India Guide

Summary:

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Seasonality

Bouldering, Sport climbing and other styles

Lat / Long: 21.936975, 82.626093

Summary:

Bouldering, Sport climbing and other styles

Lat / Long: 14.200625, 76.930137

Summary:

Mostly Bouldering

Lat / Long: 15.358472, 76.476039

summary

Endless granite boulders set within a beautiful landscape

Hampi is located in northern Karnataka is a World Heritage and is home to the most beautiful and evocative ruins in Karnataka. The town and bouldering is located within the ruins of the Vijayanagar kingdom and as such has a number of popular ruins which draw in travellers from around the world. In terms of climbing; granite boulders as far as the eyes can see.

The landscape is spread over about 300 square kilometers, with large and small granite boulders scattered in every direction. The abundance of rock and the cheap and easy going lifestyle has made Hampi the mecca for climbing in India.

Currently there are two guidebooks available for the area. One being "Climbing guide book of Hampi and Badami" written by Rohit Chauhan and published in 2008, it contains 250 described problems as well as 60 routes of nearby Badami. This book is now slightly outdated but has enough to get you started. The other more recent book being "Golden Boulders" written by Gerald Krug & Christiane Hupe and published in November 2013. This is the most up-to-date book with over 1000 problems and includes areas outside of the Hampi Island.

The climbing season runs from September till April, with May thru August getting far more rain which can make getting across the river a slight issue. However, the rock dries very fast so its still possible to climb outside this time. The peak season starts around mid october and ends around the end of January, during this time prices are a bit higher (but still super cheap) and there are alot more climbers and tourists in the area.

The potential for bouldering in Hampi is endless, with many square kilometers of boulders still to be explored and developed.

access issues

At present all areas on Hampi Island and on the North side of the river have no access issues. There may be some issues climbing in some of the areas on the south side of the river around Hampi Bazaar. It'd be best to check with local climbers or read up about it before bouldering on the south side.

where to stay

[Update Jan ‘24] Incase you missed it - there is currently no more cafe/accomodation businesses operating on Hampi Island. The nearest hubs offering all the convenient facilities are Sanapur + Hanumanahalli, and to a lesser extent Hampi Bazaar itself (if you really want to be on that side of the river).

You’ll need to get yourself a scooter or a push bike to get around. Mats, shoes + other gear can be hired from Thimmaclimb in Sanapur, and Golden Boulders in Hanumanahalli. Nowhere seems to be pumping out proper food before 6:30-7am…so if you want to start early, get yourself some goodies for breakfast the night before.

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 15.920901, 75.681238

summary

Amazing super solid, fine-grained red sandstone

Bring 10mm hangers and 10mm metric nuts as some hangers on routes are missing.

For a local guide please contact www.climbingbadami.in

description

Badami's red sandstone cliffs are popular amongst local and international climbers. The area has over 150 bolted routes with the majority of development having been done during the Petzl RocTrip. Badami is home to some amazing sport climbing as well as bouldering.

For a local guide and accommodation, please contact www.climbingbadami.in

access issues

Bring 10mm bolt hangers and 10 mm metric nuts to get you out of trouble. Badami has a hanger thief.

approach

All sectors are now set out in Openstreetmaps (Osmand, maps.me, komoot and the like do use this map material), making access much easier.

If approach details are still too hard, there are multiple local climbers who are also climbing guides.

Ravi +91 8748074829

Shankar +91 7026043956

where to stay

Vikas Residency, Rajsangam, Heritage Resort or contact www.climbingbadami.in

Summary:

Rock climbing, Trad climbing and other styles

Lat / Long: 12.735051, 77.501575

summary

Located about 40 kilometers to the south-south-west of Bangalore, The Muthurayaswamy Betta or the Yedumadu or Edumadu hillock at first glance may not seem like a traditional area for trad routes, but the concentration is dense!

description

The Raogodlu name confusion - The area more popularly known to the climbers for decades as Raogodlu or Ravugodlu for a long time.

Muthurayaswamy Betta comes under the Yedumadu village, hence also referred to as the Yedumadu Betta.

Gundanjaneya Swamy Betta or Gundana Gudi, also referred to by the locals as Raogodlu, is a separate hillock situated about 100 meters from the north-eastern limit of the Yedumadu or Muthurayaswami Betta, and connected by a low ridge, which also is part of this ‘Raogodlu’ climbing tradition.

Yedumadu has a long history of climbing and has an extensive number of routes developed.

The boulder strewn, 6.5-square kilometer, Yedumadu hillock or the Muthurayaswamy Betta extends north-south for a kilometer and half, across the border of Bangalore Rural-Ramanagara, to the south of Bangalore.

While Yedumadu has plenty of low boulders, the place is also dense with high boulders ranging from 20- to 60-foot, with cracks and trad lines, with a spread of grades from 5.13 and below, and provide a wide diversity of crack climbing possibilities, including finger-cracks/seams, hand- and fist-jams, off-widths, squeeze-chimneys, and chimneys.

