Yana is a popular trekking, rock-climbing and adventure destination located about 45 Kms from Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district (Karwar) of Karnataka state.

But actually, Yana is a pigrimage spot with the Bhairaveshwara temple as the main attraction here.

In the past, Yana was a difficult place to reach which is in the lap of Western Ghats.

Now things have improved and one finds good motorable roads, hotels etc.

Of late, a lot of commercialization has taken place here slowly robbing the natural beauty of this place.

Still, it is a popular spot with people looking  for something different other than just visiting  the beach at Gokarna or  the temple at Murdeshwar or other places around Karwar.

Along with Dandeli, which is know for its white water rafting, Yana is a must-visit adventure hang-out in Karnataka 

How to reach 

Yana is situated in the lush evergreen forests of the Sahyadri Range of Mountains. It is 25 km from Kumta or can also be approached from Sirsi, which is about 40 kms. Sirsi is around 400 Km from Bangalore.

From Bangalore you have to come to Sirsi though Haveri traveling on NH4. Alternatively, you can reach here from Shimoga on the Bangalore-Honnavar highway.

Jeeps are avialable from Kumta and Sirsi. Enquire with the Jeep guys if you also want a guide (which is a good idea)

Brief Trekking Guide 

To Start 

After you reach Vaddi Cross, you can continue driving until the road ends 3 kms from Yana. You start the trek at this point .The entire mountain ranges are covered with thick green vegetation. There is well-defined path from here to the Yana used by devotees and trekkers.  

The two giant peaks of Yana 

As you reach Yana, there are two mighty limestone peaks; These are the  Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara peaks of the Sahayadri range in the Western Ghats.

The Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is 120 Mts and the smaller Mohini Shikara is 90 Mts from base.  

Cave temple at Bhairaveshwara

At the base of the Bhairaveshwara peak, is a cave which houses a temple for Lord Shiva locally known here as Bhairaveshwara.

Water from the limestone caves, constantly falls on the lingam (idol of Shiva) forming a stream and later joining the river Aganashini.

There is also a goddess, Chandika, that is worshipped in this cave temple.During Shivarathri (during February and March) a festival is held for about 10 days which sees devotees numbering about 20,000.

Mohini Shikara - the best looking of the two peaks

The surroundings of the temple can used to refresh yourself with snacks and liquids. From the temple, As you climb down 30 to 40 feet, you reach Mohini Shikhara and the Goddess Parvati Temple there.

There are many caves here and are inhabited by bats. The limestone formations in side the caves are as unique as there are ancient. Some of these formation are believed to be millions of years old.

Exploring the Caves, rock climbing and camping

If you are a new climber it might be difficult to negotiate the rocks, so be cautious. Many caves are present amongst these rocks and are a very good place for camping.

It is a delight to discover the caves climbing up and down.  The  topography at night here is difficult to explore and it is best if you camp somwhere (in the caves or at the base of the temple). 

This place has facilities for toilet and water. Refresh and then start trekking to see the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara.

There is a well charted route to see the peak which goes around the Shiva Temple at the base. You need to take a short climb and arrive at a huge cave. From that spot, you can see the Yana forest below. Climb a little more to see the peak.

Going back 

After visiting the Bhairaveshwara Shikara, you can trek back 3 kms to catch your transport. Travel down the valley (the ride is bumpy) and the road ends about 2 kms before the waterfalls.

Just trek the distance to reach the beautiful spot where the Vibhuti falls offers a visual treat amidst the greenery. After this, you can trek back to your vehicle and harp on the return journey.

(Photos Credit - lavannya)

Go back to sightseeing spots around Karwar

or See more nature-oriented spots in nearby Shimoga

or explore more destinations in Karnataka