Somnathapura (alternative spelling: Somanathapura or Somnathpur) is a town in Karnataka close to Malavalli Taluk. The area was ruled by the Hoysala Dynasty. A minister of the Hoysala dynasty, by name Somanath, planned to establish a temple here, based on the Hoysala architecture. As Hoysalas were mainly Lord Vishnu devotees, a temple, dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with a flute (Resembling Lord Krishna) was established here, on the left bank of River Cauvery
Somanathapura is 34 km drive from Mysore to the east.
There is no direct bus from Mysore to Somanathapura, the best is to take a bus from Mysore to T.Narasipura and then another bus to Somanathapura.
There are plenty of taxi at T.Narasipura opposite to bus stand. It will cost you around ₹250 to hire a taxi for a round trip to the temple. One way takes around 90 minutes.
Lord Channakeshava Temple is the only place of interest here. Parking is allowed outside the temple.
Food has to be carried since there are no very good restaurants
Mysore is the nearest bigger city, and to the opposite direction is Bangalore.