The current hardest route though at Yedumadu, is by Bharath Gowda, Rush Hour - 5.13a/b.

approach

Yedumadu Betta is about 35 km from the MG Road, to the south-west, on the Kanakapura road. Buses plying to Kanakapura will stop at the Yedumadu village if requested.

From the Kanakapura-Bangalore road at the Yedumadu village to the Stalin’s farm parking is about a kilometer of walk, plus the additional distance from the Stalin’s farm to the areas within the boulder garden.

Most of us drive or ride down from Bangalore, and park at one of the locations and hike up.

The multiple climbing areas around the 6.5-square-kilometers of the spread can be accessed from multiple locations. Most of the parking areas around Yedumadu, except the ones located to the south and the east (Temple parking), take about the same amount of time to reach.

The Temple parking is the furthest of all, adds about six kilometers and additional 15 minutes.

where to stay

NASA, a food court located about 3.2 km to the north-west (on the Kanakapura main road) is where most of the climbers stop for breakfast on the way to the crag.

There are some hotels and resorts in the neighbourhood, but none within the walking distance. These might work if you have a bike or a car and staying put in the neighbourhood.

Plougher and Pig ( +91 98454 37440) is another campsite. However, the campsite is located to the north, about three to four kilometers from the climbing locations at Yedumadu.

In addition, Wild Valley Resort (+91 75511 55114), located about four or five km to the north from the climbing areas has been the preferred accommodation during our climbing festivals at Yedumadu. The resort while is convenient for those who do not prefer to camp, and the food is available on the premises, can get quite noisy on the weekends.

history

Tradition of climbing at MS Betta extends back to the early 1980s, at the least.

According, Dinesh Kaigonhalli, he first visited MS Betta in 1985/86, and climbing in the area was already being pursued from much earlier by SPARK (Society for Promotion of Adventure and Rock ‘Klimbing’).

The first documented route in this guidebook with a technical ascent of quality is from 1989 (High Noon, 5.10d, the route was dubbed so by Alok Tater in 2010 & regarding the old name of Bat Crack, see the route details).

Most of the routes climbed prior to the 2000s were rarely documented, and in some cases the stories about them were passed through word-of-mouth.

Summary:

Sport climbing, Rock climbing and other styles

Lat / Long: 12.728098, 77.293869

summary

Bouldering and routes, slabs, wall climbing

description

Some very high quality boulders, other rock is coarse grained and sharp.

access issues

You need to get a clearance for rock climbing in Ramanagara from Regional Forest Office located in the Ramanagara Town. A fee will be charged. The office is only open on weekdays. The rocks are cleared for activities from 6 AM to 6 PM.

approach

From Bangalore by bus (Majestic Bus Station) or by train (Central Train Station) in about. 1.5 hours to Ramanagaram. From there by Riksha to Vaderahalli, where the rocks are.

Summary:

Sport climbing, Rock climbing and Trad climbing

Lat / Long: 13.637680, 77.778472

summary

Varalakonda 85 km to the north on Hyderabad Highway from the center of the city, with relatively easy access to the base is one of the more popular locations.

description

Varalakonda 85 km to the north on Hyderabad Highway from the center of the city, with relatively easy access to the base is one of the most popular locations.

This area was first developed for climbing by Pranesh Manchaiah, Keerthi Pais, and the folks associated with Gethna and Equilibrium Climbing Station in 2015-16.

During 2018 and 2019, a spurt of activity by BCI saw trad lines and multi- pitches being added to the growing list. The current feature includes the 250- meter trad line, with a significant portion of it being a traverse along a crack, about 70 meters off the ground.

This is the second longest trad route after Deepawali, in Bangalore, albeit a mixed trad & sport line. Varlakonda has a high density of routes (sport, trad and multi-pitches, and currently at 27 routes and growing), and with potential to become a minor destination by itself.

If you are looking for volume climbing in the range of 5.7-5.11, you will find plenty here to chew on. The nature of climbing here is more varied than the slabs you get around Bangalore. A large part of the single pitch sport routes’ second half feels like climbing on broken dinner plates. Thin flakes for hands and feet. Additionally, there are multiple crack systems, some already explored, and some being projects.

You could hike up to the top from the north-east ridge, by parking to the north. Goat trails wind along the northern base and cut up to the slopes of the north- eastern ridge. The top of Varlakonda is a long and narrow plateau, extending for almost a kilometer, with elevation gain to the west. A temple, closer to the western end of the plateau provides for the only shade, aside for a few odd trees.

The climbing along the North face of Varlakonda is roughly split into five sections.

1: Far Left Slab has easy angled slab, with crack systems to the further left. There are promising short cracks here, including a fine looking off width and overhanging crack of about 35-40 feet. The Jungle section, immediately to the right of this slab section, is where the two prominent cracks radiate diagonally from left to right and is the start of the roof traverse.

2: Left Wall Single Pitches, put up originally are 14 in number and are the prime feature of the crag.

3: Right Wall Single Pitches are rarely visited currently, but that is only because the exploration to the left isn’t complete. But the whole of the Right-side wall has potentially many more lines, including cracks and chimneys that look harder than the mellow cracks to the left.

