Yana Caves: A Spectacular Sightseeing Destination in Gokarna

Are you looking for a unique and adventurous place to visit in Karnataka? If yes, then you should definitely check out Yana Caves, a natural wonder that will leave you spellbound. Yana Caves are a pair of massive limestone formations that rise from the dense forests of the Western Ghats. They are located near the coastal town of Gokarna, which is famous for its beaches and temples.

Yana Caves are not only a geological marvel, but also a sacred site that has a fascinating legend behind it. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Yana Caves, including their history, legend, trekking route, temple, and view from the top. Read on to discover why Yana Caves are a must-visit destination in Gokarna.

History and Legend of Yana Caves

Yana Caves are formed by the erosion of black crystalline karst, which is a type of limestone that contains carbon. The caves and rocks have been shaped by the action of water and wind over millions of years. The result is a stunning sight of two towering peaks that stand out from the green landscape. The peaks are named Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara, and they are about 120 meters and 90 meters high respectively. The caves are located at the base of these peaks, and they have a total length of about 3 kilometers.

The name Yana comes from the Sanskrit word Yantra, which means a machine or device. According to Hindu mythology, Yana Caves were the hiding place of Lord Shiva, who was chased by a demon named Bhasmasura. Bhasmasura had obtained a boon from Lord Shiva that he could turn anyone into ashes by touching their head. He wanted to test his power on Lord Shiva himself, and thus he followed him everywhere.

Lord Shiva ran away from Bhasmasura and reached Yana Caves, where he disguised himself as a rock. Lord Vishnu came to his rescue and took the form of Mohini, a beautiful woman who enchanted Bhasmasura. She lured him to dance with her, and made him touch his own head as a gesture. As soon as he did that, he turned into ashes and died. The ashes of Bhasmasura became the black rocks of Yana, and the rock that Lord Shiva hid in became the Shiva Linga, a symbol of his presence. A temple was built around the Shiva Linga inside one of the caves, and it is still worshipped by devotees today.

The legend of Yana Caves is not only an interesting story, but also a lesson on how greed and arrogance can lead to one’s downfall. It also shows how Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are different aspects of the same supreme reality, and how they work together to protect the world from evil.

Trekking to Yana Caves

One of the best ways to experience Yana Caves is by trekking to them through the lush forests of the Western Ghats. The trekking route to Yana Caves starts from a village called Vibhuti, which is about 18 kilometers from Gokarna. The trek is about 8 kilometers long, and it takes about 3 hours to complete. The difficulty level is moderate, and it is suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.

The trekking route to Yana Caves is full of scenic views and attractions that will make your journey more enjoyable. You will pass by waterfalls, streams, bridges, meadows, and wildlife along the way. You will also get to see different types of flora and fauna, such as orchids, ferns, butterflies, birds, monkeys, deer, etc. The trekking route is well marked and maintained, and there are signboards and guides to help you along the way.

Yana Temple and Maha Shivaratri Celebration

Yana Temple is located inside one of the caves at the base of Bhairaveshwara Shikhara. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to have hidden there from Bhasmasura. The temple houses a Shiva Linga that is about 3 meters high and 2 meters wide. The Shiva Linga is covered with a silver mask that has five faces, representing the five elements of nature. The temple also has a statue of Nandi, the bull that serves as Lord Shiva’s vehicle.

Yana Temple is a sacred and important site for the local people and pilgrims who visit it throughout the year. The temple is especially crowded during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated in the month of February or March. Maha Shivaratri is the night when Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is also the night when he married Goddess Parvati, his consort.

During Maha Shivaratri, devotees flock to Yana Temple to offer prayers, light lamps, chant mantras, and perform rituals to Lord Shiva. They also observe a fast and stay awake all night to seek his blessings. The temple is decorated with flowers, lights, and flags, and the atmosphere is filled with devotion and joy. The festival is a grand celebration of the power and grace of Lord Shiva, and it is a unique experience to witness it at Yana Temple.

View from the Top of Yana Hills

Another attraction of Yana Caves is the panoramic view from the top of Yana Hills. The view from the top offers a stunning sight of the surrounding landscape, which includes the forests, valleys, rivers, and villages. You can also see the Arabian Sea in the distance, and the sun setting over it.

