Updated the article on June 20th with Mythology
Limestone rocks, a hiking trail, beautiful scenery and lush backdrops compose Yana Rocks. These rocks lie close to the village of Yana in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.
They are home to an epic trail of limestone formations and black karst structures that make for the perfect weekend getaway from the neighboring cities of Karnataka.
There is so much to do and explore in Yana rocks that one could easily spend 2 days of hiking and sight-seeing. Black limestone rock formations form the backdrop of this area.
There are two main hillocks, namely- the Mohini Shikhara at 90 metres and the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara at an elevation of 120 metres.
The famous legend about Yana rocks
Set in the forest of Kumta in Uttara Kannada, the village of Yana is known for unusual karst rock formations. The two most famous formations are known as the Mohini Shikhara and the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara.
Yana is also the cleanest village in Karnataka and one of the wettest villages in the state. The unique rock formation is easily approachable after a short trek through dense, green forests.
Below the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is a cave temple with a self-manifested linga.
The Karst rock formations
The karst rock formations are enveloped by dense forests in the Sahyadri hill range. There are over 60 limestone rock formations in the area of which 2 are notable.
The Bhairaveshwara Shikhara named after Lord Shiva is 390 feet high while the Mohini Shikhara named after Mohini, an avatar of Lord Vishnu is 300 feet tall. Karst refers to soluble rock formations made up of dolomite, limestone and gypsum.
Below the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is a 9.8 foot tall opening in the rock that leads to a cave. The cave houses a bronze statue of Chandika and a self-manifested Shiva Linga over which water drips down from the roof of the cave.
This water emerges as the Chandihole, a small stream that merges with the Aghanashini river.
Mythology
According to Hindu mythology, this place is linked to an event in the life of the demon king Bhasmasura. Bhasmasura was given a boon by Lord Shiva that if he were to place his hand over anyone, the person would burn up and turn to ashes.
He wanted to test his powers by placing his hands on Lord Shiva’s head and chased him to do this. Shiva sought the help of Lord Vishnu. In response, Vishnu transformed himself into a beautiful woman called Mohini.
Mohini challenged Bhasmasura to a dance competition and fooled him into placing his hand on his own head. He was then turned to ashes. The heat from this event was so intense that it blackened the nearby limestone formations.
Things to do and see at Yana rocks
There is a lot to see and do in and around the place. Some of the places and activities you just cannot miss include:
Yana Caves
The caves of Yana are worth a visit. They share a close proximity to the Sahyadri Range and are about 3 meters in depth. The caves contain a special element – a self-made Shiv Ling that is present in the Gangodbhava Temple. Yana caves can be accessed during the trek and showcase beautiful hills and waterfalls from the access points.
Mahashivratri
This is a huge festival in South India, and more so in Yana. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and tourists flock here in huge numbers to pay respect to the Lord and seek his blessings.
Sirsi
Sirsi is barely 50 odd kilometers from Yana. It is known for its tourist attractions such as Sahasralinga, Unchalli Falls, Shivagange Falls, Benne Hole Falls and Gudavi Bird Sanctuary besides the famous temples of Marikamba, Banavasi and Shri Subrahmanya Temple.
Mirjan Fort
Mirjan Fort is the spot where several battles were lost and won earlier in Karnataka. It lies towards the west coast of the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The fort is known for its architectural beauty. You must not miss out the watchtower, the deep well and prayer hall amidst the ruins.
Vibhooti Falls
These 30 feet falls offer spectacular views of the bamboo forests and mangroves they are nestled in. The path leading to it is very narrow and special care must be taken not to damage the natural surroundings. If you are lucky, you will be able to spot quite a few wild animals.
Trekking
The hiking trail along the rocks is marked quite well. Thus, there is no need to really hire a guide unless you are very comfortable doing so. Trekking routes begin with a well-paved trail and staircase leading above. It later opens out to crests and troughs of the plantation and natural terrain. You could start the trek from any one of the two sides – Sirsi or Kumta. The route from Sirsi is relatively easy as compared to the one from Kumta.
The hike takes at least half a day or about 6 hours or so in total. Gear up with some snacks, water, and sunscreen and get ready to brave the walk. You will encounter different species of snakes and reptiles. Be mindful of leeches. Closer to the monsoon season, their numbers seem to multiply. Carry a bag of salt with you to apply on leech-struck patches of your skin to wean them off. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon months and head there soon after the rain spree is over.
How to Reach Yana Rocks
By Air
The closest airport to Yana Hills is Mangalore Airport at 262 kilometers. The second closest is Kempegowda International Airport of Bangalore at 463 kilometers.
By Train
To travel by rail, board the train from Hubli Railway Station or from Bangalore to reach Kumta Station. From there, take a bus or taxi to reach the village of Yana.
By Road
It lies 55 kilometers from Sirsi and 30 kilometers if you’re coming from Kumta. You could take the local bus from Bangalore or hop onto one that plies between Kumta and Yana. They might not be very frequent, so make sure you check the timings in advance. In case you’re heading from Dharwad, it lies 182 kilometers away.