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Thursday, January 09, 2020

Yana rocks and caves: magical place in the forests of karnataka.

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Offbeat Karnataka: Exploring Yana village and its rocky attractions

Precious Rongmei Precious Rongmei / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL GUIDE , KARNATAKA / Created : Jun 28, 2022, 10:20 IST

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A quaint village sits in forests shared by the towns of Sirsi and Kumta in the Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. It lies in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, known for its greenery and the proverbial precipitation for the m … Read more

Offbeat Karnataka: Exploring Yana village and its rocky attractions

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Yana, Gokarna Overview

In the Sahyadri Hills of North Karnataka, Yana is a quaint Hill Station with a beauty that casts a spell and hills to appeal to the direst trekkers. Tucked in between one of the richest biodiversity centres of the world, Yana is a small hill station with immense beauty enough to captivate any soul that lays eyes on it. A small village located just 140 km from Hubli; Yana caves is famous as a centre of adventure, wildlife and religion hence proving to be the perfect getaway destination.

Blessed with the ever-enchanting greenery and freshness of the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats, Yana is a hill station famous for housing two giant natural Limestone monoliths which attracts pilgrims in thousands every year. The Bhairaveshwara Peak and Mohini Peak are said to hold religious importance representing Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati respectively. Coupled with religious importance, it is also a great place to trek and bird watch. A trek to the twin peaks involves a very steep 3 km long trek which is at its worst slippery and it 's best breezy. The Yana village which symbolizes the rustic Indian rural life with mud roads, mushroom-like huts and a laid-back lifestyle allows you to get a glimpse of life in the Western Ghats.

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Explore Yana

Plan Your Trip to Yana: Best of Yana Tourism

Essential yana.

🗓 Best Time To Visit: October to March

⏰ Open Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

🏞 Things To Do: Trekking, Exploring caves, Photography

💰 Entry Fees: Free

🧳 Traveller Types: Adventurers, Nature Lovers, Photographers

📍 Known For: Limestone rock formations, Natural caves

🚉 Distances: From Gokarna - 48km, From Goa Airport - 162km, From Kumta Railway Station - 24km

👟 Trek Difficulty: Moderate

📌 Tips: Carry water and wear comfortable shoes for trekking

🚫 Restrictions: No littering, Smoking and Alcohol are prohibited

📱 Connectivity: Limited mobile network coverage

Are you looking for a unique and adventurous place to visit in Karnataka? If yes, then you should definitely check out Yana Caves, a natural wonder that will leave you spellbound. Yana Caves are a pair of massive limestone formations that rise from the dense forests of the Western Ghats. They are located near the coastal town of Gokarna, which is famous for its beaches and temples.

Yana Caves are not only a geological marvel, but also a sacred site that has a fascinating legend behind it. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Yana Caves, including their history, legend, trekking route, temple, and view from the top. Read on to discover why Yana Caves are a must-visit destination in Gokarna.

History and Legend of Yana Caves

Yana Caves are formed by the erosion of black crystalline karst, which is a type of limestone that contains carbon. The caves and rocks have been shaped by the action of water and wind over millions of years. The result is a stunning sight of two towering peaks that stand out from the green landscape. The peaks are named Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara, and they are about 120 meters and 90 meters high respectively. The caves are located at the base of these peaks, and they have a total length of about 3 kilometers.

The name Yana comes from the Sanskrit word Yantra, which means a machine or device. According to Hindu mythology, Yana Caves were the hiding place of Lord Shiva, who was chased by a demon named Bhasmasura. Bhasmasura had obtained a boon from Lord Shiva that he could turn anyone into ashes by touching their head. He wanted to test his power on Lord Shiva himself, and thus he followed him everywhere.

Lord Shiva ran away from Bhasmasura and reached Yana Caves, where he disguised himself as a rock. Lord Vishnu came to his rescue and took the form of Mohini, a beautiful woman who enchanted Bhasmasura. She lured him to dance with her, and made him touch his own head as a gesture. As soon as he did that, he turned into ashes and died. The ashes of Bhasmasura became the black rocks of Yana, and the rock that Lord Shiva hid in became the Shiva Linga, a symbol of his presence. A temple was built around the Shiva Linga inside one of the caves, and it is still worshipped by devotees today.