The best time to visit Yana Caves and Rocks for enjoying the view from the top is during the winter or monsoon season, when the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear. You can also visit during the early morning or evening hours, when the light is soft and beautiful.

How To Reach Yana Caves

The best way to reach Yana Caves depends on your starting point and your preferred mode of transportation. Here are some possible options:

By air:

You can fly to Mangalore, which is the nearest airport to Yana Caves. It is both a domestic and international terminal with numerous flights operating daily. From Mangalore, you can hire a car or take a bus to Yana Caves. The drive will take about 5 hours.

By rail:

You can take a train to Kumta, which is the nearest railway station to Yana Caves. It is well connected to major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Goa, etc. From Kumta, you can hire a car or take a bus to Yana Caves. The drive will take about an hour.

By road:

You can drive to Yana Caves from any nearby city or town. The roads are well paved and maintained, and the scenery is beautiful. You can follow the AH45 and NH167 highways to reach Yana Caves.

Entry Fee & Timings

To enter the Yana caves, you need to pay Rs. 5 as an entry fee and Rs. 40 as a parking fee. The caves are open for visitors from 8 am to 6 pm.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Yana Caves is during the months of September to February. This is because the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear during this period.

You can avoid the monsoon season, which is from June to August, as the forests can be dangerous and the caves hard to trek. You can also enjoy the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated in February or March at the Yana Temple.

Other Tourist Attractions Near Yana Caves

Some other tourist attractions near Yana Caves are:

Vibhooti Falls:

This is a beautiful jungle waterfall with a swimming pool. It is about 2 kilometers from Yana Caves, and it is a popular spot for picnics and swimming.

Magod Falls:

This is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Uttara Kannada. It is about 40 kilometers from Yana Caves, and it offers a spectacular view of the Bedti river plunging from a height of 200 meters.

Sathodi Falls:

This is Karnataka’s prettiest jungle waterfall. It is about 50 kilometers from Yana Caves, and it is formed by several streams cascading over rocks and forming a pool.

Shivapura Hanging Bridge:

This is a suspension bridge on the Kali river. It is about 60 kilometers from Yana Caves, and it connects the villages of Shivapura and Mundgod. It is a scenic and adventurous place to visit.

Yana Caves are a spectacular sightseeing destination in Gokarna that offer a unique and adventurous experience. They are a natural wonder that have a fascinating history and legend behind them.

They are also a sacred site that have a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. They are also a trekking destination that have a scenic route and attractions along the way. They are also a viewpoint that have a panoramic view from the top.

Also check out: Lost In The Forest With No Network: Exploring Yana Caves

Yana Caves are a must-visit destination in Gokarna for anyone who loves nature, culture, and adventure. They are a place where you can discover, explore, and enjoy yourself. They are a place where you can create unforgettable memories.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article about Yana Caves in Gokarna, Karnataka, India. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who may be interested in visiting this amazing place. Happy travels!

