Camp at Yana - Trek Notes
Clicked in June 2002 / Yana / the team - Srini, Vivek, Lavannya and Indu
About the photo: The reason there are sheets along the roof in the picture, is that there was a stream of water falling onto the roof like a waterfall… It made this continuous sound that became the background music for the entire time we spent here. And the small room like thing jutting out on the left of the picture was the fireplace we used.
The priest at the temple in Yana was very kind. He allowed us to stay inside, use the fireplace and even gave us some rice to cook for ourselves. Since we had planned this to be more of a camping trip than a trek, we camped here for 3 nights. We did have our tents with us, but the availability of a dry place with a roof and fireplace to cook was a pleasure we did not want to fore go, especially since it was the rainy season. So, we indulged in all the food we had got and the ones that Lavannya and Srini creatively conjured up from the rice that the priest offered us and the veggies we could pick from around. It was a feast.
The priest walked up to the temple from the village (around 8 km) every morning and went home in the evening. Since it was raining most of the time, the temple saw few visitors and we were by ourselves. And that was what we were counting on. It was great fun! The rains are such a blessing… hehe 
At any other time of the year this place is crowded with people and vehicles can drive up most of the distance … Only a hike of 2 km uphill need to be done. In rainy season, it is difficult for the vehicles to drive all the distance and hence you will have to walk more (6 km - 8 km). The Lime Stone formations and the Caves are worth the visit anytime of the year and is packed with visitors during the festival of Shivarathri.
I feel too lazy today to do a write up on the details of getting to this place and more… so visit here and here for the info.