The legend of Yana Caves is not only an interesting story, but also a lesson on how greed and arrogance can lead to one’s downfall. It also shows how Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are different aspects of the same supreme reality, and how they work together to protect the world from evil.

Trekking to Yana Caves

One of the best ways to experience Yana Caves is by trekking to them through the lush forests of the Western Ghats. The trekking route to Yana Caves starts from a village called Vibhuti, which is about 18 kilometers from Gokarna. The trek is about 8 kilometers long, and it takes about 3 hours to complete. The difficulty level is moderate, and it is suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.

The trekking route to Yana Caves is full of scenic views and attractions that will make your journey more enjoyable. You will pass by waterfalls, streams, bridges, meadows, and wildlife along the way. You will also get to see different types of flora and fauna, such as orchids, ferns, butterflies, birds, monkeys, deer, etc. The trekking route is well marked and maintained, and there are signboards and guides to help you along the way.

Yana Temple and Maha Shivaratri Celebration

Yana Temple is located inside one of the caves at the base of Bhairaveshwara Shikhara . It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to have hidden there from Bhasmasura. The temple houses a Shiva Linga that is about 3 meters high and 2 meters wide. The Shiva Linga is covered with a silver mask that has five faces, representing the five elements of nature. The temple also has a statue of Nandi, the bull that serves as Lord Shiva’s vehicle.

Yana Temple is a sacred and important site for the local people and pilgrims who visit it throughout the year. The temple is especially crowded during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated in the month of February or March. Maha Shivaratri is the night when Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is also the night when he married Goddess Parvati, his consort.

During Maha Shivaratri, devotees flock to Yana Temple to offer prayers, light lamps, chant mantras, and perform rituals to Lord Shiva. They also observe a fast and stay awake all night to seek his blessings. The temple is decorated with flowers, lights, and flags, and the atmosphere is filled with devotion and joy. The festival is a grand celebration of the power and grace of Lord Shiva, and it is a unique experience to witness it at Yana Temple.

View from the Top of Yana Hills

Another attraction of Yana Caves is the panoramic view from the top of Yana Hills. The view from the top offers a stunning sight of the surrounding landscape, which includes the forests, valleys, rivers, and villages. You can also see the Arabian Sea in the distance, and the sun setting over it.

The best time to visit Yana Caves and Rocks for enjoying the view from the top is during the winter or monsoon season, when the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear. You can also visit during the early morning or evening hours, when the light is soft and beautiful.

How To Reach Yana Caves

The best way to reach Yana Caves depends on your starting point and your preferred mode of transportation. Here are some possible options:

You can fly to Mangalore , which is the nearest airport to Yana Caves. It is both a domestic and international terminal with numerous flights operating daily. From Mangalore, you can hire a car or take a bus to Yana Caves. The drive will take about 5 hours.

You can take a train to Kumta , which is the nearest railway station to Yana Caves. It is well connected to major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Goa, etc. From Kumta, you can hire a car or take a bus to Yana Caves. The drive will take about an hour.

You can drive to Yana Caves from any nearby city or town. The roads are well paved and maintained, and the scenery is beautiful. You can follow the AH45 and NH167 highways to reach Yana Caves.

Entry Fee & Timings

To enter the Yana caves, you need to pay Rs. 5 as an entry fee and Rs. 40 as a parking fee. The caves are open for visitors from 8 am to 6 pm .

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Yana Caves is during the months of September to February . This is because the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear during this period.

You can avoid the monsoon season, which is from June to August, as the forests can be dangerous and the caves hard to trek. You can also enjoy the festival of Maha Shivaratri , which is celebrated in February or March at the Yana Temple.

Other Tourist Attractions Near Yana Caves

Some other tourist attractions near Yana Caves are:

Vibhooti Falls:

This is a beautiful jungle waterfall with a swimming pool. It is about 2 kilometers from Yana Caves, and it is a popular spot for picnics and swimming.

