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2.7 Billion-Year-Old Yana Caves In Karnataka Declared Geo-Heritage Site Of National Importanance

Yana Caves also holds religious and mythological importance, linked to the story of the demon Bhasmasura, who is said to have obtained the powers of destruction from Lord Shiva after performing penance.

by Tanvi Shrivastava
2.7 Billion-Year-Old Yana Caves In Karnataka Declared Geo-Heritage Site Of National Importanance

Popular for its black crystalline rock formations and religious beliefs, Karnataka’s famous Yana Caves have been declared a ‘Geo-Heritage Site of National Importance’ by the Ministry of Mines through the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Read on to know more about this development.

Yana Caves Declared As A Geo-Heritage Site

According to a letter sent by Asit Shah, Director-General of GSI, the cave was declared a Geo-Heritage site on the occasion of the 176th year of the GSI’s foundation on March 8. Yana Caves are located in the Western Ghats in the Uttara Kannada district. Yana Caves are known for their massive karst limestone structures. The caves include two prominent monolithic outcrops — Bhairaveshwara Shikhara (120 m) and Mohini Shikhara (90 m). The place is also known as a short-trek destination.

Also Read: Yana In Karnataka Has A Cluster Of 61 Alien-Like Rocks, Sitting Deep In The Forests Of The Western Ghats

Formed over millions of years by the pressure of tectonic plates and natural weathering, the rock formations and the caves are ancient geological relics. As per the GSI, the rock masses in the area are about 2,700 million years old and formed from dolomitic limestone, which is a mineral similar to limestone but containing magnesium, from the Precambrian era.

Significance & Importance Of The Yana Caves

As per a report by the Indian Express, over the years, weathering in the tropical environment and chemical reactions with minerals have led to the formation of many ‘karst features’, that is, land and rock formations created when minerals like limestone. They are then dissolved partially by relatively acidic groundwater, creating caves in the Yana area.

The area also holds religious and mythological importance, linked to the story of the demon Bhasmasura, who is said to have obtained the powers of destruction from Lord Shiva after performing penance. He was further tricked into destroying himself by Lord Vishnu in the form of the enchantress Mohini. The demon is said to have been destroyed at Yana.

Furthermore, the GSI has identified 90 sites across the country, variously dividing them as geological monuments and Geo-Heritage Sites.

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What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

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First Published: April 17, 2026 6:23 PM

FAQs

Where is Yana caves located?

Yana Caves are located in the Sahyadri mountain range (Western Ghats) of the Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, India.

Is Yana caves worth visiting?

Yes, the Yana Caves in Karnataka are absolutely worth visiting.

What is Yana famous for?

Yana, located in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, is famous for its two massive, unique black karst limestone rock formations: Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara.