Yana- Nature’s wonder, Trekkers’ paradise

Sokkidre Yana,Kasidre Gokarna …..

As the above local proverb says, if you are adventurer you must visit yana once. Yana is a village located in forests of the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India which is known for the unusual rock formations (Karst) or (Asteroid). It is located in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats,The two unique rock outcrops near the village are a tourist attraction and easily approachable by a small trek through 0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi) of thick forests from the nearest road head.

Yana- nature’s wonder- 40kms from Sirsi and 30kms from Kumta in Uttara Kannada district, located near the river Chandrika, is encircled by thickly wooded forest. It is known for two gigantic rock formations of a height of 90 meters and 120 meters respectively called the Mohini Shikhara (hill) and the Bhairaveshwar Shikhara. The needle sharp peaks of these two monoliths Jab the sky.

It is a trekker’s paradise. One can eliminate his fatigue by bathing in the Beautiful cascades of Chandrika rivulet coming down the hills. Bhairaveshwara temple, Bhairaveshwara shikhara and a cave inside the rock formations are Added attractions.

Bhairaveshwara Shikhara(hill)

These two shikharas are the ones, which have made Yana distinct from other regions in the Sahyadri range and have captured the imagination of Generations of people. The place is also considered a biodiversity hotspot of the Sahyadri hill range.

Deep within the verdant forests and roving streams, Yana is a popular Paradise for hikers, rock-climbing and as adventure destination. Devotees and pilgrims flock here to worship Lord Bhairaveshwara (Shiva), especially on Mahashivaratri day with a belief that ritual worship of Lord Shiva here absolve them of past sins and they are blessed with Moksha (salvation).

The pilgrimage centre has a cave temple below the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara where a Swayambhu (self existent) Shivalinga.Water drips from the rock roof over the Shivalinga, adding to the sanctity of the place.

The creation of the Shivalinga in the cave is attributed by scientists to the geological phenomenon formed by the stalactites and stalagmites in limestone formations. The Geological Survey of India confirmed that rock formations in the area have rich minerals such as limestone, manganese and iron.

Yana has mythological significance as well. The legend links this place with mythological episode of demon king Bhasmasura chasing Lord Shiva to test the power of a boon (given by Shiva himself) by which the former can turn anything to ashes by touching with his hand. While episode ends with Mohini causing Bhasmasura touch his own head and perish, it is believed that the lime stone formation in Yana were blackened due to the fire that emanated during the end of Bhasmasura. The loose black soil seen around the  two large rock formations in the area is cited as the ash of the demon’s death.

Mohini Shikhara(hill)

The two hillocks are also named for this event- the tall peak being Shiva’s hill, and the smaller peak, a few steps down below, being Mohini’s hills where an idol of goddess Parvathi is installed.

The vagaries of time have caused limestone structures to turn blackish brown. A plethora of beehives is an added attraction to the rock surface.

There are two ways you can get there, Route-1, Take a bus from Sirsi which goes to mattighatta,devanalli via hegadekatta.Get down at a stop called “vaddi cross” and walk 6+kms from there. Route-2.Take a bus either from sirsi or kumta get down at a place called Anegundi near Kathagaal. This place is after the Devimane ghats if you are coming from Sirsi.

From here it is around 16kms walk. You can hire a jeep in sirsi. Best season to visit is between December to February. Better if you take a local guide from Hegdekatta or Devenahalli.

Travel Tips:

1.Connectivity:

Yana is 18kms from NH 17. One can reach Yana by taking a deviation from NH 17 between Ankola and Kumta. The road is metallic except the tail end of 1km.

The other approach is from Sirsi to Mattighatta road, take deviation at Vaddi cross.

The road is metallic Only tail end portion is unmetalled.

2.Food: It is better to carry food and beverages as no eating joints are available.

3.Accommodation: Hotel accommodations are available at Sirsi and Kumta

4.TIME TO VISIT. From November to April end.

5.Green Request.

Keep the environment clean, don’t throw bottles, plastics and other waste.Be a friend of Nature- Keep harmony with nature.

Distance:

From Bangalore 460 kms

From Nearest Town 45 kms (Sirsi)

From Nearest Petrol Bunk 26 kms (Sirsi, kumta)

Nearest Medical Help-20kms (Hegadekatta PHC)

Nearest Hotel-50kms (Sirsi, Kumta)

Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaana

Nearby cities: Sirsi, Yellapur, Hangal

Coordinates:   14°35’22”N   74°33’59”E