Magod Falls:

This is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Uttara Kannada. It is about 40 kilometers from Yana Caves, and it offers a spectacular view of the Bedti river plunging from a height of 200 meters.

Sathodi Falls:

This is Karnataka’s prettiest jungle waterfall. It is about 50 kilometers from Yana Caves, and it is formed by several streams cascading over rocks and forming a pool.

Shivapura Hanging Bridge:

This is a suspension bridge on the Kali river. It is about 60 kilometers from Yana Caves, and it connects the villages of Shivapura and Mundgod. It is a scenic and adventurous place to visit.

Yana Caves are a spectacular sightseeing destination in Gokarna that offer a unique and adventurous experience. They are a natural wonder that have a fascinating history and legend behind them.

They are also a sacred site that have a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. They are also a trekking destination that have a scenic route and attractions along the way. They are also a viewpoint that have a panoramic view from the top.

Also check out: Lost In The Forest With No Network: Exploring Yana Caves

Yana Caves are a must-visit destination in Gokarna for anyone who loves nature, culture, and adventure. They are a place where you can discover, explore, and enjoy yourself. They are a place where you can create unforgettable memories.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article about Yana Caves in Gokarna, Karnataka, India. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who may be interested in visiting this amazing place. Happy travels!

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Yana Rock Caves – Mesmerizing, Breathtaking Mountains & Cave Temple in Karnataka, India

Yana Rock Caves Mesmerizing, Breathtaking Mountains & Cave Temple in Karnataka, India

Yana Rock Caves and Trekking – Yana is a village located in forests of the Kumta, Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka . Yana village in the Sahyadri mountain ranges is known for unique rock formations. These rock formations (limestone) are found in the forests of North Karnataka. Yana in Karnataka is a tourist as well as a Hindu pilgrimage site; the cave temple below Bhairaveshwara Shikhara has a self-manifested Linga (Shiva). Interestingly, the Shiva Linga is always drenched by the water dripping from the roof of the cave. Yana rocks surrounded by thick forests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka.

History According to the Hindu mythology, there was a demon king with the name as Bhasmasura. By austere penance, Bhasmasura was able to make lord Shiva very happy. So lord Shiva asked Bhasmasura to ask him for a boon. So Bhasmasura obtained a boon from lord Shiva when he will place his hand over any one’s head, he would burn them up and turn them into ashes (Bhasma). Now with the boon, Bhasmasura got excited and to test his powers, he thought of testing the power with Shiva’s head. So he began running after Shiva while lord Shiva began escaping from him.

Looking at this scenario, there was a hue and cry in the heaven and all the Gods went to lord Vishnu who is said to be the Guru who can resolve all the problems. So to protect lord Shiva, lord Vishnu turned himself up into a beautiful damsel (Mohini) to entice Bhasmasura with her beauty. Bhasmsura was quite infatuated by Mohini and asked Mohini to marry him. But Mohini put up a challenge before him that he had to do some dance before her. The dance steps involved putting the hand on his own head. Infatuated, Bhasmasura, began dancing. Without realizing, he put his hands on his own head and he burnt himself down.

karnataka tourism yana trekking and caves

According to Hindu Mythology, that’s why rocks near Yana are so black .The two hillocks are also named for this event: the tall peak being Bhairaveshwara Shikhara (“Shiva’s hill”), and the smaller peak, a few steps down below, being Mohini Shikhara (“Mohini’s hill”) where an idol of goddess Parvathi is installed.

There are several trek routes to these majestic Karst limestone formations. The Bhairaveshwara Shikara is bigger than Mohini Shikhara and the cave inside it also has a bronze statue of goddess ‘Chandika’ (Durga). The place is also related to the legend of the Bhasmasura and Lord Shiva.