Yana Caves Reviews

Akil Narayana

16 Followers

View Trip

Yana, apparently the second cleanest village in India after Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, is also supposedly one of the wettest villages on the planet. It wasn’t a part of my plan during my 1500km coastal drive in the state of Karnataka earlier in April (2021) but a last minute change of plan meant Yana made it into my itinerary even before I knew it. And boy ! Was I glad that it happened. A spot that was made famous by a 90s Kannada movie, which saw a plethora of tourists heading there and then got very popular among the country’s hiking community, I was super glad by the end of it amazed by the experience it had offered. We were in Murudeswar the evening before, enjoying the amazing waters of the Arabian Sea along with the gorgeous sunset, when it struck to me that I was not in a mood to head to Gokarna the next day but at the same time not in a rush to reach Karwar any sooner either knowing I’d be there for a few days anyway. So that evening while I was savouring a fried fish with my nephew at the beach, I threw in this idea of heading up for a hike to Yana before making our way to Karwar. And Dad bought into it. More like I made him buy it anyway 😛 So the next morning after I completed my first ever barefoot beach run of 10km or more, we got ready and headed towards Yana. Firstly the coastal expressway in the state is such an amazing stretch of road to drive on. And then the detour to Yana from the expressway was no less better either. The 25km route that deviated from SH-66 into SH-69 was as enjoyable as the expressway. Although the road was slightly narrower, it was fully covered with greenery all around and there weren’t any other vehicles coming my way. A good part of this stretch was as windy as it could be but still very very enjoyable. Btw, by WE I mean my folks n nephews who all were a part of the clan that went all the way 🙂 It was a bit of learning experience for my nephews who had never hiked before and by seeing their uncle in all his glory I hoped they picked up a cue or two on my way of travelling life. Mohini Shikhara Reaching Yana’s starting point from Kumta side of the road, it was just around 11am or so. The caves were just under a 2km (one way) hike from the car park. Given the Covid situation, though it was a Sunday there were hardly any people. In total we must have come across may be 100 or 150 folks throughout, which otherwise would have been atleast threefolds that number. The hike itself was through the forest and although there was a lot of sunlight, the forest canopy didn’t let it reach us for the most part. About three quarters of the way, is when we came across the first of the two eye grabbing 75metre solid black, crystalline limestone rock called Mohini Shikhara. I was wowed by it straight away and was hard to take my eyes off. It was that good. Although there was no way of viewing it in 360 degree mode as it was surrounded by the trees. However a small narrow path had been carved to get to the foothill of this rock and get a reverse bird’s eye view from the bottom. Not knowing what to expect at all at Yana caves, Mohini Shikhara had now set an expectation. And within a few minutes of hiking up some stairs we were now exposed to the gorgeous Bhairaveshwara Shikhara. A 400ft tall giant black rock that felt like a huge piece of burnt charcoal from the town of Brobdingnag (the town occupied by the giants in Gulliver’s Travels). Given it was a super sunny blue skies day, the rock stood out in all its glory. It was definitely a sight to behold. And so far in my Indian travel list this natural wonder amazed me as much as & stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Belum Caves, Gandikota Canyon & Dudhsagar Falls. After a quick ‘darshan’ of the temple at its foothill, we geared up to do a ‘pradakshina’. Meaning a 360 degree walk around the temple’s sanctum; in other words we had to hike up the huge rock, walk through the caves and make our way out on the other side. And as we entered the caves entrance about 75ft from the bottom, the incredible rock formations inside started showing up and it was just mindblowing. I was mesmerised as much as I was at the Antelope Canyon in Arizona last year. It definitely felt like I was walking inside a huge piece of charcoal. The topography of the rock was like that. Bhairaveshwara Shikhara It took a good hour of slow paced walking within the caves. Had to do plenty of photo stops given how amazing it was up there. But also had to watch out for some dangerous parts inside where a slip meant, broken bones could be guaranteed. I don’t think there were any spots within, where a fatality could be expected. But you never know; if it’s a bad day, even a small slip could see you knocking the doors of heaven (or hell if you may please). Anyway having said that we were careful enough not to do anything stupid. Yet managed to get some decent photos and then we made our way out of the caves on the other side. And when we made our exit out of the cave, the short return loop path felt like a walk in nature’s dreamland. With lush greenery all around and a ‘staircase to heaven’ nicely laid out, it was a super nice feeling walking back. And all of this we had to do barefoot, as the ‘pradakshina’ is considered to be within temple premises and in Hindu temples footwear is not allowed. Once we got back to the starting point, we washed our feet and to our surprise there was a small store selling some drinks & ice creams, which we obviously grabbed some, given all the heat. After that it was the start of the return hike back to the car. Didn’t take too long to head back, as most part of the return track was sort of downhill. A quick few photos on the way and no pitstop meant we were back at the car park within 45mins. The sun had toned down a bit too although we still needed to refill all our water bottles before headed into the car, cuz the coastal humidity would keep us thirsty as long as were in that part of the state. A few minutes after resting up, we hit the road to Karwar but this time with the satisfaction of having experienced Yana & the gorgeous caves !! Something that’s a must do in Karnataka.. Connect with me on my social media handles if you want to see, watch or read more: Instagram.com/akil_travelogue YouTube.com/akhil2108 LinkedIn.com/in/akilnarayana Some pictures of the experience at this link below: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10165292120180089&id=716610088&sfnsn=wiwspmo

