Yana Rocks - Kumta

Yana is a small village, known for black limestone monoliths, in Sahyadri mountain range of Western Ghats. There are two massive rock outcrops known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara, which are solid black, crystalline karst limestones. According to mythology, a demon named Bhasmasura was testing the boon he got from Lord Shiva, that whatever he touches, that spot would turn into ashes. Bhasmasura's curiosity grew and he wanted to try this on Lord Shiva himself. Lord Shiva realized his mistake of giving this boon and ran to get help from Lord Vishnu.

Vishnu made a trick transforming himself into a lady (Mohini) and challenged the demon to take part in a dance competition. Infatuated by the beauty of Mohini, the demon agrees to this challenge. While performing, Lord Vishnu tactfully makes the demon to place his hands on his own head. Thus, the demon was killed and turned into ashes. The fire which emanated during that time, is believed to have blackened these rock formations. Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is the tallest at 390 feet high, while Mohini shikhara stands 300 feet tall. There is a small shrine for Lord Shiva in the Bhairaveshwara cave. The Shiva Linga is always drenched by the water dripping from the roof of the cave.

Mohini Shikhara is some metres away from the other, where one can find an idol for Goddess Parvati. The insides of the caves are home to endemic bats and butterflies, whereas the outer portion is home to a wide array of wildlife including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, cobras, macaques etc. Yana has multiple facets that appeal to all kinds of people like nature lovers, adventurers, pilgrims etc. Though there are a couple of ways to reach the destination, the easiest way from the road is for some 500 metres trek. Depending on the difficulty level, one can take other trekking options too. The region is one of the wettest places in the world and also an important hotspot for biodiversity.