Watch Yana Rock Cave & Trekking Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afJIL2aZiw0

Trekking to Yana Rock Caves

Trekking routes begin with a well-paved trail and staircase leading above. It later opens out to crests and troughs of the plantation and natural terrain. You could start the trek from any one of the two sides – Sirsi or Kumta. The route from Sirsi is relatively easy as compared to the one from Kumta.

The hike takes at least half a day or about 6 hours or so in total. Gear up with some snacks, water, and sunscreen and get ready to brave the walk. You will encounter different species of snakes and reptiles. Be mindful of leeches. Closer to the monsoon season, their numbers seem to multiply. Carry a bag of salt with you to apply on leech-struck patches of your skin to wean them off. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon months and head there soon after the rain spree is over.

How to Reach?

Distance – 445 KM from Bangalore , 136 KM from Hubli .

By Road: It lies 55 kilometers from Sirsi and 30 kilometers if you’re coming from Kumta . You could take the local bus from Bangalore or hop onto one that plies between Kumta and Yana. They might not be very frequent, so make sure you check the timings in advance. In case you’re heading from Dharwad , it lies 182 kilometers away.
By Train: To travel by rail, board the train from Hubli Railway Station or from Bangalore to reach Kumta Station. From there, take a bus or taxi to reach the village of Yana.
By Air: The closest airport to Yana Hills is Mangalore Airport at 262 kilometers. The second closest is Kempegowda International Airport of Bangalore at 463 kilometers.

Accommodation :

Sanskruti Quality Resort (26 KM from Yana Rocks)
Sathwik Home Stay
Palm Beach Huts (24 KM from Yana Rocks)
Nirvana Nature Resort (24 KM from Yana Rocks)

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Trip To Yana Caves

Unravel Yana Caves secrets, and rediscover yourself

Yana caves is one of the finest creations of nature, located in Kumta in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, this cave is both alluring and mysterious. Pitch black in color, the cave is formed of karst limestone, well-known for its unique structure and pattern of formation. Located right in the middle of forests in Kumta, the marvelous rocks stand tall at a height of 390 ft. The humongous rocks have two distinct peaks, the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara which is the tallest peak, and the Mohini Shikhara. Yana village enjoys quite a rocky landscape owing to the majestic Western Ghats . The contrast of the magnificent black caves against the lush green trees in the forest is an absolute delight to travelers and tourists.

The Awesome Ambiance

The region around the Yana caves is gorgeous, complete with mountains, waterfalls, and one of a kind rock formation. If you love adventure and enjoy thrilling experiences, take a tour to Yana caves and you will fall short of words to describe the whole feeling. The most striking feature is obviously the black color, however, if noticed closely the amazing forces that created such a beautiful, natural structure is equally awe-inspiring.

The Mind-blowing Mythology

The history of Yana caves has storing references to Hindu mythology. The story states that a demon king called Bhasmasura was given a boon by Lord Shiva, that he could burn anyone to death by placing his hand on their head. This boon backfired and the gods started worrying about the evolving power of the demon. Lord Vishnu then forged a plan, he transformed into Mohini, a seductress, and finally tricked Bhasmasura to end his own life by placing his hand on his own head. Due to this whole event, the caves turned black from the ashes of Bhasmasura.

Yana Caves is a complete treat, mesmerizing geography combined with an amazing history. Do not miss this extraordinary spot while visiting Karnataka.

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Vibhuti falls, yana rocks & mirjan fort – road trip in uk.

Vibhuti Falls, Yana Rocks & Mirjan Fort are the attractions for explorers/tourists/bikers on a road trip from Sirsi to Gokarna in Uttara Kannada. Of course besides the always popular beaches of Gokarna.

Vibhuti Falls, Yana Rocks – Places to Visit in Uttara Kannada

The Vibhuti Falls, Yana Caves & Sahasralinga are closest to Sirsi town. Sirsi is located in the Malnad region of Karnataka. Its surroundings are lush green making most of the places around it worth visiting. The region is blessed with ample rainfall. So, agriculture is the main occupation here. Arecanut and Coconut trees can be seen anywhere. Waterfalls are abundant. River Aghanashini adds to the water resources of the area around Sirsi.

