A beautiful trekking place around Red Earth, our resort in Gokarna is the Yana caves. Located in the Sahyadri Range of the Western ghats in the tropical forests of the Sirsi and Kumta Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, is the serene village called Yana, which is known for the unusual karst rock formations. There are two unique rock outcrops near the village that are a tourist attraction and approachable by a small trek through of thick forests from the nearest road head.
It is one of the wettest villages in the world, the cleanest village in Karnataka, and the second cleanest village in India.
With a beautiful trekking trail surrounded by lush green forest, gripping scenic beauty of the landscape, a flowing river on one side, beautiful rock caves, a variety of butterflies and birds, along with the regional flora and fauna, you will enjoy each moment even if you are trekking alone. The area around the Yana caves is mesmerizing, with mountains all around, a few waterfalls nearby, and one-of-a-kind rock formations. The black color of the rocks is the most striking feature of the cave, however, the natural forces that created such a beautiful, natural structure is equally awe-inspiring. If you are an adventure lover and enjoy trekking, go on a trip to the Yana caves while staying at Red Earth, our resort in Gokarna. You will love the place and we promise you will fall short of words to describe the feeling of the place.
The caves are formed of karst limestone, well-known for its unique structure and pattern of formation is pitch black in color. Right in the middle of the forest, the gigantic rocks stand at a height of 390 ft. The humongous rocks have two distinct peaks, the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara which is the tallest peak, and the Mohini Shikhara. The landscape of the village is quite rocky like the other parts of Western Ghats. The contrast of the magnificent black caves against the lush green trees in the forest is an absolute delight to watch and soak it in yourself.
According to Hindu mythology, Yana is associated with an event in the life of the Asura king (demon king) Bhasmasura. Bhasmasura, by severe penance, obtained a boon from Lord Shiva. This boon made it so that when Bhasmasura placed his hand over anyone’s head, he would burn them up into ashes. It is narrated that, in order to test his powers, Bhasmasura wanted to place his hands on his deity Lord Shiva’s head. He chased Shiva, which unnerved Shiva and prompted him to move from his heavenly abode to earth to seek the help of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu transformed himself taking the form of a beautiful damsel named Mohini to help Shiva, who enticed Bhasmasura with her beauty. Bhasmsura was quite infatuated by Mohini and agreed to a challenge of a dance competition with her.
During the dance competition, Mohini cleverly performed a dance pose with a hand overhead. Without realizing the gravity of this act, the demon king also placed his hand over his head and died by the fire of his own hands, and was converted into ashes. It is believed that the fire that 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 rock formations in the area are cited as proof of the legend by devotees who see them as due to the fire and that ashes produced by Bhasmasura’s death. The two hillocks are also named for this event: the tall peak being Bhairaveshwara Shikhara (“Shiva’s hill”), and the smaller peak, a few steps down below, being Mohini Shikhara (“Mohini’s hill”) where an idol of goddess Parvati is installed. There are also several other small caves nearby. There is also a Ganesha temple below the. During the Shivratri celebration, a lot of Shiva devotees visit the place and take blessings.
- Trek Itinerary from Red Earth, our resort in Gokarna:
- Reach Sirsi base a night before trekking by a four-wheeler or two-wheeler.
- Wake up to the morning breeze and mesmerizing view of the surrounding.
- Begin your expedition to the Yana caves.
- Witness the limestone rock formations and black karst structure.
- Leave to visit Lushington Falls / Hunchalli Falls and sit in peace.
Return to Sirsi, enjoy some Tea and snacks, explore the nearby areas and visit Shri Marikamba temple if time permits.
Visit the Sonda Vadiraja Mutt followed by a visit to the Sahsra Linga River.
Enjoy the relaxed evening at the Apsarakonda waterfalls. For beach persons, Apsarakonda beach is the perfect destination to end the trek.
Yana cave is one of the most beautiful trekking places near Red Earth, our resort in Gokarna. Make sure you visit the place at least once to sink in the beauty of the place. The pictures do no justice to the beauty of the place. Yana Caves is a complete treat, mesmerizing geography combined with an amazing history. Do not miss this extraordinary spot while visiting Gokarna.
