Rock climbing is another popular adventure sports in Karnataka. Ramanagaram 50 kms from bangalore is a favorite destination for rock climbers. The rocks are challenging and is considered as the Mecca of rock climbing. The place abounds in rock formations, that are a climber’s delight. The hill is about 3066 feet above the sea level. Rocks of various shapes and sizes can be seen here. Some of them resemble a whale, a pigeon, a human being and the three-headed Brahma.
Places like Tumkur, Kanakapura, Savanadurga, Turahalli and Kabbaldurga are some of the places where rock climbers may drop in , some of these destinations are suitable for both beginners and professional climbers.
Turahalli: It is a place located off Kanakapura Road near Bangalore where you can get clusters of hills full of boulders. Turahalli is an arid countryside though lots of developments have happened around this hillock, it is still attracting adventurers.Turahalli is a popular training spot for rock climbing.
Sawan Durga: Hills rise up to a towering height of 4,022 feet above sea level. It is located at a distance of 62 kms from Bangalore & 10 KM from Magadi town is well known monolith in the Magadi Taluk is also called Magadi hill. The summit consists of two peaks, separated by a chasm, each being independent of the other. One is called the Kari Gudda or black peak, the other is Bili Gudda or White Peak. It is also a good place for rock climbing. The entire area is covered by verdure and serene atmosphere.
The best time to reach the peak is before sun gets too hot to handle. So it is good to start early. Initially the trek may seem hard, but the ethereal view from the peak makes it worth your while. The way down the hill is relatively easier.
This region is famous for medicinal plants and shrub forest. This is a paradise for the climbing enthusiasts. Climbers can scale sheer rock faces enduring up to grade 7. It is also good for a day’s trek and camping at the foothill. New Rocks: It is a paradise for the rock climbers. This is situated on the way to Bannerghatta National Park.
Raogodlu: The location of this place is on the Kanakapura Road at around 22 kilometers from Bangalore.
Kabbal Durga: This is a hilly place on the way to Channapatna from Kanakapura.
Ramanagara, Antara gange, Chamundi betta, Kunti betta are also few other places for rock climbing.
Hampi: This is a place noted not only for rock climbing but famous for its ancient temples. The whole area is dotted with many barren rocky hills and is ideal for rock climbing. Bolted routes endure beyond grade 7. There are plenty of routes to be exposed.
Badami: It is ideal for rock climbing in north Karnataka.
Even those who have no exposure to rock climbing, you can learn it on the artificial wall set up at the State Youth Center in Bangalore.
Must Carry: Water, cap, sunscreen, sunglasses and binoculars. Also wear comfortable shoes.
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