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The first stage to mountain climbing, rock climbing, is constantly increasing
its tribe of enthusiasts. Himachal's steep rocky cliffs and mountain sides
of Manali valley offer much to explore and conquer. Rock climbing uses a
minimum of aids and the challenge is to find the toughest route and scale
in the least possible time. Hands and feet domost of the work, but safety
equipment like ropes, body harness, friends (cramming devices that contract
to the pulling of a trigger and are wedged in the crevices) and nuts (metal
wedges of different sizes) areessential.
The availability of good climbing rocks not too far from the city gets greater
access and participation from professionals as well as from the amateurs
a like. Bangalore is in the centre of a number of rock-climbing destinations
like Ramanagaram (the setting for the Hindi blockbuster Sholay), Savandurga,
Thuralli, Kabbal, Raogodhu and others. Badami, a five-hour drive from Bangalore,
is also a good place for rock climbing. Kambakkam, around 100 kms 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.
In a 300 kms radius adjoining Kolkata, there are some rock-climbing destinations
such as Purulia, Matha Bura, Jai Chandi and Susunia Hills. The Himalayan
Mountaineering Institute offers courses in mountaineering at Gobu and Tenzing
Norgay Rocks.
There are several good rock-climbing destinations near Mumbai like Kanheri,
Mumbra Boulders, Manori Rocks, Karnala and Matheran. In Gujarat, Pavagadh
is a favourite rock-climbing destination. In Rajasthan, the region around
Mount Abu with the state Mountaineering Institute's training area, Golden
Horn Spire and Adhar Devi Slabs, are ideal rock-climbing destinations.
In Maharashtra, Karla caves, dating back to 160 B.C., harbour the largest
cluster of Chaitya caves. Their sheer rock faces provide an appropriate
terrain for a rock climber. Another popular adventure spot is at Bhandardara.
It has beautiful lakes surrounded by majestic hills. One can trek around
the surrounding hills like Ratangadh, a favoourite fort of shivaji, Kalsubai,
the highest peak in Maharashtra, the sprightly Randha falls or to Amriteshwar,
that has a 1200 year old temple.
North India offers some of the best and toughest challenges in rock climbing
both for amateurs as well as for professionals. Lado Sarai in Delhi, Dhauj
(55 Kms from Delhi) and Dam Dama Lake(around 65 kms from Delhi) are some
of the best-known rock-climbing destinations in this part of the country.
In Himachal Pradesh, Manali Dharamshala and the adjoining regions provide
some of the toughest and most exciting rock climbing options in the world.
Professional climbers from all over the world come here to negotiate the
rocks and to find new challengers.
There is no restriction on rock climbing in India except for the places
included in the restricted area list. Permits can be applied for through
the Indian Embassy/Consulate/High Commission or the Foreigners' Regional
Registration Offices in Major cities of India. The district administration
of the concerned areas can also issue permits.
Best time : Mid May to Mid October.
CLIMBING IN INDIA - PRECUTIONS
The type of rock you want to negotiate will depend on your skills, status
as a climber, and physical fitness.
Consult the doctor to determine your physical condition and take proper
medical precautions. High-altitude sickness is a common phenomenon among
trekkers and mountaineers. If you are participating in high-altitude rock
climbing, make yourself aware of the symptoms and methods to deal with this
problem. Proper mountaineering guidelines, high-altitude survival techniques
and first - aid techniques should be known to most of the members.
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