Rock climbing in India

This is a fascinating and intricate fort. It has plenty of drinking water and provides a very enjoyable outing. Its solid square massif is clearly visible even from Mumbai. From the Vangani station on the Karjat - Kalyan railway line travel to Goregaon by six seater and then to Chinchli (6 km). Follow a water nullah and climb on the scree to the col of Mhasmal - Chanderi. From the col of Mhasmal - Chanderi, climb left to reach the base of the massif where there is a good cave. An exposed and tricky traverse leads to the centre of the massif and on to a small ledge with a water tank. A rock staitrcase (partly blown off) leads to the top by a very exposed route. The area is full of opportunities for rock climbing and has a fantastic view. The trek takes 5 hour.

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Mhasmal is a group of four pinnacles, exposed and difficult to climb. The best time to climb it is just after the monsoon when the upper scree settles. There is no drinking water near by and the route is steep. From Vangani railway station on Mumbai - Karjat line, travel to Goregaon by auto (3 km, six seater on sharing basis). Then walk on the road to Chinchli village (5 km). Climb a spur behind the village to forest an follow a track to reach a nullah. Follow the water nullah to reach the col between Chanderi and Mhasmal. The route is over boulders and scree over a steep route.

From the col follow the right steep route to the base of the pinnacles. Going around, reach the col between 2 nd and 3 rd pinnacles and climb to top of 2 nd pinnacle (30 m). A descent of 10 m on the other side and a final climb of 15 m leads to the top of the highest pinnacle. Be very careful while descending.

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This is a square rocky massif, which juts out from the ghats near Bhimashankar. Huge broken pinnacles distinguish it from a distance. One has to reach the first plateau of Bhimashankar via Karjat, Kashele and Khandas. As one traversing to the left to village Koli, a wide gully between Padar Killa and the massif of Bhimashankar leads up to the top. The final climb is difficult.

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From Dahanu (120 km from Mumbai) travel to Charoti naka (24 km) and 4 km ahead is the temple of Mahalaxmi. A peculiarly shaped pinnacle near the temple is interesting to climb. A fairly good track leads to the cave at the base of the pinnacle 100 m high. Traverse ahead to the north west and reach the start of the climb.

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The rock is loose and steep and the climb is exposed but not too difficult. The route leads along the ledges and the last 40 m are not too difficult, but a rope is essential. One has to be very careful on these easy looking slopes. A few accidents have taken place here and people have died. No drinking water is available anywhere on the mountain.

This is a very prominent twin pinnacled peak with a plateau in between. There are Jain temples under and around the pinnacles at the top. Dharmshalas and food is available at the base. The eastern pinnacle in Tungi and the western one is Mangi. The hill has regular steps to the temple. This is the first peak of the Sahyadri in the north.

Travel from Nashik - Satana - Taharabad - Selbari phata on the Pimpalner road. Mangi village is 6 km from the main road. On the hill opposite the base of Mangi, there is the famous dargah of Shah Daran Malik.

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Travel from Nashik - Satana - Taharabad - Selbari phata on the Pimpalner road. Mangi village is 6 km from the main road.From the Mangi village prodceed to Vadkhel and Patalwadi at the base. The climb is sharp.

Travel from Nashik - Satana - Taharabad to reach the base village Vaghambe. Climb to the common col of Salher - Salota.
Proceed to a diagonal rocky staircase in the centre (on the southern wall), leading to the top. Past the staircase the route traverses through caves and water ponds to the top. It has fascinating route to follow.

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Salher (1567 m) : From the common col of Salher - Salota, rock steps leads to top.

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Takara is a huge pinnacle south of Salher. Prominently visible from Salher - Salota, and the solid massif worth a try. A good climb leads to the top.

From Satana proceed via Vinchur, Sakora and Tatone to Watara at the base (bus available most of the way).

It is an impressive looking mountain near Raigad fort, which is rather difficult to climb. It is advisable to climb with a guide and with climbing equipment. From Mahad travel to Pachad (base of Raigad fort) by bus. Climb down to Linganwadi at the east side.

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Kalyan to Atgaon by local train. Travel to Tansa lake by bus (13 km). A shapely peak in thickly forested area and it has a wonderful view of Tansa lake.

This is the last point on the ridge jutting out towards Tansa lake from the Mahuli massif. From Tansa dam site proceed through forest to gain its top via the north western (right) skyline ridge. Mahuli Chanderi fort is nearby.