4: There is one project for a multi-pitch connecting to the traverse, in the section between the Left-Side wall and the colony of beehives.

Leopard kills have been noted in the area; usually monkeys and dogs.

There is a large colony of monkeys that frequent the area between the Left Wall Single Pitches and the Jungle Area.

access issues

Keep a look out for bees and monkeys towards the evening.

*Leopard signs as well.

approach

This impressive looking crag comes up on the left, as you drive on NH 44 Hyderabad Highway, past Chikkabalapur.

At Varlakonda village, take the service road, and turn left, just after the crag, to approach it from the north.

Park anywhere from across the crag on the side of the road.

The trail to the climbs passes a well.

GPS Coordinates 13.637976, 77.779091

where to stay

Plan for two-three days. You could ask around for overnight accommodation options at the village at the base of the crag.

Summary:

Bouldering, Top roping and Rock climbing

Lat / Long: 13.297489, 77.709855

summary

Avati, boulder garden with plenty of high balls, and some cracks.

description

Avati off the Hyderabad Highway is about 50 kms to the north, and takes an hour and half, is a boulder garden with plenty of high balls, and some cracks.

The area was developed in recent years (last decade). At some point, Turahalli used to be the epicenter of the collective climbing energy of Bangalore, but as the city grows, that energy is getting distributed across multiple locations; Avati benefits from that energy towards the North of Bangalore.

access issues

Watch out for Leopard activity.

Watch out for Snakes.

approach

Avati or Avathi is nestled between the Hyderabad Highway and the Bangalore-Nandi road. Google map Avati /Avathi (Rock Climbing spot), to get to the popular parking lot.

Summary:

Rock climbing, Trad climbing and Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 12.913009, 77.279248

summary

Savandurga - Largest monolith hills in Asia located about 60km west from Bengaluru.

description

Savandurga or Savandi is The Holy Land for many of us rock climbers around Bangalore. The place is steeped in climbing tradition dating back to the late 70s and the early 80s.

The dozen odd multi-pitch lines of over 350-400 meters continue to stoke the imagination of the local climbers. Climbing one of the more serious routes here is a coming of age ritual for a rock climber in Bangalore, until the restrictions on climbing by the forest department came about.

Located about 70 km to the west of Bangalore, Savandurga is one of the biggest monoliths in the world and hosted an old fortress. During the Third Anglo-Mysore War, the fortress at Savandurga witnessed a three-week siege in Dec 1791. About a decade later, during the initial years of the Great Trigonometric Survey of India, a Theodolite weighing a ton was dragged up the eastern ridge of the monolith to be used for measuring distances and altitudes around the Deccan.

The GTS mound used for the Theodolite is still evident on the highest point of Savandurga, close to where ‘Shantidas’ route tops out. The same survey eventually discovered that the Everest was the highest point on Earth, in 1853.

Nearly 200 years since those events, the first technical climbing route was successfully established after half a decade of attempts in 1984, by three Delhi based climbers. 1991 saw the first bolted route - Beladingalu, put up by Jean-Francois Hagenmuller and KV Mohana. Another decade of energy saw many more such routes established by local legends such as KV Mohan, Rukmangda Raju, Dinesh Kaigonhalli, Mohit Oberoi, and others. Then after a long lull, the most recent new routes were established by Gaurav Shah (aka Gujju Razzak).

For the older generations, the routes here forged minor legends out of ordinary men and women, by the sheer virtue of climbing here in various fashion in a show of will and skills. Bold first ascents, free soloing (climbing without the protection of ropes), fastest ascents, volume climbing, and such exploits are still recounted with certain regard.

Savandurga both presents, initially as an exciting objective, and eventually works as a training ground for anyone with big wall aspirations. Most of the climbing here is slab climbing, with some crack climbing involved.

A story recounting the first ascent of Dipavali appeared in The Outdoor Journal in the summer 2013 edition, along with the rest of the routes. The TOJ copy that carried the story and the topos of the Savandurga routes (the best topos yet) is now a collectors’ item of minor proportions. Restrictions and fencing up by the Forest Department seems to have dampened the traffic up these routes in the recent years.

The southeast face of the hill is where most of the routes are; there is no wildlife activity here and abuts the human habitations.

Hopefully, the climbers would be successful in convincing the forest department to open this face up for recreational climbing in the future.

access issues

Committing routes. Don’t get on them, if you don’t have capabilities to complete the routes, or have the means and experience to exit the climbs.

Some of the routes are bolted (8mm) but the pitches have typically long runouts. Some of the rock is brittle, especially at the lower pitches so be careful.

It is also adviseable to bring some additional gear (friends and nuts). The way down is an easy walk (take right when arriving on top).

approach

Depending on which part of the Bangalore you are approaching from, you could either take the Magadi road or Mysore road to get here.