Sirsi is located in the western ghats. Although you can go in any direction and enjoy good views of hills and waterfalls, here are a few points of interest around Sirsi town.

The road trip from Sirsi atop the Western Ghats to Gokarna a coastal town popular for its beaches via the hinterland roads has many surprises and popular tourist attractions en route, and the beauty of nature, flora, and fauna. This road trip will take you through the bliss of lush green forests away from the hustle-bustle of the cities. You can explore them from either Sirsi and/or Gokarna and return back in a day trip.

Gokarna in coastal Karnataka is a popular tourist destination for its beaches.

If you are visiting this region during winter, make sure to visit Vibhuti Falls, Yana Caves & the forests.

Vibhuti Falls

It is a beautiful waterfall hidden in the western ghats and not yet one of those overcrowded popular tourist destinations. It is also called/spelled as Vibhooti Falls, Vibhuthi Falls.

The legend of the waterfalls is linked to the legend of Yana Rocks. It is believed that the water that comes from Yana is the Vubhuti or sacred ash, and that gives these perennial falls the name – Vibhuti Falls.

From the entrance, you have to walk about 1-1.5 km to reach the falls. Like most waterfalls, you see the falls only once you reach the endpoint. There are benches at regular intervals for you to sit and relax or admire the nature all around you. The first half of the path is well-paved while the second half is kutcha.

There is a nominal entrance fee charged by the local panchayat. Enquire the direction to the falls with locals en route to this forest area so that you do not have to waste time on the road.

Vibhuti Waterfalls

Vibhuti Falls in the Western Ghats of Uttara Kannada

The place you stand is one of the tiers of this multi-tiered waterfall. Surrounded by greenery this is a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon or morning. All you hear is the gurgling sound of water falling in layers. When I visited a group of young men were playing and swimming in the pool of the waterfalls. There were young families enjoying a sunny day there. I think it is about a 60-70 feet multi-stage waterfall.

There is a lifeguard posted at the waterfalls who keeps an eye on all the swimmers at the waterfalls.

I enjoyed the waterfalls as much as I enjoyed the walk to and from the falls. Keep about half a day to peacefully enjoy the waterfalls.

Video of Vibhuti Falls

Do watch a short video clip of the waterfalls that we captured during our trip. Watch in HD mode for the best view.

The waterfalls are at their best during the monsoons obviously. However, it may not be advisable and there may be restrictions to visit it during monsoons. The best time to visit the waterfalls is winter months i.e. October to January. A nice welcome arch was being built at the entrance when we visited in November 2017. On your way back try the Bhelpuri at the shop there.

The place is known for Leeches. The worms that suck blood without you even noticing it. We were shown the Leeches during our trip. They were about a millimeter in diameter and about an inch long. One may easily confuse them to be harmless worms. You may not even notice them. Take care they can suck blood several times their size.

You can stay at Sirsi, Gokarna, or at Sathwik Homestay in Devanahalli village. They help you do trekking, village walks, and birding trails in and around Sirsi.

Vibhuti Falls is about 44 km from Sirsi and 42 km from Gokarna. From Sirsi, you have to go via Mattighatta, Devanahalli, and Hegadekatta.

Interesting Elephant leg shaped washrooms near Vibhuti Falls

Yana Rocks, Caves & Rock Formations

Bhairaveshwara Shikhara the bigger of the Yana Rocks

Deep in the forests of the Sahyadri range of Western Ghats are these two rocks standing tall and proud. No, you do not see them from a distance. You must walk the path for a while through the jungle before the rugged rocks reveal themselves. You wonder how and where did these two tall rocks standing almost as if a couple erupts out in this lush green jungle. These are solid black limestone rocks. As you enter the complex you see a black circle that looks like ash, absolutely distinct from the rest of the brown soil surrounding it. Why is this?

The answer is in the legend. It is believed that the rocks are Bhairaveshwara and Mohini. Bhairaveshwara is Shiva and Mohini is the female avatar of Vishnu. Bhairaveshawara is the taller and bigger of the two with 120 meters of height while Mohini stands at 90 meters. There are other smaller rocks around these but none of them are so big or visible.

