Rock Climbing in India

Indian Himalayas nothing to say more about since one can see hundreds of internet websites due to the popularity of the area among the climbers from all over the world. Most visited areas in the Indian Himalayas are Kashmir, Uttaranchal, and Himachal where altitude ranges from 8000ft to 23000 ft and higher at some places. The north eastern part of Himalayas like Arunachal is still to be explored.

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, Chattru, Manikaran and the Rohtang Pass. Rajasthan has Mount Abu and Sariska which have gentler rocks. In Karnataka there are the Chamundi Hills. Sahyadri Range (Western Ghats) having natural rock climbing areas with various grades of difficulties. Many virgin rock pinnacles & cracks in the un-explored region waiting for someone to see it closely in this region.

Best Time: Rock climbing can be undertaken throughout the year. India is a vast country and different parts of the country have different climatic conditions. Although you can practice rock climbing in most parts of the country, the fact remains that the Himalayan region provides the best rock-climbing challenges to the professional. The ideal months to practice this sport in the Himalayas are from April to June. In Delhi, however, the winter months are better than the rest of the year because this is the time when you can combine rock climbing with the pleasure of sightseeing. The weather in South India is ideal for rock climbing throughout the year. The November to April is good time for climbing in Western Ghats

Rock Climbing in India if we divide in four Zones as North Zone: 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. Himachal Pradesh offers the Manali Valley, Manikaran and the Rohtang Pass.

West Zone: The Western Ghats have Mumbra and Dudha beyond Pune. 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 favourite rock-climbing destination. Rajasthan has Mount Abu and Sariska which have gentler rocks. In Karnataka there are the Chamundi Hills.

South Zone: Badami, a five-hour drive from Bangalore, is a good place for rock climbing. 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. 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.

East Zone: 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.