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Rock climbing in India
Rock climbing in Sahyadri, Maharashtra
Dahanu : Mahalaxmi pinnacle
Kalyan : Haji Malang, Harihar & Fani Dongar, Lingi
Malshej : Bhairavgad
Panvel : Kalavantin from Prabalgad, Karnala, Irshal
Karjat : Chanderi, Machindragad, Mhasmal, Padar Killa
Lonavla : Bhairi cave & pinnacle, Moradi pinnacle, Telbaila
Pachad : Lingana pinnacle near Raigad fort
Chiplun : Prachitgad
Igatpuri : Madangad, Alang, Dangya, Shenit pinnacle, Ghodishep, Napta
Nashik : Dhodap, Avandh, Ikharia pinnacle
Manmad : Hadbi chi Shendi pinnacle, Koldher, Chandwad fort
Satana : Tambolya, Mangi Tungi, Salota, Takara
Rock Climbing Areas : Himalayas in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, Aravallis near Delhi, Mt.Abu and Sariska in Rajastan, Pachmarhi in Madya Pradesh, Sahyadris near Pune, Chamundi hills and area around Bangalore - Mysore Highway.
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Irshal (Vishalgad, 370 m), Panvel
It has a peculiar forked shape with sharp ridges and a prominent hole in the centre. Reach Chowk from Panvel or Karjat. A 3 km uphill track leads to Vishalwadi at the foot of the final climb. From the village the route lies over the extreme left ridge in the northerly direction and then from behind the hill to a small gap above the hole. Straight ahead is a 10 m rock climb to the loose scree above. A very exposed scree traverse from the left leads to the small grassy top. One should be very careful on descent, as any slip would be difficult to check.
It is not advisable to climb the final grassy top of Irshal without experience and ropes. A few people have died on these final slopes.
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Prabalgad fort, Panvel
Prabalgad is a fort located in between Matheran and Panvel at 770 m. The fort lacks water source. This fort was conquered by Shivaji from Mughals in 1658.
Panvel to Thakurvadi by six-seater auto-rickshaw(14 km) near Apollo Nusi Research Centre. Trek to the fort following cart track. One hour trek takes one to forested higher plateau called Prabalmachi inhabited by tribals. Trek to the fort takes 4 hour. Descending takes 2 hour.
Kalavantin view from Prabalgad
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Karnala fort (469 m), Panvel
The funnel shaped pinnacle of this fort stands prominently on the Panvel - Pen road (10 km). Thickly forested, the area has been declared as a bird sanctuary. Reach the base of the funnel by a man-made route, which is easy to climb in a hour. The 45 m thumb shaped funnel rises steeply with caves at its base.
For those trained in rock climbing and with proper equipment the final pinnacle offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing from the eastern side. To avoid the heat, the climbing should be started very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The rock is fairly firm, but one should be wary of scree and the bees. The top commands a grand view and in
clear weather the Mumbai harbour is visible. While descending it is possible to rappel with a firm tree as an anchor. The fort walls are excellent for practicing artificial rock climbing.
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Prachitragad (971 m), Chiplun
Location : Chiplun / Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India. Fort in dense forest in the Warna area.
Route 1 : Travel from Chiplun - Sangameshwar-Nyari by ST bus. Trek to Shringarpur (3 km) - climb to reach a white spot on cliff (6 km) - traverse towards north and climb the north col to get to Darwaza of fort (1 km) - temple, water tanks and old gun. One has to cut the route through the dense forest as it is not visited frequently. The route is exposed at various places.
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Route 2 : Travel from Ratnagiri or Kolhapur to Ambe. Then to Udgir - Chandel - Rundiv by ST bus (50 km from Ambe). The 15 km long Chandel - Rundiv road is through forest. Prachitgad is one hour trek away from Rundiv village. In the north is Patharpunj (13 km from Rundiv by trek, dense forest worthy a visit with a guide, sada - volcanic fields).
One can descend to Nyari in Konkan (13 km trek) and travel to Sangameshwar.
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Sada
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Dhodap fort (1451 m), Nashik
Dhodap is a very prominent fort. From Nashik take a bus to Vadalibhoi naka (30 km) on the Chandwad road. Travel to Hatti via Dhodambe (11 km) by truck or ST bus. There is a direct bus to Hatti from Nashik, reaching Hatti at 8 pm. One can stay at the Hatti temple. Approach the base of the fort's pinnacle and climb to the upper plateau. A hut and few (3) temples are located at Sonar's village. Climb the route to top where one can see excellent caves (3), water ponds (10) and a commanding view of the hills. The final rock pyramid is still 70 m higher with a rock climbing route on the ridge.
