Search
Home » Destinations» Banavasi

Banavasi - Of Temples And Ghats

12

An ancient temple town whose roots can be traced back to 4000 BC, Banavasi is tucked away deep inside the forests of the Western Ghats. Located in the Uttara Kannada district, the town is located on the banks of the Varda river.

The Story Behind The Name

The name Banavasi comes from the words Bana' and Vasi', which mean forest' and spring', respectively. The town literally sprung up from a forest and thus got its name. Banavasi is acknowledged as being one of the oldest towns in Karnataka and is referred to in the Mahabharata.

Why The Place Is Famous

The town owes its popularity to the Madhukeshwara temple. Built in the 9th century, the temple draws a large number of pilgrims.

Best Time To Visit Banavasi

The best time to visit this temple town is during the month of December, when the state government organizes a huge event known as the Kadambothsav. The event is a cultural extravaganza with classical dance forms like the Yakshagana and music performances. In fact, the town is a centre for the Yakshagana art form.

How To Reach Banavasi

Banavasi lies 374 km away from Bangalore. The nearest airport at Hubli lies 100 km away. Haveri, the railway station closest to Banavasi, is located at a distance of 70 km. Commute is never an issue as the town is well connected.

Banavasi is Famous for

Banavasi Weather

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Banavasi

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • July
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

How to Reach Banavasi

  • By Road
    Tourists can avail buses from major cities such as Mangalore, Mysore and Bangalore for Sirsi and thereafter, they can take bus for Banavasi.
    Search Direction
  • By Train
    Haveri Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Banavasi, situated at a distance of about 70 km. Haveri is well connected to major cities of India such as Mangalore and Mumbai. Travellers can hire taxis and cabs or take buses to reach Banavasi from here.
    Search Direction
  • By Air
    Hubli Airport is the nearest airport connecting Banavasi to major Indian cities. It is situated at a distance of about 100 km from the destination. Dabolim Airport in Goa is the nearest international airport, which is 245 km away from Banavasi. Several seasonal charter flights are also available from the Dabolim Airport.
    Search Direction