitable for a day trip?
Yes, combined with Srirangapatna it makes a full day.