At either of the temples at the base depending on the route being approached. Typically, most of us park at the first temple that comes up to the left and hike up to the base of the climbs

ethic

Below this rock there is a temple (very few people live there), where people mainly visit for praying. But very few go to the top and whoever goes takes the relatively easy round about path. Next the temple there is a botanical garden maintained by the govt. of Karnataka.

Summary:

Rock climbing and Bouldering

Lat / Long: 12.501892, 76.685812

Summary:

All Rock climbing

Lat / Long: 12.884643, 77.527818

description

Turahalli about 20 kms from the center of the city, is a boulder garden spread over 800 acres, and is Bangalore’s own open-air climbing gym.

Plenty of Bouldering in the area with ample tree cover around.

access issues

Since 2018, the forest department has fenced up the mini- state forest, and the gate is locked. On weekends go early when walkers go, the gate is open, and should be fine.

Summary:

Sport climbing and Rock climbing

Lat / Long: 12.564509, 77.382535

summary

Climbing at BM Betta is an old school adventure, unlike most sport climbing crags, because of the route finding, long approach, etc.

description

Bananthimari Betta, 80 km to the south-east of Bangalore, near Kanakapura town, has a couple of multi-pitch sport routes. The granite slab facing south is about 800 feet long and has plenty of potential for slab climbing lines.

The top of the BM Betta has an old GTS (Great Trigonometric Survey) mound. This is directly above the top out of High Lonesome. The exit hike after topping out is to the east of the mound. If you get lost, retrace the steps back to the mound and find the trail.

access issues

This is a minor forest. You can hike and climb, as per the forest guards.

Keep a look out for Snakes, Bears, Leopards, and Elephants.

approach

There are two approaches to the climbing routes.

One approaches from the east, via Ramanagara-Kanakapura road. Park around provided coordinates (12.563366, 77.391926), and hike west through the valley, looking out for the routes to the right. This used to be the old hiking trail. But as of 2015-16, is overgrown.

The other and more recent approach is from the west. This is about 14 odd km driving directions from Kanakapura town. Drive past Kanakapura town on Bangalore-Kanakapura road for two km, and turn right, just after a lake (Gadasalli Kere, sometimes is just a dried-up lakebed). About eight odd km on this road, look out for an arch on the right side, with shops on either side, and turn right.

Or follow google direction to Sri Bananthimari Temple. The last kilometer and half of the drive is over an uphill rutted mud road to the temple.

To get to the Climbs -

From the temple parking, you can hike through the valley to the base of the climbs. Go past the lake and follow the trail up the right-side hillock. When you see the climbing routes to the left, cut across the valley, through thestream (or the stream bed). A blazed trail was marked in blue. If not faded, follow the blazes.

The valley thicket has undergone significant changes within the last five years. Initially, a trail used to cut through the middle of the valley. Then the bamboo clusters all over the valley tumbled over, blocking the old trail, in 2018. Then a forest fire in the summer of 2019 wiped out the bamboo clusters and vegetation, revealing the old trail.

To exit, after topping out, turn left on the plateau, look for green or red or blue trail blazes or stone cairns, follow the same to get back to the parking lot.

Summary:

All Rock climbing

Lat / Long: 12.471521, 77.365256

summary

There are about half a dozen old routes and one new route on this impressive hillock.

description

Achalu (not the same as the one at Ramanagara), is about 70 km to the south-south-west, on the Kanakapura road. Much before Sathanur turn off to Kabbaldurga.

All routes are long trad routes.

access issues

Watch out for Bears.

approach

Park in the Achalu village, and hike through the farms to the crag.

Summary:

All Rock climbing

Lat / Long: 12.497864, 77.295658

description

Kabbal or Kabbalu Durga, 85 km to the south-east of Bangalore, and 20 odd km after Kanakapura, off Kanakapura road, was a stomping ground for climbers from 1980s and 1990s. Currently, there is very little climbing activity that takes place here. Another reason is that most of the routes here are old school trad routes.

DIM route, the Dim Some variation, and Shakuntala are located on the north facing slab of Kabbal, and the North Star on the North-west face. The single- pitch trad routes are to the far left of the temple, to the south-west. The hiking trail starts from the east and goes up the south/south-east face.

approach

On Kanakapura road, turn right at Sathanur, onto Kabbalu road.

Hillock comes up on your left.

30 minutes hike to the north face routes. Longer hike to the single pitch trad routes.

Summary:

Rock climbing, Top roping and Trad climbing

Lat / Long: 13.431528, 77.496871

description

The Makalidurga, 60 km to the North-north-east of Bangalore, past Doddaballapur town, has one multi-pitch sport route, one trad line, and two top ropeable single pitch routes. Getting to these routes is an old-school adventure, as the access is a bit of a hike in and requires locating the climbing routes.

access issues

This is a minor forest. You can hike and climb, as per the forest guards, but avoid night-time climbing.

Trees for shade at West Cliffs. Sun exposed climbing on the South face.