On the western ridge of Dhodap, a wide gap is hewn out - to throw the condemned prisoners. A sadhu lives below the pinnacle in a cave on the fort. On top, there are around 10 water cisterns, 3 caves, ruined palaces and a tunnel cum cave.
Fine views of Ikharia pinnacle, which is on the adjoining common plateau. The to and fro trek takes 3.5 hour.
Enjoy the fresh air and peace ......
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Ikharia pinnacle (1158 m), Nashik
It is near Dhodap fort and is of purely rock climbing route. From Sonar's village a flat walk via fort's entrance leads to Gorakhnath ashram at the base of the pinnacle. The route up is through a prominent slanting Chimney. From Ikharia climb down to Kondana and then to Dhodambe (6 km).
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Avandh (1319 m), Nashik
Avandh is a prominent huge rock massif, standing next to Patta fort. It has huge walls and a narrow summit. The steps to the top are blown off and, at many places, one has to resort to rock climbing. This peak was probably used as a watch tower.
Avandh is best approached from Ninavi (Nashik to Girwadi by bus and trek to Ninavi). A track leads to the base of the rocky massif, from where the rock climb starts. At the top one discovers a small cave and a fantastic view of Patta fort.
Or Igatpuri to Taked by 1145 h bus. Travel to Adsure dam (30 km) and trek to Pattawadi.
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Harihar fort (1120 m), Trimbak
Harihar is a unique fort in the Sahyadris, built on a triangular prism of rock. Its three faces and two edges are absolutely vertical. The third edge is inclined at an angle of about 75 degree. A one meter wide rocky staircase is hewn on this range. At one place, it goes through a hole, carved in rock. The rocky staircase has good fingerholds, so it is an easy and interesting climb. On top, there is a small temple, a shelter, a rocky hill with an easy route to top and 16 water tanks. One can stay a night at this shelter/room, which is in good condition.
The British officer Capt. Briggs described it as wonderful route and wrote : 'Words can give no idea about its dreadful steepness. It is perfectly straight for, I suppose 200' and can only be compared to a ladder over a height of this nature'. This was one of the forts surrendered by Shahji from Bijapur control to Mughal general Khan Zaman of forces of Shajahan. It surrenderd to the British in 1818 after the fall of Trimbak.
Khodala, Jawahar and Mokhada are tribal (Adivasi) dominated area situated amidst of mountainous country with forested areas. Drivers of this zigzag route drive leisurely with caution. The dress is of special interest - special type blouse and a red scarf with white dots are commonly used. Every village has its own deity and night long pujas/bhagans followed by animal sacrifice is still practised here. Evening time is for enjoyment with home made (desi) liquor.
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Travel to Kasara from Kalyan by train (1 hour) and then to Khodala (31 km) by jeep. Appraoch the base village Nirgudpada via Devgon phata (24 km) by Trimbakeswar jeep. From Nirgudpada climb the connecting ridge coming from Fani Dongar - Harihar fort plateau. The to and fro trek takes 3 hour. Bus service is infrequent on Khodala - Trimabk route. Trimabk is 21 km from Nirgudpada.
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Fani Dongar (992 m) a triangular hill with a 30 m cobra like projection (difficult to climb), located near Harihar fort.
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Haji Malang (790 m), Kalyan
Haji Malang is a popular pilgrim centre near Kalyan. Sundays will be crowded with public. This is a prominent landmark in the vicinity of Kalyan, with the dargah of Baba Malang halfway up the mountain. Buses ply regularly from Kalyan to the foot of the hill from where a broad path leads to the Dargah.
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Above the dargah there are plenty of opportunities for rock climbing. For the experienced, the route ahead is worth trying. The summit is known as 'Balahasner' and is steep climb from the tomb. There is a hollow at the foot of the rock which towers precipitately in front. Climb is almost perpendicular and is exposed. A steep flight of rock steps leads to the top via a rope bridge and you see a big black hole, which as per legend, was a secret passage to the valley. There are many pinnacles on the summit ridge. One has to be very careful to move around and on the descent.
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On top of Haji Malangad with pinnacle view
From the back side of the Darga a route leads to Dadi Mam ki darga (10 km one way, 6 hour trek), Kamli Shah Darga (a small cave near the Haji Malang darga), Palki Bogda (a large hole in the main rocky ridge where people paste coins to get their wish fulfilled) and further at the end of the ridge is the Paanch Pir darga (5 saints tomb). From here a very exposed steep route climbs down to the road head. Experienced people can make a try with a walking stick.
Tavli hills (800 m), a group of three pinnacles, is nearby. Tavli caves at the base of the pinnacle can be reached by a tricky and exposed traverse.
