The ancient temple town mentioned in the Hindu epics- the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Banavasi is located on the left bank of Varada River, 140km from Karwar. Once the capital city of the Kadambas, the main places of interest here are the Madhukeswara temple built in the 9th century, the ruins of a Buddhist stupa, the Veerabhadra temple, several idols and Jain icons. Kadambotsav, the annual festival conducted by the State Government is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is the hub of cultural programmes especially Yakshagana along with Dance, Music and Art Exhibitions. Banavasi has the rain forests of the Western Ghats. Banavasi has no lodging facility and Sirsi, the nearest town is 18 km away.