Tourists with an interest for history, archaeology, temple architecture, arts and nature visit this ancient town of Banavasi - the genesis of Karnataka's historical, spiritual and literature. Once the capital of Kannada, under the dynasty of Kadambas, Banavasi has a glorious past and privilege of being the home of the Kannada script. Plan your trip in the month of December, when the Kadambothsav Annual Festival is held to commemorate this ancient town's glorious cultural past. Yakshagana dancers, folk dancers, musicians and drama troupes from all over South India participate in this cultural festival. Sirsi is a day trip from Banavasi; do visit the Marikamba (Durga) temple. The Kavi art – wall painting art form (bright red dye based murals of creepers, borders, gods and goddesses over white plaster walls) well used in this temple corridor is perhaps the only display of this ancient painting style in Karnataka.