The Urs (death anniversary of the saint) was celebrated on 21 Feb 2008. Darga serves free food to the poor. Near the darga one can stay in basic lodges. Few restaurants serves food too (Rs 35 for Rice plate). One can try jumbo paratha and Halwa at Rs 15 (250 g). Mutton and chicken are also available. The prices are little high due to the remote location.
Just before the darga, a route climbs to the base of the steep rock wall (Bala Ansar point, Rs 2). On left, there is a tea shop which sells biscuits and other food items. From there one can climb to the higher plateau via a steep rock cut staircase. A little fortification is on top (a gateway). From here one can have great views of Dadi Mam ki darga, Chanderi fort and the Haji Malang range and Darga. Traverse the left side of the rock wall to reach the rocky staircase.
The real adventure starts from here. The climb leads to a slanting pipe bridge (4 metre long), where one have to walk over it with the help of an overhead rope. One person is on duty (fee Rs 15) will help you to cross the rope bridge by hooking you with a safety rope. The narrow route further climbs to the top. Excellent views of the surrounding area including the pinnacle of Haji Malang. Take extra care while climbing down. The climb from the Haji Malang darga to top and back takes 3 hour.
A morning climb will be nice. Don't feed or tease the monkeys on the way. Carry water for drinking. Wear shoes/sandals having good grip. Avoid carrying items to free both hands. Don't hurry on the route. Warning : No misplaced steps, no excuses, defaulters will be punished with death !.
How to Reach : Travel to Malangad (70 km from Mumbai) by bus from Kalyan (Rs 10, 1 hour). Trek to darga (tomb) of Haji Malang (2 hour, Rs 2 passenger tax). The route is having a number of shops for refreshments.
My route to Haji Malang : Travel to Vavanje by bus from Panvel. Cemented steps leads to Navdurga temple (an ancient Hindu temple with a deep well) near the darga of Haji Malang. The Malangad is visible to a long distance. Above the darga, a thrilling climb takes you to top of the pinnacle via rope bridge. To and fro trek takes 6 hour.
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Chanderi fort (790 m), Karjat
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 (713 m), Karjat
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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Padar Killa (610 m), Karjat
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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Mahalaxmi pinnacle, Dahanu
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.
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Mangi Tungi (1329 m), Satana
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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Tambolya, Satana
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.
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Salota fort, Satana
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 (1478 m), Satana
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).
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Lingana pinnacle (908 m), Pachad
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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Lingi (540 m), Kalyan
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.
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Madangad (1466 m), Igatpuri
This is a difficult fort to reach, recognised by a hole on the extreme right side on top. The top is above the hole and standing over there is an experience in itself. Steps leading to the fort are blown off, so one has to climb the steep rock face of 20 m.
From Igatpuri travel to Bhavli by bus. Trek to Kulangwadi and then to the col of Madangad - Alang. Reach a very narrow and exposed track at the bottom of the rock climbing wall. Someone good in rock climbing has to overcome this difficult and highly exposed section to fix a rope to make it safe for the party. A guide from the near by village is advised. There is a hole carved out in the rock at the top of the climb, which is good for fixing a rope.
Further ahead steps leads to the upper plateau having a huge cave and water tank. There is an excellent view of the neighbouring forts - Kulang and Alang. It is easier to descend by rappelling down. One must be experienced and careful whilst climbing this fort.
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My guides & Kulang fort viewed from top of Madangad
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Alang (1479 m), Igatpuri
Three fourth of the fort had to be traversed, at least 3 times at different levels to reach the top. A series of water cisterns arranged in semi circular fashion on the top is a unique sight.
From Igatpuri travel to Bhavli by bus. Trek to Kulangwadi and then to the col of Madangad - Alang. Descend on the left over rocky slabs to thick forest. A flat traverse enables one to reach almost to the end of the massif. A series of dry water ponds and a giant cracked rock is a marker to turn into a nala for the final climb. A track up the nala leads to small gully. After an easy rock climb supported by a bichki tree one enters the second level of the fort. Another long, flat and some times exposed traverse takes you to the extreme end, towards Madangad. A huge cave is situated here. Above the cave a long traverse gradually climbs to the top. The summit is peculiarly shaped with two small domes. Water cisterns and a small temple are situated at the base of the summit hump.
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Dangya, Igatpuri
This is a prominent pinnacle, which is clearly visible from the road. Get down at Wadhiware (On Igatpuri - Nashik road) an proceed to Dangya village on the left of the hill range. The 100 m pinnacle has a route from the west.
