Banavasi (Kannada: ಬನವಾಸಿ) is an ancient temple town on the border of Uttara Kannada District and Shivamogga district in the south Indian state of Karnataka.

History of Banavasi:

Banavasi is one of the oldest towns in the Karnataka state. It has grown up around the Madhukeshwara Temple built in the 9th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva the supreme God in Shaivism, a major branch of Hinduism.

Recently a 5th century copper coin was discovered here with an inscription in the Kannada script, one of the oldest such coins ever discovered. The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums said that the coin's inscription in archaic Kannada proves beyond doubt that Banavasi had a mint in the 5th century. The coin's discovery supports those seeking classical status for the Kannada language.

Pampa, the first poet of Kannada, wrote his epic poems in Banasavi. The town once was the capital of the Kadamba rulers, an ancient royal dynasty of Karnataka. They established themselves there in 345 A.D. and ruled for at least two centuries.

Location and Transport:

Banavasi lies deep in the rain forests of Western Ghats with the Varadha river flowing around it on three sides. It is located 374 km from Bangalore. The nearest railway station is in Shimoga, 112 km away from Banavasi. Sirsi, 18 km away, is the nearest town. Banavasi has no lodging.

Attractions in Banavasi:

The annual December cultural festival, Kadambothsav, is a huge gathering, organized by the state government, and featuring folk dancers, drama troupes, classical musicians, art exhibitions, while drawing together performers, artists, and writers from all of south India. Once the capital city of Kadambas, the main places of interest here are the Madhukeswara temple, the ruins of a Buddhist stupa, the Veerabhadra temple and the several idols and the Jain icons.

Banavasi has long been a cultural centre, especially the Yakshagana art form. Though, today local artisans craft and sell the classical folk art Yakshagana masks here.