Legend of Yana Rocks

The legend is that Asura Bhasmasura conducted Tapa. His meditation pleased Shiva. Bhasmasur managed to obtain one boon that said – if he keeps his hand on anyone, the person will turn into Bhasma or burn to ashes.

To test that the boon works, Bhasmasura wanted to keep his hand on Lord Shiva himself. Shiva ran and Bhasmasura chased him. Finally, Lord Vishnu had to step in, in his female avatar Mohini. As Mohini, he enticed Bhasmasura and invited him to dance with him. During the dance, Vishnu made a pose with a hand on his head. Bhasmasura followed and was reduced to ashes.

It is believed that the dance took place at Yana and the two large rocks were named after Shiva and Vishnu as they appear in the story. Bhaireshwara means the lord of Bhasmasura. The region is also known as Bhairav Kshetra. And pilgrims come here during Maha Shivaratri.

Walk through the Bhairaveshwara Yana Rocks

Yana Caves Temple

We visited the temple beneath Bhairaveshwara rock, where there is a Shivalinga believed to be Swayambhu or self-manifested. You can see the natural water dripping constantly on this Shivalinga. Along with the Shivalinga, there is a bronze statue of Chandika Devi. Shiva cannot be without his Shakti. The water from here flows to become Vibhuti Falls and finally merges with the Aghanashini River downstream.

We reached Yana towards the evening. There were hardly any people around and the walk through the jungle was a bit eerie on our return. The rocks are amazing. There is a parikrama or circumambulation path through the bigger rock. You have to walk barefoot. The small stones all along the way hurt the sole like anything. The parikrama involves a bit of climbing the stairs and then walking downstairs. There is a small Ganesha temple between the two big rocks, but it was closed when I visited.

Yana rocks are about 30 km from Sirsi and 50 km from Gokarna. Prefer to visit it during the day. There is just a small shop close to the gate else there is nothing much you would get there.

Locals say there used to be hundreds of Honeycomb on the peaks of these rocks. They have substantially reduced gradually over time. Although we could spot some Honeycombs.

How to visit Vibhuti Falls, Yana Caves from Gokarna & Sirsi

Single lane road in the Western Ghats leading to Vibhuti Falls & Yana Rocks

We visited these places in a cab guided by a local relative. However, budget travelers can take an interstate bus plying between Sirsi & Gokarna and vice versa and visit them in a day. The route is single-lane and very few buses ply this route. You should inquire at Sirsi or Gokarna Bus stand and plan accordingly. Very basic food, refreshments, and toilets are there for the visitors. Most parts of these routes are jungles or forest areas. Hence if you plan to drive or ride a bike to this place take appropriate precautions. Avoid monsoon season unless you are a hardcore traveler/trekker/explorer.

Mirjan Fort

Mirjan Fort is a 16th CE fort built by Queen Chennabhaira Devi or Gerasoppa that was a part of the Vijayanagara Empire. Until I reached this fort I did not know this is one of the Indian monuments built by women . It is a fairly large fort close to the west coast. Mirjan port was used for trading with the ports of Gujarat. It is interesting to note that in those days Pepper was the main product and the queen was often called the Pepper Queen.

Most of the Mirjan fort is in ruins with not much maintenance. You can walk around and see its fortified walls, and its structural remains that include a few fairly large wells. A small temple dedicated to Mahishasurmardini continues to live under a tree.

The day I visited the Mirjan Fort, there were a lot of schoolchildren on a school excursion. Their presence brought some life to the Mirjan fort which would otherwise be a deserted and desolate place.

A word of caution, the Mirjan Fort, is in the coastal region which is hot most of the seasons and humid during summers & monsoon seasons. Carry drinking water and a cap to protect yourself from the harsh sun rays.

Mirjan Fort is 60 Km from Sirsi and 22 Km from Gokarna.

Recommend you explore the following places besides – near Gokarna and Sirsi like the Jog Falls , Ikkeri & Keladi .

