Yana

Been to this place called Yana about 3 years back. The place is famous because of couple of amazing rock formations. Lord Shiva's names have been given to these rock formations and a temple of Lord Shiva is also built here. Hence the place is hugely popular among Shiva's devotees.

The place used to be accessible only by 4-5 hours trek through dense forest about a decade back. Now due to rapid commercialisation a road has beem built right to the foot of the rock formations! When I went there, I was expecting at least an hour of trekking. But was utterly disappointed as my 2 wheeler easily found the way all the way to the Shiva Temple and the rocks.

The rock formations are mesmerising. There is a cave which runs across the whole lenght of one of these rocks known as Bhairaveshwara Rock.

Concrete steps with railings have been constructed to make it easy for the visitors to enter this cave. Just goes to show how we destroy the natural beauty of a place in the name of God.

Things have changed at Yana. People are thronging to this place in huge numbers. During Shivaratri its chaos here. The forests have moved away from Yana. People have taken their place by force.

A lovely stream on the way is a beautiful place to spend some time though. We took a heavenly and leisurely bath here on our way back. The stream was just perfect for relaxing.

The name 'Yana' is lovely and so are the rocks, but the place stinks. For the naked eye of a casual visitor all may seem good. But if one peers just below the surface then the destruction of forest, plastic strewn all over, garbage not cleared give a clear idea as to where Yana is headed. Yana can never get back its earlier beauty. But atleast lets hope that it survives!

Train Track Trek

Three years back I had been to this trek on the railway track in the western ghat region of Karnataka. The route was discontinued some 2 decades back owing to gauge conversion. The process took hell of a long time and just got completed couple of years back. Till then the route was a god send gift to nature lovers.


Trekking on this route, with its numerous tunnels and bridges is a great experience. There are couple of waterfalls to rejuvanate trekkers. Caution is the keyword while walking on those bridges. Though trains are running on this route now, trekkers still continue to roam in this place.


The night stay at the station in the middle of the forest was great experience. We stayed in what was an employee quarters. The station was shelter for workers engaged in gauge conversion work.


Personally somehow I do not enjoy the Train Track Treks. Walking on tracks is a torture for me. Just to have a feel of the nature that’s available for free I went on this trek once. Friends have gone 3 more times on this trek, but I did not join them. The view on this route is awesome, if one covers the entire distance.

Visit to a Beach

Strolled down to to this beach on a recent weekend. One of those rare clean beaches of Karnataka. Beaches are becoming crowded and spoilt. The noise and rubbish created by the crowd diminishes the natural beauty of any beach.


A peaceful and clean beach is what I look for. And thank God, there are many in coastal Karnataka which are tucked away from the eyes and minds of those mindless tourists.


Local children were busy splashing around at this beach. Keeping them company was a dog. Nice time I had. Already I have visited this place 3 times in last couple of months. More visits will follow.