Rock Climbing In India
It is not quite easy to define rock climbing, but
it is not difficult too. Anyone who claims to be a rock climber
has his own version of the game. Rock climbing for some is to challenge
their spirits and explore new heights, to give a fillip to their
unbounded imaginations; for others, it is a way telling the world
that he/she has finally arrived. For many of the professional rock
climbers, it is not a sport. Can you call a mission to moon a sport
or pastime? If not, then why should rock climbing be called a sports
is the argument. For them, rock climbing is an adventure of the
greatest magnitude; it is a fight against self, against the elements,
and the ultimate goal is to reach the summit and return back alive.
Rock Climbing in India, initially began as training for mountaineering
and turned into an exciting sport about 15 years ago. Rock-climbing
is largely balance and not strength. Balance also determines the
value of strength by how much energy you spend actually climbing.
Rock-climbing can become complex because it involves the interplay
of many elements: you, your gear, your skill and technique.
Saftey
Climbing is relatively safe, but that shouldn't stop all
climbers from taking precautions. Climbers are not oblivious to
heights. As a climber, you cannot afford to suffer from vertigo
or a lapse of judgment. Specialist equipment such as ropes is often
used to protect climbers from falls.
Best Season
October to February. Monsoons should be avoided.
Rock Climbing Destinations in India
Rock climbing is an almost year round sport in India, except during
the Monsoon season. The fun on the rocks is mainly concentrated
in and around Delhi; near Pune on the Western Ghats; along the Bombay-Nashik
at centers like Mumbra and Dulha; in Manali in Himachal Pradesh;
the Chamundi Hills in Karnataka, and in Sonamarg, a popular base
in Kashmir.
Rock Climbing in India: Southern India
Badami, a five-hour drive from Bangalore, is a good place for
rock climbing. Bangalore is in the center of a number of rock-climbing
destinations like Ramanagaram (the setting for the Hindi blockbuster
Sholay), Savandurga, Thuralli, Kabbal, Raogodhu, and others. Kambakkam
at a distance of around 100 km from Chennai provides good climbing
in many grades while Hampi in Karnataka has some of the best granite
rocks in India providing the climbers ample opportunities to test
their skills.
Rock Climbing in India: Eastern India
In a 300-km radius adjoining Calcutta, there are some good rock-climbing
destinations like Purulia, Matha Bura, Jai Chandi, and Susunia
Hills. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute provides some courses
in Mountaineering at Gobu and Tenzing Norgay Rocks.
Rock Climbing in India: Western India
There are several good rock-climbing destinations near Mumbai
like Kanheri Caves in the Borivili National Park, Mumbra Boulders,
and Manori Rocks. In Gujarat, Pavagadh is a favorite rock-climbing
destination. In Rajasthan, the region around Mount Abu like State
Mountaineering Institute's training area, Golden Horn Spire, and
Adhar Devi Slabs are the best rock-climbing destinations.
Rock Climbing in India: Northern India
Sheer rock faces, ideal for rock climbing, can be found in many
areas. The Aravali hills have good climbing faces at Dumdama, Dhauj
and Nuh, all situated near Delhi. The Western Ghats have Mumbra
and Dudha beyond Pune. Himachal Pradesh offers the Manali Valley,
Manikaran and the Rohtang Pass.
Besides these, there are many artificial climbing walls in Delhi,
Calcutta, Mumbai, Bangalore, Darjeeling, Manali, Uttarkashi, Bikaner,
and at Mathura Road near Badarpur border in Haryana.