Badami Banashankari Shakthipeetha In North Karnataka

Ancient Shiva Temples Of Udupi

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple On Chamundi Hills, Mysuru

33 comments.

Vibudhi Water falls and the areas looks similar to nellyambathi area in Kerala. Anuradha the places you visit are so serene and beautiful. Elephant leg washroom ????????????????

Simi – they must be the part of same bio-diversity range of the Western Ghats that is why they look similar. Yes, it was such a relief to see functional bathrooms.

This is so beautiful. Like you say, the falls look familiar probably because of similar topography. It’s nteresting to note the fort was built by a queen.

Yes, there are not too many buildings built by women after all.

I love those ancient legends where someone gets turned into ash! I’d visit Yana Rocks just to imagine it. Vibhuti Falls looks beautiful and very refreshing. Thank you for this introduction to a new part of India for me.

Fiona – western ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the world’s richest biodiversity. Do explore it when you next visit India.

I love the western ghats — but haven’t been to these places yet. Swimming at the base of Vibhuti Falls seems perfect for a warm day. And thanks for including the information about the legends from each place — sometimes these places that look just like any other rock have so much more meaning when you understand the stories behind them.

Western ghats are beautiful. You can never get tired of them. India is full of legends – I think we document all possible subjects through stories only.

So many incredible sights here, I love chasing waterfalls so I would love the Vibhuti falls but I’d have to watch out for the leeches 😛 – Those Elephant leg wash rooms look quite quirky from the outside – If I was to travel through India I think the western ghats would be an incredible experience.

Amit – West Ghats are the most bio-diversity rich forests of India or the world. It is a pleasure to visit them – never mind the leeches.

I love visiting waterfalls and caves! This place sounds amazing. Except maybe for the leeches, but thanks for the warning! It’s good to know about the best season to visit a waterfall because if you go at the wrong time it could be disappointing or dangerous. Good tip!

Tracie – this place is pretty safe all year round and the waterfall is perennial. Leeches you need to be careful of but I am told leech bites are not bad for humans.

What a great place to visit. I love waterfalls like that where you can swim at the bottom. As much as I like hiking, it’s nice to show it’s such a short trail to reach them, and that they’re cheap. But the Yana Rocks and Cave are what really piqued my interest. I’d love to explore them when I’m in the region. I just keep getting more reasons to make it to India!

Skye – Keep reading IndiTales and it would be difficult for you to resist visiting India.

The walk to the falls and the falls itself are amazing! I haven’t ever heard of Vibhuti Falls to be honest but then I haven’t explored Karnataka extensively so I’m not surprised. I love your pictures and the video, makes me want to jump into those pools under the waterfalls as well! And the Mirjan Fort also looks like an interesting places to explore!

Medha – Karnataka is a state that gives you great heritage and nature.

Very cool. I loved learning about Vibhuti Falls, Yana Rocks & Mirjan Fort. The Vibhuti Falls looks amazing though I dont want to be burning off leaches all the time. I would love the hike in and then going for a swim at the bottom of the falls. As for Yana Rocks, what an amazing planet we live on. I love intense geological formations like this. But what I especially love is the lore built around it. Such a cool story they created to explain who the rocks where.

Eric – I am fascinated by the country I was born in. It has a story at every step, I am just retelling them in the digital form.

The Vibudhi Water falls and the Yana caves look so beautiful! Gokarna was one of my favorite places we went to in India, and I definitely want to go back some day. I will surely make a day trips to the falls and the caves when I do! The Mirjan Fort also looks well worth exploring. India has so many incredible old forts! Pinning this post for later 🙂

Jen – India has a fort every few kilometers. Wherever you see a civilization, you would see a fort. Come back to explore more.

This is absolutely beautiful! I love how much there is to see all in one area. I’d love to visit that cave temple and my husband would LOVE to photograph those waterfalls. I love all the Hindu legends behind the different formations.

