Two towering black, crystalline karst limestone spires rise unexpectedly out of dense forest, one housing a small Shiva shrine. Less a trek than a striking short forest walk — easy enough for most fitness levels, and unlike almost anything else in Karnataka geologically.
On the trail now and the next 7 days
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Forecast for the trek's map point. It is usually colder and windier at the top.
Yana Caves, planned for you
Day-by-day timings, the route, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.
- Day 1 Yana Caves: the trek
- TravelBase: Kumta / Sirsi, both about 30 km
- PermitPermits and entry
- On the trailEasy trek to 600 m₹400
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The route
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On the map
Yana Caves · Open in Google Maps ↗
The climb
How to reach the start
Taxi from Kumta (on the coast) or Sirsi (inland); the final approach is a forest road followed by a short walk through jungle.
Step 3 of 6Next: Permits↓Permits and rules
Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.
Step 4 of 6Next: Gear↓What to carry
What it costs
Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 6 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.
Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Kumta / Sirsi is extra.
Photos
Questions people ask
How hard is the Yana Caves trek?
Easy grade. It takes Half day and climbs to about 600 m. Two towering black, crystalline karst limestone spires rise unexpectedly out of dense forest, one housing a small Shiva shrine. Less a trek than a striking short forest walk — easy enough for most fitness levels, and unlike almost anything else in Karnataka geologically.
Do I need a permit for Yana Caves?
A small forest department entry fee at the site.
How do I reach the Yana Caves trek?
Taxi from Kumta (on the coast) or Sirsi (inland); the final approach is a forest road followed by a short walk through jungle. Base: Kumta / Sirsi, both about 30 km.
What is the best season for Yana Caves?
Oct–Mar.
How much does the Yana Caves trek cost?
From about ₹400 per person from the base, covering local transport, permits or entry, a guide where required and food. The journey to the base is extra.
What should I carry?
Trainers with grip, water — the paths can be slippery, especially soon after rain.
Guides for Yana Caves
Longer reads from our blog that cover this trip.
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Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we don't sell packages or bookings, we take no commission, and we link to maps and official sites, never to booking sites. Every guide is free; our only paid products are optional downloadable trip plans and itineraries. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.
By Gokul · Updated 6 October 2026 · Photo: Sumit11051993 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Dgbhat99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: solarisgirl · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
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