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!