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Yana Trek

Yana

Nearest Towns:

Sirsi,Kumta.

Location info:India->Karnataka->Karwar

Distances:From Bangalore it is 400+km,From Sirsi it is 40km,From Kumta it is 25km
Camping Sites: One can camp at the temple
Trek Length:

Route Info:

It is 25 km from Kumta or can also be approached from Sirsi, which is about 40 km . Sirsi is around 400 Km from Bangalore . From Bangalore you come to Sirsi though Haveri where the major distance of the drive would be on NH4 else from Shimoga route, which is 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)

Best Time To Visit:

 

Worst Time To Visit:

 

Difficulty Level:

Moderate To Difficult

Summary:

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.

After you reach Vaddi Cross, you can continue driving until the road ends 3kms 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.

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.

They are solid composition of black, crystalline limestone. At the base of the Bhairaveshwara shikhara is a cave temple, a natural formation where resides the Lord Shiva . Water drips from the projecting rocks over the linga, and devotees call it Gangodbhava. The cave also has a bronze icon of Chandika, an incarnation of mother Goddess Durga.There is a grand jatra held every year during Shivaratri for 10 days and is attended by around 10,000 people. Devotees are allowed inside the cave only on these days .Infact you are not allowed to walk with the footwear on the whole the Bhairaveshwara shikhara itself is revered and looked upon as Lord Shiva abode. Out of the temple starts out the steps, which lead to the Mohini Shikhara. There is a descent of around 30 to 40 feet.

The surroundings of the temple can be 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.

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.

Things To Look for:

 

Things To Be Aware Of:

 

References

http://www.ourkarnataka.com/states/trek/trekking_yana.htm

Important Phone Numbers :

 

Permission:

Mind this place is very sacred and the priests have to be notified about using the premises for camping.