Nestling deep in the forests of the Western Ghats, on the border of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts, this temple town is located on Vardha river, known for its rice, sugarcane, arecanut, spices and the famous Banavasi pineapple. This is the place where the eminent poet Pampa composed his poems. It was the capital of Kadambas, the first kingdom of ancient Karnataka. The Madhukeshwara Temple famed for its architecture, derives its name from the honey coloured linga.