Yana Caves, Gokarna – How to Reach, History, Timings

The Yana Caves are a natural wonder which is situated almost between Sirsi and Kumta dense forests in north Karnataka, Uttara Kannada. This village is famous for its unusual two black rock formations, which are known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara. Yana is considered as one of the wettest villages in the world and the cleanest village in Karnataka, South India. The tall Yana caves stand 390 feet high among the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats and are an ideal spot for pilgrims, trekkers, and nature-lovers.

Yana Caves, Gokarna – How to Reach, History, Timings

The Yana Caves are a group of rock-cut and carved temples built during the 9th and 10th centuries and considered as an excellent instance of rock-cut architecture. These caves stand tall like antique guardians and are created from solid black and crystalline Karst limestones. It’s believed that the history of caves is strongly correlated with the Bhairaveshwara Cave which reverberates with the stories of Hindu God Shiva. 

It is believed that the caves were the hiding place of Lord Shiva, who was being chased by a demon named Bhasmasura. While exploring the caves, locals and tourists believe that the Yana rocks have magnetic properties, and they claim to feel a unique energy. It’s a popular tourist destination for its biodiversity, beauty, spiritual, heritage circuits, religious beliefs and a natural wonder.

How to Reach Yana Caves

Yana being a popular tourist destination, it’s well-connected with some of the major cities and it’s easy to reach the destination if you opt to travel via flight or by road or by train.

By Air:

Hubli Airport (HBX) is the closest plane terminal to Yana which is around 135 Km away. While Mangalore Worldwide Airplane terminal (IXE) offers the best pan India connectivity, is 232 kilometers away. At the airport take a bus or hire a taxi to Yana. Mangalore airport is best opted as it serves both domestic and international flights and is well-associated with all the major cities of India as well as abroad.

By Train:

Kumta Railway Station (KT) is considered as the nearest railway track and is well connected with all the major cities like Bengaluru, Mangalore, Karwar and Madgaon. It’s around 30 kilometers and from the station hire a cab or take a bus.

By Road or By Bus:

Yana has great public transportation and is accessible from Kumta (25Km), Sirsi (40km) and Gokarna (52km) by road from NH 17. From various parts of Karnataka there are numerous KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses running through this route offering an affordable way to travel. One of the best ways to appreciate the magnificence of Yana is to travel by enlisting or self-driving a car through NH 48 from Bengaluru, roughly 470 kms (9 hours) drive by road.

Yana Caves History / Mystery

As per the Hindu mythology, there was a demon king named Bhasmasura. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and offered regular prayers. He then decided to perform severe Thapa Saya by sacrificing all his comforts which made lord Shiva very happy and asked Bhasmasura for any boon he desired. The demon was granted a power that he could turn anyone into ashes when he kept his hand on their head. This immense power made Bhasmasura very arrogant and impatient; he wanted to test his power on Shiva’s head.

Looking at this scenario all the gods went and asked lord Vishnu for his help. Vishnu disguised himself as a beautiful lady named Mohini, an ethereal dance to mesmerize Bhasmasura with her beauty. The demon fell in love with Mohini and asked her to marry him, but Mohini requested him to dance along with her and during the process she tricked him to place his hand on his own head and he burnt himself down. It is believed that the fire emanated during this act was so intense that the limestone formations in the Yana area were blackened. The loose black soil or ash seen around the two large caves in the areas is cited as proof that Bhasmasura’s death produced the ashes.

The two caves were also named after this event. The Bhairaveshwara Shikhara Cave is the taller, 120 meter in height and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. This shikhara holds a large intricately carved Shiva Linga and is surrounded by several other monuments and statues. Few steps down below, The Mohini Shikhara Cave is smaller, 90 meters in height and is dedicated to the goddess Mohini, it’s another avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. The caves are found at the base of these crests, and they have an add up to length of approximately 3 kilometers.

Bhairaveshwara Temple in Yana Caves

Yana rocks can be seen from many places and these eroded rocks form paranormal shapes due to corrosion and have caves inside them due to underwater springs and the rain effect. One such cave is home to the Swayambhu Shiva linga which is centuries old and around this lingam formed the Bhairaveshwara Temple. This temple is situated inside one the caves at the base of the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara, where the linga is worshiped daily with great devotion and water drips on the Shiva Linga from the top of rocks. 

The Shiva Linga is about 3 meters high and 2 meters wide and is covered with a silver mask that has five faces, which represent the five elements of nature. The temple also has a statue of Nandi and every year during the time of Mahashivratri the place is crowded with almost 10 thousand devotees to witness the festival which is celebrated for 10 days. It’s a place rich in culture and considered holy as the Shiva Linga is self-manifested.

Yana Caves Trek and Time Taken to Reach

The trekking journey to Yana Caves is an incredibly lovely and breathtaking experience in the forests of the Western Ghats. The trek starts from Vibhuti village which is around 18 kms from Gokarna. It’s a moderate level trek and it’s around 8 km long, which takes approximately 3 hours to complete. 

This trek is suitable for all age groups and the route is surrounded by scenic views, waterfalls, bridges, wildlife, meadows etc., which makes the trekking more entertaining. All through the walking paths you get to see guides for help and the route is well maintained and marked with sign boards all around.

Best Time to Visit Yana Caves

The best time to visit these Caves is during October to February as the weather is pleasant and cool during the winter season.

Timings and Entry Fee of Yana Caves

Yana Caves are open every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and they charge you 5 Rs as an entry fee. Parking is available at Rs. 40.

Conclusion

Yana is a must visit tourist destination where you get to see the mysterious vibes of the rock formations surrounded by the lush forest of the Western Ghats. Apart from the caves there are a lot to explore like Vibhooti Falls, Mirjan Fort, Sykes Point, Devimane Ghat, Gokarna Beach etc. Its place is filled with a blend of thrills and nature.

Suggested Read: Gokarna Beach Trek