Banavasi
Pampana Banavasi | |
|---|---|
Village | |
 Madhukeshwara Temple at Banavasi | |
  Banavasi Location in Karnataka, India | |
| Coordinates: 14°32′03″N 75°01′04″E / 14.5341°N 75.0177°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Karnataka |
| District | Uttara Kannada |
| Taluq | Sirsi |
| Nearest Large City | Sirsi |
| Population (2005) | |
| • Total | 4,267 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Kannada |
| • Regional | Sirsi Kannada |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 581 318 |
| Telephone code | 08384 |
| Vehicle registration | Sirsi KA-31 |
Banavasi is an ancient temple town located near Sirsi in Karnataka. Banavasi was the ancient capital of the Kannada empire Kadamba that ruled all of modern-day Karnataka state. They were the first native empire to bring Kannada and Karnataka to prominence. It is 24 km (15 mi) away from its nearest large city Sirsi through SH 77.