Banavasi
The Village
The Capital of Kadambas, this ancient temple town has its own
significance as per the religious aspect. Located in Uttara Kannada district
of Karnataka , it is a beautiful village to visit. Banavasi Village has a
community of 1500 artistans who are involved in artistian fields like
carpentry, sandalwood, carving, basket making, pottery, black smithy, shoe
mending and rangoli.
As per the mythology, the village community dates back to C325- 540 C.E -
the Kadambas of Banavasis. Talagunda inscription of C450 C.E states that
Mayursharma was the progenitor and the dynasty got the name because of the
Kadamba tree considered holy which grew at their early house. Kadamba
Kingdom reached its pinnacle under Kakustha (C405-30 C.E) who was a great
builder. Huen Tsang, the Chinese traveler-monk who was in India between
630-644 C.E, visited Konkanapura or Banavasi. He has recorded that there
were a hundred monasteries of both Hinayana and Mahayana sects with 10,000
Buddhist monks and priests.
Then there is the lake called the Gudhapura Lake which adds to the
beauty of the village. Distinctive agricultural practices, indigenous system
of medicine and traditional dwellings are the main attractions of Banavasi
Village. Its a good weather here round the year but September to January are
the best months.
Fast Facts
» Location - Banavasi, Uttar Kannada
»District- Karnataka
» Best time - September to March end.
» Accomodation - Heritage Village Restaurants at a distance
from Banavasi.
Famous Sites:
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Kadambotasava Festival
If you want to see the true Indian Culture, then this is the festival
not to be missed out. Cultural poems, dances and songs are sung in this
festival , true to the Indian Roots.
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The Art
Various facets of Indian Art can be seen here in this palce called the
Banavasi home. Sculpting, moulding, carving , painting - all of them
speak together in this place. Look out for these various art forms in
one place - Banavasi Village.
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Visit
Banavasi | Contact Us! |
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Art and Craft
There is a community called Gudigar community of Banavasi who are ace
craftsmen. Carving, sculpting, painting and moulding are their fields of
work. They are excellent workers in sandalwood work and teakwood
carving. In the months of November, December and January the
annual Banawasi Kalamela is held. In this fair of local craftsmanship
one can see and experience the work and warmth of these caraftmans. If
you happen to visit the Vaijayanti, see Varnaloka - the art gallery by
Shreepad Purohit - which is worth a visit.
Tourist Attractions
There are a number of attractions in Banvasi Village :
» Car Festival : Car Festival is held here in the month of
March.It is the world famous festival after Jagannath Rath Yatra of
Puri.
» Kadambotasava Festival :In this festival, poems are sung
in the praise of the Lord Krishna. Kadamb is a famous tree in which Lord
Krishna used to sit in his childhood days and played pranks. From those
days upon, this tree is revered as Lord Krishnas second home.
» Lakshadweepotsava Festival :t is held in the month of
November/December. It is beautiful to see thousands of Diyas lit up at
the same time in Lakshadweepotsava.
» Banavasi Kalamela : Sandalwood work, pottery, rangoli,
carving are the things one should see while in this village festival.
» Varanloka : It is an Art Gallery - worth going places in
Banavasi Village.
Local People
Sandalwood caftsmen, metal and stone work artists, painters, basket
weavers and potters are the kind of simple people you find here.
Distinctive agricultural practices, medicinal and traditional dwelling
mark the presence of the people of Banavasi. Folk dances, classical
musicians and yakshangana artists are the main blood running in the
veins of these village people.
Our Suggestions
- The distinguisness of Banavasi Village is the
people who live here. The hardworking and simple people are
admirable intheir own sense.
- The art and the mural paintings are the ones
which reflect the lifestyle of the people of Banavasi. If you want
to see the reflection of Indian Village then this is the place to be
in.
- Karnataka is a beautiful and one of the famous
Indian Tourist Destinations. Places like Bangalore, Mangalore,
Mysore are the must go s. The Palaces, Gardens and the National
Sanctuaries are the main attractions of these places..
- Cradle of Indian Architecture - Aihole
is the Village with huindred temples. Karnataka is also famous for
its World Heritage Site - Hampi - The City which still
showcases its glamour in all colors. Mangalore city is
famous for its lush greenery and azure beaches. And Bangalore
is known to the world as City of Palaces.
- South Indian Food is an attraction in itself.
The stumpuous and mouthwatering delicacies of South India are an
experience in themselves.
- However Banavasi is a small village. though most
of the daily requirements can be met from the local market of this
place but any exquisite thing - you should bring it with you.
- For any clarifications we are there to resolve
them. Contact us anytime, anywhere