Nikhita Biswas

90 Followers

View Trip

So, Yana Caves is a place, you're not supposed to wear your chappals to since you have to walk 15-20 minutes on a jungle trek to reach the exact spot. So, the parking fee for your car would be Rs 30/- and there is a small shop from where you can buy aerated drinks and snacks. With butterflies in our tummy, we took tiny steps. On our left was a huge covered with green plants, shrubs and mosses. On our right, we had dense forest, as natural and untouched by the humans. There were no barricades on either sides to stop the animals from coming on the forest trail. A few seconds later we saw a tall tree with a broken entry gate. The scene reminded me of Jurassic Park and became a warning sign for us to not walk alone. It was just us two looking 360 degrees always and stepping each foot with caution. After walking for a few minutes, we found a huge log on the trail. We could only hear birds chirping which were not the usual ones we hear in the city. It was strange and frightening at the same time. We were scared af and after walking 5 steps we used to contemplate whether we should continue or turn around and go back. All we were hoping was to see few beings from our own species so that we could feel safe in their company. Finally, after walking another stretch, we saw the caves. It was giant and facing another cave (the main one and the one we had access to I suppose. Thick trees covered the way to this cave and we were skeptical if at all there was a route to reach that cave. Eventually, we could hear footsteps and sounds which we could interpret. ...And there it was, the enormous cave, made up of limestones, standing tall with sharp edges. To all the GOT fans out there, it actually looked like the dragon stone. There was a small temple of Shivaji at the foot of the cave. We were advised not to go inside the caves and do the parikrama but guys come on we all know, who listens to free advice? We were now calm and compose and relishing what nature had offered us. We were actually lost in its wanderlush and high on the overdose of its greenery. So, we decided to take a parikrama of the caves because we were not at all comfortable about coming to a place and not enjoying that moment to the fullest. We were asked to keep our shoes outside and climb a concrete staircase which led us to the cave's entrance. Since, were barefoot, the thought of any slimy thing made us jump. It had started drizzling a little. As we entered the caves, we almost turned our heads 90 degrees to measure its height. There were 2 holes in the caves through which the rain water was pouring inside. It was not pitch dark as well since the light rays brightened up the inside up to a small radius. Flat rocks acted as steps. It was breathtaking. If we were not alone, we would have stayed a little longer inside the cave and search for some carving, Jon Snow might have drawn :P. Now, we had to make our way through a narrow opening. That was fun and we made our way out. We were surrounded by lush green forest again. We had to walk down a couple of stairs and then head upwards. But guys trust me, we lived each and every minute we spent here. We truly felt like khatron ke khiladi. And by the end of this parikrama, we didn't want to leave the place at all. Our way back to the entry gate was a piece of cake since we were not the ones feeling endangered anymore. We sat in our car, rolled down the windows and put our heads out, not caring about our messed up hair.

