Yana

Summary

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.

Location info

• 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:

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Yana

October to February is ideal — cool temperatures, clear skies, and dry trails. March-May is hot but doable for early morning treks. June-September (monsoon) is for experienced trekkers — slippery trails but lush green landscapes.

How to reach Yana

Yana is accessible from the nearest town via road. The trek starting point is typically 30-60 minutes from the nearest town by local transport. Karnataka is well-connected by air (Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore, Mangalore International Airport, Hubli Airport), rail (extensive network with major junctions at Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Mangalore), and road (NH 44, NH 48, NH 75, NH 66). State buses (KSRTC) and private operators connect all towns regularly.

Timings & opening hours

Start trek early morning, ideally by 6:00-7:00 AM. Treks typically take 3-6 hours depending on route and fitness level. Descend before dark (by 5:00-6:00 PM). Night trekking requires guide and permits.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee of INR 20-100 per person for forest areas. Some treks in wildlife sanctuaries or national parks require permit fees of INR 200-500. Guide fees (mandatory for certain forest treks): INR 500-1500 per group.

Duration needed

Half day (3-5 hours) for moderate treks. Full day (6-8 hours) for challenging treks. Overnight camping treks are available at select locations.

Safety tips

Never trek alone — always go with a group or guide. Carry sufficient water (3-4 litres per person). Inform someone about your trek plan and expected return time. Mobile network is unavailable in many forest areas. Watch for wildlife (elephants, gaur, leopards) in forest areas. Avoid trekking during heavy rain.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Carry minimum 3 litres of water per person, energy bars/snacks, first-aid kit, whistle, torch/headlamp with extra batteries, multi-tool, rain poncho, dry-fit clothing, extra socks, and a basic survival kit.

Nearby visiting places

Other trekking peaks, waterfalls, valleys, viewpoints, wildlife sanctuaries, coffee estates, and pilgrimage sites in the surrounding forest area.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station in the district headquarters town. Nearest airport: typically Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore or Mangalore International Airport. Local buses and taxis connect to the trek base point.

History of Yana

Yana is a popular trekking destination in Karnataka, located in the Western Ghats mountain range. The Western Ghats are one of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with forests that are millions of years old. Karnataka’s trekking trails range from gentle hills to challenging peaks reaching 1,800+ metres, offering trekkers a chance to experience pristine tropical forests, waterfalls, and panoramic views.

Things to do at Yana

Trekking through forest trails, reaching summit viewpoints for panoramic vistas, birdwatching and wildlife spotting, photography, camping overnight at designated sites, and stream/river crossings during the trek.

Things to visit & highlights

Summit viewpoints, dense forests, mountain streams and waterfalls, rock formations, valley views, coffee and spice plantations at the foothills, and biodiversity hotspots along the trail.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How difficult is the trek at Yana? A: Difficulty varies from easy to moderate. Check locally for current trail conditions. Q: Do I need a guide? A: A guide is recommended for first-time visitors and mandatory for certain forest treks. Q: What fitness level is required? A: Moderate fitness is sufficient for most treks. Regular walking exercise helps prepare.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Trekking

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Yana

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Yana on popular travel photography sites and social media.