Location and How to reach 

Banavasi is located about 18 Kms from Sirsi taluk in Uttara Kannada district (Karwar). It is situated in the border of Shimoga district in the heart of the lush forests of the Western Ghats.

It can also be reached from Shimoga (110 Kms), Karwar (100 Kms). From Bangalore, Banavasi is about 370 Kms. 

You can take a bus from Bangalore to Sirsi and then take another bus to reach here. You can also take buses from Shimoga and Karwar to Sirsi.  

History and Background

Banavasi was the capital city of the Kadamba dynasty, one of the famous empires that ruled South India, during the 4th Century AD to 6th century AD.

It is believed that Mayur Sharma, a brahmin studying in Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) was against the Pallavas there and migrated to Banvasi. He later became a warrior and the first king of the Kadambas.

Recently the Archeology department discovered an old coin here wih inscriptions in Kannada language (local language of Karnataka) supposed to be minted in the 5th Century AD.

Karnataka's supreme poet, Pampa (also called as 'Adi Kavi' or 'first poet') is believed to have penned his poems in Banavasi. 

Tourist Attractions 

Madhukeshvara temple 

Madhukeshvara temple at BanavasiThe Madhukeshvara temple is the main attraction in Banavasi. It was built by the Kadamba king Mayura Varma during the 4th Century. The architecture is uniquely South Indian, more specifically to Karnataka.

This architecure is said the have inspired the Chalukyas and the Hoysalas to build temples in Badami, Aihole and Pattadkal and the rock-cut temples of Belur & Halebid.

The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is also know as Madhukeshvara here. The Lingam is in the color of the honey.

After the rule of the Kadambas, the Chalukyas and the Hoysalas incorporated thier own styles of architecture in the temple, which you will notice if you have visited other ancient temples in Karnataka.

There is a monolithic Nandi (Bull) Statue inside the premises. The pillars and inner walls are exquisitely carved and is a must-see in this temple.

Festivals 

Kadambotsava festival - held in December 

• Every year, the Karnataka culture and tourism department organises an arts and culture festival in Banavasi called Kadambotsava.
• Yakshagana DanceDuring this event, artists from different places in South India showcase thier music, dance and art forms. Karnataka's ethnic dance, Yakshagana (found in Mangalore and coastal Karnataka) is also performed here.
• Yakshagana is similar to Kathakali in that the artists wear exquisite costumes and make up and enact scenes from the epics of Indian history. 
  
  
  (Yakshagana Photo Credit: blackfin2)

Other festivals and attractions 

• The Lakshadweepotsava festival - During this festival, earthen and metal lamps are lit all over homes in the town. It is held during the month of November and December (sometimes coinciding with the Indian festival of light - Deepavali)

• The Car Festival is held here in the month of March during which Cars or Wooden Chariots are used to carry Gods and Godesses in a procession around the town.
• Banavasi Kalamela showcases the art forms of the region. Gudigars, an ethnic group from North Karnataka, are master craftsmen with wood and metal. The Kalamela (carnival of art) showcases thier inctricate works on sandalwood, pottery and metal. You can also pick up souvenirs from here.
• Varnaloka is an art gallery which also display paintings and crafts  native to this region. You also get  costumes and props used in the Yakshagana dance form here.

Banavasi is a small and non-descript town in Karnataka, but it is rich in Kannada culture which goes back thousands of years. If you'd like to experience ancient art and culture of Karnataka, don't miss Banavasi.

Visit other historical temple destinations in Karnataka:

The Chalukyas:

• Badami
• Aihole
• Pattadkal

The Hoysalas:

• Belur
• Halebid

The Vijayanagar empire:

• Hampi

See other attractions in Uttara Kannada district and around Karwar:

• Murdeshwar
• Bhatkal
• Kumta
• Gokarna
• Karwar

or pick a holiday destination in Karnataka