Keep a look out for Snakes.

approach

The south face route of ORY is best approached from the east of the hillock. The GPS Coordinates (13.425901, 77.506034) would get you close to the Makalidurga Railway station and railway line which abuts the eastern flank of the hillock. Best you drop the gear and other folks at the railway tracks and drive a kilometer to park the car at Gunjur village, and hike back. From the railway tracks, to get to ORY route, it is about two km hike. From Gunjur village, the hike is about three km. The desolate parking lot at the railway tracks is known to invite break ins.

To approach the west cliffs of Makalidurga, you would have to approach from the west. On Doddaballapur-Gauribidanur road, after Doddaballapura, take the left at the petrol bunk with signage towards Green Valley Resorts (13.372044, 77.509449). Go past Green Valley Resorts and take the right towards Gundamagere lake. Go through the village, and there is a rutted road that drives left of the bund (raised lake embankment) and get closest you can to the west cliffs of Makalidurga (13.432508, 77.493148). The hike to the west cliff climbs is frequently overgrown. Take a machete along to clear the overgrown trail.

Summary:

All Rock climbing

Lat / Long: 13.488089, 77.244906

summary

Hanchihalli, Tumkur Road.

description

Hanchihalli is about 85 kms from the center of the city, and a two-hour and some minutes car ride away, with some potential for bouldering and some roped climbing routes.

Sohan - "It just so happens that a set of friends, Gowri and Paul, have a family farm here, and I ended up creating a single bolted line on a project that Paul had been aspiring to get on it for half a decade. The single line is quite an enjoyable line, and there are some potential projects in the area. If you happen to be in the area, might as well, realize more routes, aside from enjoying these two."

approach

To get there, turn off the highway at Dabbaspete.

The Bread Loaf boulder, with the two existing route and the project are, is to your right at the location.

Summary:

Mostly Bouldering

Lat / Long: 31.670206, 77.096520

Summary:

Trad climbing and Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 32.234870, 77.198477

description

Routes listed left to right. Most routes appear 20-30m long.

Summary:

Mostly Bouldering

Lat / Long: 32.214099, 77.194752

summary

A wide range of climbing styles in a relatively small area, with much still to be developed.

description

A wonderland of boulders and crags on very compact granite.

Documenting and updating existing routes is ongoing; much has been done that is not recorded here. Many of the larger cliffs are either blank or heavily vegetated; finding clean lines can be the crux.

A PDF bouldering guide is available from local climbers; many of the route names refer to descriptions in the April 2023 version of this guide.

access issues

Be mindful of the locals, don't disturb grazing flocks and check before camping.

approach

General approach is to get a semi-sleeper bus to Manali, then arrange a local taxi up the hill. Walk-ins from Sethan range from 10-45min depending on area.

where to stay

There are multiple guesthouses/hostels in Sethan.

Summary:

Mostly Bouldering

Lat / Long: 32.282387, 77.169774

Summary:

All Ice climbing

summary

Bouldering, climbing and alpinism in the Sangla valley at about 3000m ASL.

description

The web-page of the project can be found here: https://www.rakchham.com/

access issues

A permit is necessary to access the Rakchham climbing area.

ethic

Contact the Rakchham Mountain Adventure Club (RMAC) before heading to Rakchham or climbing there.

Get a permit at RMAC or at the accommodation to access the Rakchham climbing area
Do not camp anywhere – it’s strictly forbidden!
Hire a guide for the first two days to know where the trails and sectors are
Stick to the designated trails
Check with your guides first before you make first ascents or develop a sector. Some spots are no-go!
Don’t climb in the forest at night – it´s prohibited!
Don´t leave any trash in the forest, use a toilet or bury your waste¹; Fines can be imposed on those who litter!
Ask for a special permission if you want to climb higher up in the mountains. Many places are sacred and off-limit for visitors
Contact your guides if you want to bolt and establish routes.
Don´t play music in the forest – calm is precious.
Remove Tick marks

¹ the RMAC is currently working on the „toilet project“ which will bring a change in the future!

history

Developed initially by the initiative of Bernd Zangerl over many years.

Summary:

All Bouldering

Lat / Long: 32.251778, 76.330105

summary

Small bouldering sector in upper Dharamkot with a lot of potential.

description

Small boulder sector in upper Dharamkot with a lot of potential. Possibilities for many first accents and discovery of new sectors

access issues

Easy access. Just 100m from Zostel hostel in upper Dharamkot.

approach

Sector is on the left side from the start of the path for Triund trek.

where to stay

There are many hostels in the area

Summary:

All Bouldering

summary

Concentration of slate boulders.Location:500m from Gallu village(Dharamshala) on the path towards Gallu waterfall; 50m after Sunset caffee. Great possibility for first accents. Place looks like Mini MagicWood (Switzerland)

description

Concentration of slate boulders.Location:500m from Gallu village(Dharamshala) on the path towards Gallu waterfall; 50m after Sunset caffee. Great possibility for first accents. Place looks like Mini MagicWood (Switzerland)

access issues

Easy access.Location:500m from Gallu village(Dharamshala) on the path towards Gallu waterfall; 50m after Sunset caffee

approach

Easy approach, boulders are next to the path

where to stay

Gallu village, Upper Dharamkot

Summary:

Bouldering, Sport climbing and Top roping

Lat / Long: 17.800234, 78.950974

Summary:

Mostly Bouldering

Lat / Long: 17.363072, 78.443515

summary

Very Crimpy and very sharp. Mght need some getting used to. lot of boulders and a handful of sport climbs.

description

One of the 4 biig cities in South India. Home to sharp and crimpy granite rocks spread all across the city.