Paige – It’s time to start planning a trip to India 🙂

The Vibhuti Falls, Yana Caves & Sahasralinga looks beautiful – such a lush landscape. I love that they’re not overcrowded either – allows you to enjoy nature a lot more. Thanks for the tip on visiting in the winter months – waterfalls we have in my home state of Tasmania are seasonal too and better after rainfall. Good to note on the leeches!

Yana Rocks is quite stunning! I can see how such an imposing natural formation would inspire legends. Thanks for the tips on organizing a local bus. Would love to work a day like this into an itinerary.

Megan – western ghats in India are full of waterfalls during 4-5 month long monsoons. You can do waterfall hopping any day here.

The Vibhuti Falls is simple yet pretty. There is something about the raw beauty and lush rather untouched landscape that I really like. What I really like is the 1-1.5 km hike…as I’m not the biggest fan of hiking but….then you mention Leeches and I got flash backs of scenes from a move called Stand By Me where the kid pulled a leech from out of his bathing trunks…eek

Christopher – you got the right word for this part of the world – raw beauty, mostly untouched by the man. This is something I miss when I travel to well-managed tourist locations. Leeches are not fun but they are not bad for humans.

Vibhuti Falls looks gorgeous. It reminds me a bit of El Yunque La Mina falls in Puerto Rico. I bet it takes a lifetime to see all the amazing nature of India. I learned about all these nature spots I’ve never heard of before. Makes me want to go to India more!

Jessica – that is the purpose of my blog – to tempt you to come to India 🙂

I love visiting such hidden gems. Vibhuti Falls, Yana Rocks, Caves & Rock Formations look a great place for adventure and nature lovers like me. While i had been to Gokarna, I completely missed visiting these spots. Next time!

Amazing. Such a detailed description Anuradha. I am yet to visit Karnataka but Vibhuti falls certainly look pretty. It has to be on my bucket list. Loved the entire write up. Thanks.

Glad you discovered Yana and Vibhuti Falls through IndiTales.

hello, it’s a nice place….. we are college students from Kerala. we would like to visit yana caves and vibhuti falls. could you please tell me the correct way from Gokarna om beach to both of it? is there is an entrance fee?

How much time will take to cover Yana, Viboodi, mirzan places from Gokarna? could you share that cab person number?

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Karnataka: Yakshagana, kambala must-visit places for candidates

DK Congress candidate R Padmaraj at a temple event in Puttur on Sunday

MANGALURU: Venues of kambala, yakshagana, nemotsava, temple jatras and other religious and cultural ceremonies have turned out to be must-visit places for candidates fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as campaigning turned hectic during the weekend in Dakshina Kannada district.

Both BJP candidate Capt. Brijesh Chowta and his Congress rival R Padmaraj were on a temple visit spree as places of worship attracted huge crowds for various religious and cultural events. Though they are not allowed to openly campaign on temple premises, these places provide them an opportunity to indulge in informal campaigning as they interact with prominent persons and a large number of people gathered at the venues.

The candidates’ dependence on temples was such that while Chowta’s Saturday itinerary had a list of over a dozen temples in just one Assembly segment - Mulki-Moddbidre, Padmaraj could not afford to miss nemotsava at Enmuru Sri Koti Chennayya Kshetra in Puttur. By the time he reached the venue, it was 2.30 am on Sunday. On Saturday, after attending the party meeting in Bengaluru, he also managed to visit the Surya-Chandra Jodikere Kambala in Venur of Belthangady.

The religious and cultural ceremonies peak in the region during the summer months as people tend to get busy in agricultural activities once the monsoon sets in. Apart from offering pujas and greeting devotees with folded hands, the candidates also make it a point to meet the temple trustees, give them a patient hearing, and promise to fulfill their demands once they are elected.

Before entering places of worship or cultural events, the candidates and their party workers ensure that they do not carry shawls or flags that contain their party symbols to avoid action for poll code violation.

Sources said places of religious and cultural events provide a platform for candidates to better connect with people. “Some prominent people avoid meeting some candidates at their house due to various reasons. But they will have no problem meeting them during such events. Hence, the candidates do not miss visiting such venues,” a source pointed out.

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