India has everything from mountains and valleys to beaches and plains. Caves in India are one of the most thrilling natural marvels. Natural caves intrigue tourists and mesmerise them with their unmatchable beauty. Yana Caves is one such set of natural Caves that are now becoming a popular tourist destination for many thrill-seekers.
The Yana Caves were not very well known among cave explorers or adventure enthusiasts up until a few years ago. However, the place has now gained a lot of interest from tourists who want to see these awe-inspiring structures of limestone. These caves are hidden beneath huge towers of limestone, which stand several metres above the plains around them.
How to reach Yana Caves?
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The Yana Caves can be reached in several ways, depending on your location. You can travel to this destination from any part of the world since it is easily accessible by many transport systems.
By air:– To reach the Yana Caves, you can travel to Mangalore by air. The Mangalore airport is both a domestic and international terminal with numerous flights operating here daily. A drive of under 5 hours will take you directly to Yana caves.
By rail:– The Kumta railway station is the nearest railhead near Yana Caves. Tourists can take direct or connecting trains to this station from various parts of India. Regular trains from Bangalore are also readily available to this destination. From Kumta railway station, Yana Caves are only about 25 km away.
By road:– Tourists travelling to Yana by road can start from Bangalore via Sirsi and travel for a distance of 410 kilometres by National Highway 4. NH 17 highway is the best connector to Yana from the villages of Kumta and Sisri. You can also take this same highway to reach Yana from Gokarna and Mangalore.
Where are Yana Caves located?
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The Yana Caves are located in the Uttara Kannada district of the Indian state of Karnataka. Nestled between the quiet forests of Sirsi, these unique limestone caves rest on the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats. Yana also happens to be the cleanest village in Karnataka, with untouched natural beauty.
These limestone caves are located away from the densely populated areas of the Yana village, where people have their houses. A short trek of about half a kilometre will take you to the base of these rock formations. The trek will take you through densely forested areas, and one has to climb about 300 steps to reach the base of the formations.
The Yana caves are completely made of solid black, crystalline karst limestone. The entire area has two towering rock outcrops named Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is 120 metres (390 ft) in height, while the Mohini Shikhara, which is smaller, is 90 metres (300 ft) in height. Additionally, there is a small Shiva temple located at the base of these formations.
Things to explore near Yana Caves
Since Yana Caves are not very well-known to tourists, many travellers have inadequate information about the place. Here we will talk about these beautiful caves and provide you with all the information required.
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Swayambhu Temple, Yana
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The Swayambhu Temple is located at the base of Bhairaveshwara Shikhara in Yana Caves. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site, with many devotees trekking here to pay their respects to the Shivalinga.
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Vibhuti Falls
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Vibhuti Falls is situated in Achave Gram panchayat area of Uttara Kannada in Karnataka. The word “Vibhuti” means limestone. The falls is fed by the waters from the limestone rocks near Yana. The waterfall is located around 10 km away from Yana caves and can be reached by foot.
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Mirjan Fort
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The Mirjan Fort is located approximately 28 km away from Yana Caves. This is a very popular tourist spot near Yana and is easily accessible by Yana Road. The ruins of the old Fort are open to all tourists, and you can explore the premises at ease. The first was built in the 16th century, and parts of it are still well preserved.
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Gokarna
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Gokarna is a beach town located within 50 km of Yana caves. You can reach this destination via NH 66 and Yana Road and stay over at the many hotels available nearby. The beautiful and clean beaches of Gokarna are a top tourist attraction, along with its temples and churches.
Things to remember when visiting Yana Caves
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When visiting the Yana Caves, you need to be extra careful to avoid unfortunate accidents. The trek may seem very short, but it’s not really suitable for everyone. Additionally, the caves are surrounded by thick forests on all sides. It will be easy to get hurt if you are not prepared beforehand and have all the necessary information handy.
When visiting Yana caves, here are a few things that you should keep in mind:-
- The trek to the caves and navigating through them is rather difficult. Therefore, it is not suitable for elderly or injured people to make the trip.
- Yana is a rather small village and the caves stay hidden away in forests. Therefore, you need to carry a small first aid kit and medicines so that you can secure any injury before help arrives.
- There are no shops located near the caves, so tourists are advised to bring water and stay hydrated throughout their expedition.
- The path to the caves is a market, and you should avoid deviating from it. The thick forests around might make you lose your way and get stranded with no one to guide you.
- The forests around Yana place are infested with leeches, so you should take proper precautions. Avoid going in the rainy season.
- Don’t plan to stay after dark as there the forests are filled with predatory animals and reptiles.
- Make sure your vehicle has good fuel because petrol pumps are not available nearby. Additionally, there are network connectivity issues in the area, so always travel in groups and stay close to each other.
Where to stay near Yana Caves?
There are not many places to stay in Yana. Therefore, tourists may either choose to spend their nights at Sirsi or Kumta, depending on their preference. Both these villages have many hotels and resorts to help you relax after your Cave exploration and expedition. You can choose a place to stay depending on your budget and requirements.
Although there are no luxury hotels in the area, many budget and moderately priced hotels are in the vicinity. You can spend your leisure hours at your resort lounging away in the garden and surrounded by peaceful forests all around. You may also get group discounts if you travel with friends and family.
Remember to book your day in advance, so you don’t have to look for hotels in case your favourite one is sold out. In peak season, always ring the hotel help desk for information on availability and other formalities.
FAQs
How many days are enough to explore Yana caves?
You will need one day to explore Yana caves. However, it is better to have an itinerary of two days to explore the nearby places too.
Are Yana Caves worth visiting?
The Yana Caves are definitely worth visiting because the majestic caves around the two towering limestone hills are truly an example of natural beauty.
Which is the best time to visit Yana Caves?
The best time to visit the Yana Caves is in March-May and November-February.
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