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 18.251366, 79.816560

summary

Spread over beautiful village in an area of more than 5km it offers great sport climbing routes on its granite crystal engraved sandstone feature. There are More than 30 Hillocks with a height of 50m.

description

Pandavula Gutta (hillock) also known as Pandavula Guha (cave), located about 50 km away from Warangal city near Kothapally village in Regonda mandal in the district, has become a perfect destination for adventurers, particularly rock climbers and trekkers.

access issues

Maintained by forest department of Telangana and Eco- Tourism Telangana. It was developed and bolted with their help.

approach

Pandavula Gutta is located near Ravulapalli, about 6 km from Regonda Mandal Head Quarters. From Regonda, Warangal is located nearly 55 km away.

From Hyderabad:

Train= Secunderabad to Kazipet- Kazipet to Hanamkonda- Hanamkonda- Regonda

Hire a cab from Hyderabad to Pandavula gutta(7-9 hours journey)

Bus= MGBS- Regonda {Direct Bus at 4 am(2019 March)}

Mahatma Gandhi's statue at the Bus Station {Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station popularly known as Imlibun Bus Station (Imlibun meaning - A forest of tamarind trees). Imlibun is a bus station in the southern part of Hyderabad, India.}

From Regonda you can take auto to crag, it is approx 5km from there to crag.

where to stay

Camping is only option for now with easy permission from tourism department. Rooms and hotels can be found in Bhupalpally which is around 23km from crag.

ethic

It has been developed for climbing and adventure. Climbers are welcomed to bolt and develop the area though you have to take a permission for that from tourism department. There are areas with prehistoric rock art in the caves, off-course they are out of bound.

history

The Telangana Region is belived to have been mentioned in the mahabharata as the Thelinga Kingdom, which is said to have been inhabited by the tried known as Telavana, who fought on the Pandavas side in the great war of Kurukshetra. Where the Pandavas spent their life in exile (Lakka Guham). This site was discovered by K Ramakrishna Rao, an official of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Hyderabad, in 1990.

There are seven rock shelters (caves) in which the paintings have been found. The figures depicted in the paintings are those of peacocks, lizards, tigers, frogs, fish, deer, etc., and geometrical designs and impressions in green, red, yellow and white pigment colours. Inscriptions Besides these rock paintings, inscriptions of the Rashtrakuta period and fresco paintings of late medieval period have also been reported from these hillocks. Some of the paintings were superimposed, depicting highly developed anatomical features and curves.

The rock shelters at the foot of the hill contain only faint traces of red paintings, and shelter locally called ‘Vongudu Gundu’ (bending rock) and along with traces of paintings, microlithic scatters can also be seen.

While there there are 17 known rock art sites in Telangana, ‘Pandavula Gutta’ is an exclusive mesolithic rock art site in the State as mesolithic rock paintings were noticed at four shelters and historical frescoes datable to late medieval period were noticed in two more rock shelters. The mesolithic rock paintings of Pandavula Gutta consist of a majority of large-sized figures of deer, and the red paintings at hillocks can be dated to the late phase of the mesolithic age in view of the thematic and stylistic diversity.

Citation: https://telanganatoday.com/poor-conservation-puts-pandavula-gutta-art-peril https://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/eco-tourism/pandavula-guhalu.html

Summary:

All Top roping

Lat / Long: 17.515356, 78.892735

summary

Magnanimous monolithic granite. Driving Time 57 minutes

It takes 57 minutes to travel from Hyderabad to Bhongir Fort. Approximate driving distance between Hyderabad and Bhongir Fort is 48 kms or 29.8 miles

description

Bhongir Fort is a Fort located in Bhongir, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District, Telangana, India. Bhongir sits on a unique egg-shaped rock hill more than 500 feet high. The steps from the bottom of the hill to the top are still intact; at the beginning of the steps there is a Hanuman Temple with two entry points protected by huge rocks, so the fort was considered practically impregnable by invading armies.

access issues

It is maintained by Telengana tourisim, prior permission is required to climb.

