Discover the Mystical Wonders of 'Yana Caves' on a Day Trip in Karnataka

The beauty in India various greatly from a city to a village to a mountain to a sea. Yana Caves is 1 such natural marvel formed place to visit. The magical natural rock formations are a must visit when planning for Jog Falls / Gokarna.

Location: Kumta, Uttara Kannada , Karnataka, India (See Here)

Preferred Time To Visit: Post Rains till Winter End.

Yana is a village located in forests of the Kumta. It is the cleanest village in Karnataka and second cleanest in India. It is surrounded by green hillocks and few villages.

Yana has 2 gigantic black, crystalline karst limestone rocks named Bhairaveshwara Shikhara (Shikhara means "Hill") and Mohini Shikara. Bhairaveshwara is the bigger rock with 120 metres in height, while the smaller Mohini Shikhara is 90 metres. Each rock has several caves.

We visited Yana Caves enroute to Gokarna from Jog Falls. We drove from Sirsi with roads lined with canopy of trees, about 40 kms towards mountain landscape. The topmost part of the rocks are visible as we approach the Yana Village.

How To Reach

One can reach Yana Village from Sirsi/Kumta. There is ample of free parking space from where a small jungle trek leads to the rock formations. The path is well paved and is to be ascended while reaching the destination (obviously it is easier while returning ;-) ) Post rainy season, the jungle is cool, with warm sun-rays reaching the Earth making the trek memorable. We were able to see small water bodies as well. The most tiring part of the entire trek is some 200+ steps . The 1st rock is towards left and the further climb takes us to the 2nd rock where Shiva Temple is situated towards right.

Bhairaveshwara Shikhara has Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Linga which has water dripping from the roof over the Linga from a small stream, called the Chandihole. It eventually merges with the Aghanashini River at Uppinapattana. Due to Shiva Temple, this place is important for pilgrimage & is of religious importance. Shivratri is 1 of the most celebrated festival. The water facility, though in open, is safe for drinking.

After visiting the temple, towards left is Bhairaveshwara cave which is used to do 'Pradakshina" to the Shiva Temple. One has to climb few steps to enter the cave. Though it is full of bats and stinks, its worth a visit. The cave is huge and the other side opens to a small path connecting to the temple.

About 8 kms from Yana Caves is a natural waterfall known as Vibhuti Falls ("Vibhuti" means "ashes"), a place of tourist attraction.

Legend of Yana Caves

The rocks are believed to represent Lord Shiva and Mohini based on the legend of demon-king Bharamasura. Bhasmasura with his penance, is granted a boon by Shiva. The boon is to burn and turn anything into ashes he places his hands on. Bhasmasura creates havoc on Earth after getting this power, much to the surprise, he even chases after Shiva to use his power. To depower the demon, Lord Vishnu descends on Earth as a beautiful damsel "Mohini" and challenges Bhasmasura for a dance. While dancing, she performs a step of placing her hand on her head. Bhasmasura enacts the same poise and is self-destructed due to his boon. It is believed that the black color and loose mud on the rocks are his ashes.

"Do a bit of research the place beforehand and ensure to follow the traditional values while visiting the place. No shoes are allowed inside temple premises and caves. Dress appropriately."

Do visit these 2 Mystical Wonders of Yana Caves in Karnataka over a short day/weekend trip.

Things To Prepare

• All roads in Karnataka are in great condition.

• Carry binoculars to view the spectacular & natural cuts & carvings of the rocks.

• The route/road to Yana after leaving the main cities (Kumta/Sirsi) is bit secluded.

• No petrol pumps/ ATM on the route to this place.

• Keep nature clean, carry back your waste with you. Do Not Litter.

• Ensure to have enough drinking water, your fuel tank is full, and few edibles.

• All the directions/sign boards are in local language.

• Poor to no mobile network coverage.

• Ensure to set your route in Maps before starting off on the road towards Yana Caves.

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