Yana Caves in Karnataka Get Geo-Heritage Site of National Importance | 20 Apr 2026

Why in News?  

The Geological Survey of India has declared the Yana Caves in Karnataka as a Geo-Heritage Site of National Importance.  

Key Points  

• Recognition: On the occasion of the 176th Foundation Day of the GSI, a resolution was adopted to recognise the Yana Caves as a Geo-Heritage Site of National Importance.   
  • The rock formations in the Yana region are estimated to be about 2,700 million years old, formed from Precambrian dolomitic limestone.   
• Location: The caves are located near Gokarna in the Uttara Kannada district within the Western Ghats.  
• Prominent Peaks: Two major monolithic rock formations dominate the landscape—Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara .  
• GSI: It is the nodal agency for geo-conservation, responsible for identifying and recognising geological sites with significant scientific, educational, cultural, and aesthetic value as geo-heritage sites. 
  • It was Established in 1851. 
  • Its headquarter is located in Kolkata.  
  • It functions under the Ministry of Mines.