Banavasi Tourism

Reach us on 8105545777.

We will assist you in a wonderful Holiday.

Banavasi, Rural tourism in India: India’s heart lies in its villages. Every rural community is steeped in folklore and indigenous craft. The traditional way of life will greatly enrich the visitor’s experience. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India have partnered to promote Banavasi under the Endogenous Tourism Project/Rural Tourism Scheme. The initiative aims to enable local communities introduce visitors to their art and craft, cultural and natural heritage.

History: Existing since 4000 BC, the period of Mahabharata, Banavasi was known as ‘Vanavasaka’. Greek geographer Ptomlemy mentioned Banavasi as ‘Banousi’ in his famous book in 1st century A.D. It was called ‘Jayanthipura’ or ‘Vaijayanthipura’ during the Kadamba period in the early 4th century A.D.
Banavasi is the oldest town in the Karnataka state. Huen Tsang the Chinese traveler-monk who was in India between 630-644 C.E, visited Konkanapura called Konkanapulo (referred in Chinese scripts) or Banavasi.

In 2006, 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 town once was the capital of the Kadamba rulers, an ancient royal dynasty of Karnataka. They established themselves there in A.D. 345 and ruled South India for at least two centuries. Banavasi also features in Hindu mythology across the yugas (eras). It is considered to be as old as Kashi Varanasi or Benares which is amongst the most holy of Hindu towns. Buddhism and Jainism have also spread their roots here. During the reign of Samrat Ashok, Banavasi was a learning centre for Buddhist monks. An ASI site at Gudnapura village nearby shows evidence of Jainism being encouraged by the royalty.

Location: Banavasi lies deep in the rain forests of Western Ghats with the Varada river flowing around it on three sides. It is located 374 km from Bangalore. The nearest railway station is 70 km away in Haveri & also Talaguppa. Sirsi is the nearest city about 23 km, Lodging is provided by some home stays and a tourist complex.
Accommodation: At Banavasi, tourists can stay at Vanavasika Tourist Home.There are eleven double rooms available with attached bathrooms set around a square courtyard at the edge of Banavasi with the River Varada on one side and the Pampa Vana on the other.All the rooms have twin beds and can easily accommodate a small group.

Tariff: Rs. 1 499 per person

The package includes:
Visit to Madhukeshwara temple
In and around Banavasi by walk
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Vehicle in Banavasi will be Rs 3000 for 8 people.(for entire day sight seeing)

There is a Rajahamsa from Bangalore at 10.3o that reaches Banavasi by 6.45 am. It stops at the Guest house. Rate about Rs 500 One way.


We would love to plan a Happy Trip for you

Please call us on +8105545777 email us at outdoorworld@gmail.com

It’s an eco-tourism destination which is rustic and rural. While tourism has run rampant and largely uncontrolled in the Western Ghats in recent years, here we are trying to create a simple sustainable model that benefits the community while leaving minimal impact on environment. We try to provide tourists with a real cultural experience while enjoying nature. There is no TV in rooms as we encourage you to be in outdoors enjoying various activities like bird watching, Nature walk, Heritage walk etc. We depend on the Grid for Electricity and don’t have generators.

Cuisine: Come to Banavasi for its varied cuisine. “Khanavalis” or small eateries in Banavasi serve up hot, delicious food with a warm smile. There are several breads made of rice, jowar and corn as well as rice served with a variety of sweet, sour, pungent and spicy curries and sauces. Accompanying the meal is a wide range of fresh powders and chutneys made of lentils, chillies, tamarind, oil cake.

(http://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g1602460-d1943202-Reviews-Vanavasika_Tourist_Home-Banavasi_Karnataka.html)