India /Karnataka /Uttara Kannada /Banavasi

Banavasi is a temple town located in the region of Uttara Kannada in the Indian state of Karnataka. Banavasi is a very charming and laidback place, where you can visit many old structures and learn about how they were built and the history behind them. Located near the Shivamogga district, Banavasi is a natural tourist magnet and is populated entirely by pilgrims and tourists during the winter season. One of the oldest towns in the state, Banavasi’s chief attractions are the Madhukeshwara temple and the colossal cultural event- Kadambothsav. This region is the cultural epicenter in the entire state of Karnataka and tourists can experience the magnificence of Indian culture and traditions here. During the annual cultural festival in Banavasi, you can witness many folk dances, performances of classical music, art exhibitions and Yakshagana dramas. Yakshagana masks are also sold in this region for the benefit of the interested tourists. The Madhukeshwara temple in Banavasi is one of the biggest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the ancient temple, built in the 9th century, still stands as an eternal symbol of Shaivism.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 581318

STD Code: 8384

Info Website: banavasitourism.com

Best Time to Visit:  Oct – May

HistoryEdit

Banavasi is one of the ancient towns of India that has references since period of Mahabharatha. Banavasi is referred to as ‘Vanavasaka’ in the epic Mahabharata , suggesting that the town existed since 4000 B C considering period of Mahabharata. In 1st centaury A.D. Greek geographer Ptomlemy mentioned Banavasi as ‘Banousi’ in his famous book. In the early 4th century A.D. during Kadamba’s period, it was know by the name ‘Jayanthipura’ or ‘Vaijayanthipura’. In the 1100 A.D. inscription found in Davanagere, Banavasi has been mentioned as ‘Nandanavana’. Vijayanagara inscriptions 1552 A.D. have called Banavasi by the name ‘Kanakavathi’. The Aihole inscription of Pulakeshi II calls Banavasi as “Jaladurga”: or water fort. The Varada river flows around the town on three sides. Perhaps the fort was surrounded by the fourth side as well, in ancient times when the river was mighty. The famous European historian Kittel says that the name ‘Banavasi’ has come from two words ‘Bana’ and ‘Vasi’. ‘Bana’ means forest and ‘Vasi’ means spring.

Places to VisitAdd

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Banavasi is quite easy as the region is very well connected through buses, flights and trains. The nearest airport is located in the town of Hubli, and this airport lies around hundred kilometeRs away from the town.

By Train : N.A

By BUS : Buses to Banavasi are available from the nearby town of SiRsi, which has a major bus terminus. Buses from all major cities in the region are available to the terminus in Sirsi, from where buses to Banavasi are regularly available. Buses to SiRsi will be available from all major cities including Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore, and the fares normally range around Rs 100 to 300. Banavasi also has a train station close to the town limits, and the nearest train station lies around seventy kilometeRs away from Banavasi in a place called Haveri. Regular trains from Bangalore, Mumbai and Mangalore stop in this station and buses and cab can be availed from here. Train charges will range around Rs 150 to 300.

By Taxi : Taxis can also be hired from the airport to Banavasi and charges may vary around Rs 1500. Flight charges will revolve around Rs 4000 to 8000.

By Other : N.A

Top HotelsAdd

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Areca Valley Stay, Sirsi ; Hulgol, Yallapur Road, Sirsi, KA 581402 ; Ph – 083 84 279341 ‎ ; Facilities – Laundry,parking facility,room service,H/C water.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 1201 to Rs. 2500

Green World Resort ; Sirsi, Sirsi-Haveri Rd, Malalgaon, KA 581346 ‎ ; Ph – 083 84 268863 ; Facilities – Room service,parking,laundry,H/C running Water.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Hotel Gangotri ;  Siddivinayak School Complex, Ravindra Nagar Siddapur-Sirsi Rd, Siddapur, KA 581334 ; M –  094 82 793618 ; Food Serve :  N.A

• Kamath Hotel ;  NH- 17, Honnavar, Karnataka, NH 66, Honavar, KA 581334 ; M –  083 87 222030 ; Food Serve :  N.A

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Car Festival ; Venue:  Banawasi ; Period :  March ; Details:  Car festival is the biggest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Karnataka. It falls in the month of March every year. People pray to God to get peace and prosperity. It is an attraction for thousands of people outside and within the state. The merry making of the festival includes grand feast among the villagers. They adorn themselves with the new dresses, women wear heavy jewelry and men wear traditional dresses. It is one such festival in karnataka which unites the people irrespective of their caste and religion.
Mahashivratri ; Venue:  Banawasi ; Period :  Feburay or March ; Details:Another major festival celebrated in the Banawasi village is Mahashivratri. People from all around the world gather at Madhukeshwara temple to celebrate this grand festival. Mahashivratri fallson the sixth night of the dark Phalgun (Feburay or March) every year. It is the same night when Lord Shiva performed Tandava. People keep fast on this day and offer prayers, milk, sweets and flowers to the idol of the Lord Shiva. It is also believed that on this day Shivaji and Parvati tied knot.

Safety / WarningEdit

N.A

HelplineEdit

• Police : 100
• Fire : 101
• Ambulance : 102

ItineraryEdit

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