Yana is a small hill station near Kumta in Uttar Kannada District. It is popular because of the two black crystalline limestone formations named as Bhairaveshwara peak and Mohini peak. Located in the picturesque green background of the Sahyadri Mountains, these peaks are a feast to the eyes of any nature lover.
An Overview of the Region
Yana is also a well known pilgrimage spot during Shivaratri for car festival celebration of lord Bhairaveshwara. The rock hillocks are surrounded by thick forests and water streams; trekking in this part of the Western Ghats is a dream of every adventure lover. The adventure hill station is located at a distance of 25 km from Kumta and 62 km from Karwar.
You will have to trek 3 km to reach these unusually tall rock peaks from the Yana village base and you will have to walk through a steep forest route, which is a biodiversity hotspot of Sahyadri range. The Bhairaveshwara hillock has a 3 m wide passage that leads to a cave, which embodies the self-manifested Shiva Lingam; there is an idol of goddess Parvati in the Mohini. From the overhead roof of the hillock, water trickles on the Shiva Lingam, which looks like the Goddess Ganga emerging out of the Shiva Lingam.
Trekking, Sight Seeing, And Other Activities
Trekking to the black rock formations through the hilly forest of Sahyadri can be a good experience. The way is damp and slippery during the rains and trekking can be a breeze during winter. Photography buffs can try clicking a few snaps of the surrounding beauty.
There are varieties of endangered species of birds and butterflies in this biodiversity hotspot; bird watching in this area can be a beautiful experience. Sightseeing and hiking to the cave temple are popular activities. Yana is a popular rock climbing and nature walking destination.
One must-visit place near Yana is the Vibhooti waterfalls. There are two falls: one is about 25 feet and the other is about 4 feet. The area is heavenly for camping and enjoying a stay in the Sahyadri forest.
Local Information
The nearest town to find accommodation is Kumta, which is 25 km away; staying at Sirsi that is 37 km away is a wise choice as the shortest way to reach Yana is the newly laid road from Sirsi to Yana. You may also choose to take the Janmane ghat or the Devimane Ghat connecting the Sirsi – Kumta road. On the foot of the Devimane Ghat, a mud path ‑ which is about 15 km ‑ takes you to the Yana Village.
The nearest rail facility is available from Kumta and Airport is at Hubli. On the highway, there is a deviation near the Kathagala village midway to Sirsi and Kumta, which is best approachable road. For tourism development and making Yana a National Natural Heritage Site, the local communities, nature preservation groups, and government have taken lot of valuable steps.
The Sleepy Yana village has a rustic look that allures the tourists and the nature lovers alike. Its old world charm of the mud roads, nature walking and fresh air, chirping of birds, and the mushroom-like pack of smoky little huts makes it a must-visit Karnataka hill station.
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