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 19.435710, 76.075008

Summary:

Lat / Long: 19.107325, 73.031226

summary

Financial Capital of India

Summary:

Sport climbing, Bouldering and other styles

Lat / Long: 30.141328, 79.295533

Summary:

All Bouldering

Lat / Long: 30.748972, 77.870606

Summary:

Sport climbing and Alpine climbing

Lat / Long: 30.371008, 78.757876

summary

Home to the Gangotri National Park which covers 2390 square km and home to some of the most iconic and distinct peaks such as Shivling, Meru, Bhagirathi, Thalay Sagar, etc.

description

The Garhwal Himalayas are mountain ranges located in the state of Uttrakhand, India.

access issues

The road to Gangotri can be blocked by landslides and floods.

approach

Access to Gangotri National Park is via the holy town of Gangotri. If approaching from Delhi, take an overnight train from Delhi to Dehradun and then travel by road to Gangotri (3415m) via Musoori (2005m). Most people choose to overnight in Musoori and then continue to Gangotri the next day. The road ends at Gangotri after which access to all the peaks in the Gangotri National Park are via foot.

where to stay

Gangotri (3415m)

Summary:

Sport climbing, Rock climbing and Bouldering

Lat / Long: 31.376942, 78.362210

description

https://www.rakchham.com/

https://www.climbing.com/videos/rakchham-himalayan-crag-bernd-zangerl/

Video.

Summary:

All Aid climbing

summary

A pillar reaching 4950m ASL next to the Kirti glacier.

Summary:

Alpine climbing, Sport climbing and Bouldering

Lat / Long: 33.564709, 76.629601

Summary:

Alpine climbing and Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 33.927775, 77.732519

Summary:

All Alpine climbing

Lat / Long: 34.158224, 76.209665

description

The Suru Valley is a valley in Kargil District in the Union Territory of Ladakh in India

access issues

The road into the Suru Valley is not paved and the ride can be very bumpy.

approach

Access is from Kargil by road. You can approach Kargil either from Leh or Srinagar.

Summary:

All Bouldering

Lat / Long: 34.010242, 76.317146

Summary:

All Trad climbing

Lat / Long: 28.651883, 77.219347

description

A few small crags are located on the Delhi Ridge, the northernmost tip of the Aravalli Range. The rock here is a lovely deep red quartzite, solid and hard - this is the red rock that was used in the Red Fort, Humayan's Tomb and numerous other monuments around the city.

Summary:

Lat / Long: 28.519102, 77.195634

summary

The main outdoor spot in Delhi.

description

A 10m partially quarried freestanding pinnacle of quartzite with a small temple on top. Best with a top rope, but some ok boulder problems / highball solos too.

Note: descent off the top of the pinnacle is a little tricky. Make sure you scope it out before committing to the top.

approach

Walk in from the Mehrauli-Badapur Rd.

summary

Nice, boulder problems inside an urban forest in the city.

Summary:

All Bouldering

Lat / Long: 15.370779, 74.028524

summary

Climbing Gym in Anjuna, Goa.

description

India's First Climbing Gym. Est 2013 in Bangalore

Now in 2 Locations : Indiranagar, Bangalore & Anjuna, Goa.

Summary:

Lat / Long: 15.006693, 74.024653

description

North west end of beach a few easy Boulder problems maybe some more potential wouldn't come here to boulder but if you're enjoying the beach anyway may as well have a play

approach

2 minute walk from Palolem town

Summary:

All Bouldering

Summary:

summary

Climbing happens in Idar and Mt.Pavagadh

summary

The boulder field consists of 4-5 boulders, good solid rock. Many routes have been identified and climbed.

description

The boulder field is at the top plateau area of Mt.Pavagadh(870 m)

access issues

None

approach

The field is easily accessible from the pilgrim route which starts from Machi and goes till the temple at the top. However, after reaching the plateau area on the level of the lake, one must take a right slightly upwards towards a collection of locked temples and descend down towards the boulder field. The most significant landmark, which locals can easily point to is the 'Saat (meaning seven in Gujarati) Kother'. The boulder field is at the same side of the mountain's plateau as the landmark mentioned.

The climb via the stairs takes about 40-45 mins. There is also a provision of taking the ropeway but they don't allow Crash pads , heavy bags above 7kgs.

where to stay

There is a govt. run guest house at the roadhead of Mt. Pavagadh at a place called Machi. However hotels/rooms can be found at the nearby Halol(12 kms) away or Vadodara (45kms) However the author of this post takes a day trip to climb here from Vadodara. Another feasible although less advisable (for the only reason that the author hasn't tried it himself) way is to camp there itself on the plateau.

ethic

As its a pilgrim and tourist place,loud noises, music and exposed clothing is not advisable.

history

This area was used a a training spot for climbing team of IPCL, Vadodara for their acclimatization climbs before departing for a Himalayan expedition. The author got good help from one of the veteran climbers who had extensively climbed in the late 1980s.

Summary:

All Rock climbing

Lat / Long: 10.994163, 78.504545

Summary:

Lat / Long: 12.548478, 78.192724

Summary:

Lat / Long: 12.610931, 77.930520

summary

Uddanapalli Betta, Technically in Tamil Nadu but close enough to Bangalore and Developed by Bangalore Climbing Initiatives.

description

Uddanapalli Betta is 60 odd km from the center of the city to the south Hosur. The climbs are best climbed early am or towards the evening. This area was first developed in Jun-Jul 2016 by Bangalore Climbing Initiatives, and currently has six routes and seven pitches, ranging from 5.8 through 5.10d.

access issues

Climbers have camped out here in 2019 and got into trouble with the local police. Getting Permission through a local or better still from the Police will help.