Abhay Kumar

82 Followers

View Trip

Yana Caves: Yana caves are one the most beautiful creations of Nature. It is located in north kannada district of Karnataka. Famously it is in Gokarna. This rock formation is both mesmerizing and alluring, it has two distinct peaks known by the name Bhaireveshwara Shikara and Mohini Sikhara, Bhaireveshwara is the tallest among two with height of 390 ft. The cave is located in the middle of the forest and the colour contrast which is pitch black cave and lush green forest makes it a treat to eyes. It is 52 km from om beach. And the bike ride is one of the most scenic rides I have ever had in my life through a dense forest. How to reach Yana caves parking area: Book a scooty or bike in Gokarna which costs 700 rupees for a day. Start by visiting Mirjan fort and after that start for Yana caves which will take 2 hours covering distance of 52 km as the roads are single lane and through a forest. Also the whole way is scenic. Please make sure to fill petrol or diesel in advance as there is not a single shop in the whole stretch of the forest till the Yana caves. Entry fees : Yana caves have entry fees of 10 rupees and the parking charges of 40 rupees. Walk till Yana caves : After reaching the parking area it is a Trek of at least 3-4 km. The first half is walking on a slope while the rest half is climbing on stairs. The last part is tiring as there are many steps till Yana caves entry point. At the parking area few shops are there for snacks and refreshments, also at the top two small shops are there selling maggi, coconut water and basic snacks. Another climb to reach inside Yana caves : You need to climb 100 more steps to reach inside Yana caves. Entry points start from a temple at the base of the cave. You can stop there for sometime and pray then start for caves. It is humongous caves, outside rock is pitch black and looks like black sedimentary rocks. Inside is also dark as there is no light in the cave. The whole area feels like a huge vacuum inside a mountain. Though it has a peculiar smell inside. Few places lit with sunlight peeping through the opening. Overall it was an amazing experience for a day in Gokarna. When to start to see caves properly : Visit the caves from morning till late afternoon as in the evening it becomes difficult to see inside caves You also can't click pictures as it is pitch black dark. How much does it cost : It will cost 700 for a scooty 200- 300 petrol and another 200 - 300 for Maggi and other snacks. Thanks, let me know if you like the article.

Tadasha Mishra

106 Followers

View Trip

Then we visited Yana caves- the most interesting part of the day. Yana is a village in North Karnataka. located in Sahyadri range of Western Ghats. It is located at a distance of 75 Kilometers from Murudeswar and 50 Kilometers from Gokarna. This is famous for the unusual monolithic rock formations. Interestingly this place is also linked to Hindu mythology. The demon named Bhasmasura was burnt into ashes by himself here. Hence the soil of this area is too black and sticky. As Lord Shiva blessed him with that power and the demon followed the Lord to test it. Lord hid in these caves and Mohini- a form of Lord Vishnu helped to kill the demon. Hence there are two rock caves named Bhairaveswar and Mohini. Pro Tip: There is no signal at Yana caves, better to download offline maps. Also carry umbrella if travelling during Monsoon. We got to know that there was this stretch of 1 and half to 2 Kilometers to trek up to reach the cave. Carrying Umbrellas is advisable during Monsoon specifically. The weather was fluctuation quickly there. the initial stretch was not very tough as there were no steps initially. The entire stretch was covered alongside with lush green flora and fauna. There was a small stream of water flowing next to the road making the trek enjoyable. It was raining most of the time. towards the end there were steps to climb up. It was very tough, but somehow we reached the top and then it started pouring heavily. There was a cave temple, which I visited This is called the Bhairaveswar Peek with a height of 120 meters. Then I saw there were few more steps to go further up, but barefoot. As it was raining heavily I did not go up further and had my darshan there and came back. The peek that was there further is called Mohini Peek and the height of this one is 90 meters. The trek till there was a experience of lifetime. Coming down was fun and enjoyable. It took around 3 hours to complete the trek.

Karthik Ramanathan

45 Followers

View Trip

To reach Yana, one has to pass through Siddhapur and Sirsi. The roads are excellent and we covered the 60km stretch in an hour - ghat roads. Very good lunch at Sirsi - Hotel Madhuvana - recommended for anyone. 60 kms from there we reached Yana caves in 2 hours. Some places, roads were good and some places, no roads - only mud. The forest was so dense and almost rarely could see vehicles - could imagine how dreadful it would be in rains ! We need to walk around 1 km from the parking area to the Yana caves. It appears suddenly amidst the thick forests. Looks like a single rock cave - amazing ! There is a small Vishnu temple beneath and one can go around, climb up and down the Yana cave; though bare-footed. It is treated as a spiritual plan. Elders may find it difficult to walk around. 2 hour drive - roads and no roads, reached Gokarna and took rooms in Hotel Gokarna International. 3rd class rooms and one has to be satisfied as there are very less options. Few beach resorts are available but not budgetary. Internet guided me to Prema restaurant for food ! It is the first shop on the Main Beach - Gokarna. One has to place order and wait 30 mins to get it served; no urgent orders - board hangs ! One is being informed about the waiting time while placing orders - you can get good quality food and nominal price. I was not daring to try other places because it was a family trip - elders and child !