The hillock is not on private property, but the access is via private farms. The locals and local police issues on occasion. Negotiate your way out amicably.

Watch out for Snakes.

approach

Head towards Hosur and take the right turn under the second flyover that comes up in Hosur, towards Rayakottai road. As you approach Uddanapalli from Hosur, the crag’s unimpressive north-east profile comes up on your right.

Drive into the village of Uddanapalli and take a right turn to approach the crag from its south-west side. After the turn off, drive for less than a kilometer until you see a school to your right. Park across the road and hike towards the crag.

If you see a power station to your right, you have gone too far. The hike takes you 15-20 minutes to the base of the climbs.

where to stay

Honey Comb Nest (+91 9844010354) is a nice village style farm stay walking distance to the crag but bookings will have to be made in advance.

Tip - If you stay at Honey Comb Nest, the owners (Alex Uncle and Mini Aunty) have a very good relationship with the locals.

summary

Golladhani Konda, Technically in Tamil Nadu but close enough to Bangalore.

description

Golladhani Konda or Golathi Konda is a spectacular piece of rock rising 300 feet above the plains of Uddanapalli. Tamil Nadu. Located about 60 km or an hour and half drive from Bangalore.

The west face of the hillock was first explored and developed for climbing between Jan and July 2017.

Folks who contributed to the development at the time include Latha BN, Aravind Selvam, Narayan Pai, Karthik Vijayakumar, Pravin Carvalho, Murali Manja, Srivats Vats, Kamalesh Thigulla, Prakhar Aidu, and me.

Additional routes were added by a group called 'The Climbing Project' in Mar 2019, on the East Face.

access issues

The hillock is surrounded by private property belonging to GMR.

Initial run in with the local cops at Udanapalli, and with GMR security. Resolved ad hoc.

Locals can be suspicious of your activity. Engage amicably.

approach

The hillock is located about half an hour to the south-west of Hosur on Rayakottai road. Nearest village to the base is Rajajinagar.

You can either go through Hosur, or through Attibele.

Table of contents

1. India 1,546 routes in Region

1.1. Karnataka 1,098 routes in Region

1.1.1. Hampi 298 routes in Area

1.1.2. Badami 228 routes in Area

1.1.3. Bangalore City Gyms 0 routes in Region

1.1.4. Yedumadu/Raogodlu, Kanakapura 283 routes in Area

1.1.5. Ramanagara, Mysore Highway 177 routes in Area

1.1.6. Varlakonda, Hyderabad Highway 40 routes in Crag

1.1.7. Avathi, Hyderabad Highway 4 routes in Area

1.1.8. Savandurga, Magadi Road 33 routes in Crag

1.1.9. Kunti Betta, Pandavapura, Mandya 14 routes in Area

1.1.10. Turahalli, Kanakapura 2 routes in Area

1.1.11. Bananthimari Betta, Kanakapura 4 routes in Crag

1.1.12. Achalu, Malavalli, Kanakapura 5 routes in Area

1.1.13. Kabbaldurga, Alur, Kanakapura 4 routes in Area

1.1.14. Makalidurga, Doddaballapura 4 routes in Area

1.1.15. Hanchihalli, Tumkur 2 routes in Area

1.2. Himachal Pradesh 277 routes in Area

1.2.1. Aleo 9 routes in Area

1.2.2. Chicoga 0 routes in Area

1.2.3. Sethan 252 routes in Area

1.2.4. Miyar Valley 0 routes in Area

1.2.5. Chhatru 0 routes in Area

1.2.6. Manali 9 routes in Crag

1.2.7. Spiti Valley 1 route in Area

1.2.8. Rakchham 0 routes in Crag

1.2.9. Upper Dharamkot 5 routes in Field

1.2.10. Gallu 1 route in Area

1.3. Telangana 78 routes in Area

1.3.1. Hyderabad 73 routes in Area

1.3.2. Pandavula Guttalu 4 routes in Crag

1.3.3. Bhongir 1 route in Area

1.4. Maharashtra 44 routes in Area

1.4.1. Mumbai 44 routes in Area

1.4.2. Sinhagad 0 routes in Unknown

1.4.3. Plus Valley 0 routes in Unknown

1.4.4. Pandavagad 0 routes in Area

1.4.5. Nagpur 0 routes in Area

1.5. Uttarakhand 23 routes in Area

1.5.1. Tons Valley 7 routes in Crag

1.5.2. Hemkunt Sahib 0 routes in Crag

1.5.3. Valley of Flowers 0 routes in Crag

1.5.4. Garhwal Himalaya 12 routes in Area

1.5.5. Rakcham 3 routes in Field

1.5.6. Kirti Nose 1 route in Crag

1.6. Jammu & Kashmir 10 routes in Area

1.6.1. Ladakh 8 routes in Region

1.6.2. Suru Valley 1 route in Area

1.6.3. Upper Suru Valley 1 route in Area

1.7. New Delhi 1 route in Region

1.7.1. Old Rocks 1 route in Crag