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Shenit pinnacle (900 m), Igatpuri
This 60 m pinnacle stands at the saddle of Bitangad. With valleys on two sides it seems very isolated. It would be a very difficult rock climb from the east (facing Bitangad). From Igatpuri reach Warangushi and Shenit village (13 km) by bus, the route passing at the foot of Phandhra all along. On the road from Shenit to Bitangi village, the isolated pinnacle comes in view after 6 km, as you reach the saddle. The rock is quite firm all along but there is also some scree. One can also approach it from Taked via Bitangi in the opposite direction.
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Napta (1024 m), Igatpuri
Napta is a prominent rocky projection at the edge of the ghats and is visible from many places. It has nose like shape and is difficult to climb. Travel to Malegaon phata by Samgamner bus from Igatpuri. Reach Panchani village by bus. Cross a small depression to reach base of Napta via Pethachiwadi (5 km). Proceed to a col between two peaks of Napta and traverse the southern edge of the main peak. It has about 40 m rock climb and very bad scree has to be crossed. Near the top you find another 20 m of bad scree. There is a great view from the long ridge, which is at the top.
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Ghodishep (861 m), Igatpuri
It is a horse like projection from the ghats having a grand view of Napta. Travel to Malegaon phata by Samgamner bus from Igatpuri. Reach Kumshet village via Shirpunje by bus (26 km). From Kumshet village, cross Mula river to Ghodishep (5 km). The high point is Komda dongar and its west is Ghodishep, along the plateau.
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Bhairavgad (864 m), Malshej
It is a prominent and unique fort. Travel from Kalyan and get down before the Malshej ghat at Morroshi. Approach the base of the fort by following a cart road. A hut is at the upper plateau with a well. Climb to the rocky walls of the fort and reach a pass between Bhairavgad and the main Deccan range.
From here, steps leads to the top. The walls overhang a little, and above the steps are blown off. One has to climb carefully above the overhang. There are several crumbling steps and plenty of scree to be overcome before one reaches the top, which has a great view of Malshej ghat and near by hills. It is advisable to go well prepared for a rock climb.
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Machindragad, Karjat
Machindragad is an isolated rock pinnacle with a connecting ridge to Gorakhgad (nearby fort with a cave and cisterns at the base. A rock staircase leads to the top). Travel from Kalyan or Karjat to Murbad by bus and then to Khopivali by jeep. Follow an easy route to the base of Gorakhgad.
Reach the Gorakhgad - Machindragad col and climb the ridge to top. The actual final climb is about 30 m. It has a rocky top and is rather difficult to climb. One must go prepared for a rock climb.
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Telbaila (1013 m), Lonavla
Travel from Lonavla to Bhamburde and get down at a col for Telbaila by bus (30 km). Reach the base of the final rock wall by 3 km walk by following a road. The twin solid brown massif is comes into view. It offers a tough and interesting rock climbing route.
The upper reaches are exposed and full of scree, and overhang at one place. The overhang is difficult to climb but can be overcomed by borrowing an improvised ladder from the base village. From here one can climb down to the Pali side by Wazri pass to visit Sudhagad fort, Tanale caves and Karsamble caves.
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Bhairi cave & pinnacle, Lonavla
Bhairi cave is high up on a rock face with a sharp pinnacle nearby. A giant cave of Bhairav is hewn out in a rock face. It has a water tank and animal sacrifice is still practiced here. On the Chaitra Pournima day every year a fair is held here.
Bhairi pinnacle is 40 m high and is near the cave. It has an easier approach from the east face, while other routes are more challenging. Another pinnacle 100 m higher up towards the ghats also provides a good challenge.
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Route 1 : From Karjat (90 km Mumbai on Pune rail route) proceed by bus to Sandshi via Khandpe. A complicated track leads to the base of the cave (4 km). A series of rock steps lead vertically up to the cave. Then steps are blown off in certain sections near the cave making the approach and return difficult and exposed. A 6m rope is fixed to climb to the cave vertically.
Route 2 : From Jambuli (bus from Talegaon near Lonavla), Kopeshwar temple. Traverse along the edge of the ghats between the Bhairi pinnacle and the ghats to descend to the base of the cave.
Route 3 : Another long trek is from Lonavla Tungarli lake on the Rajmachi route and then to Valvand village and to Jambuli. This route takes 12 hour of strenuous trekking. But the beauty of Bhairi cave & pinnacle is a once in a life time experience.
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Moradi pinnacle, Lonavla
An interesting pinnacle detached from the ghats and is visible from the popular picnic spot - Lion's point, Lonavla. Travel by Lonavla - Pali bus and get down at Parali. Reach the base village Falyan by six seater. From the village take a Guide for the climb. Climb the ridge of the Moradi pinnacle to reach a rock wall (15 to 20 m high), which tests the trekker's talent. Then the route climbs steeply to the final rocky dome, which has the final 15 m steep rock climb. The summit is 5 m in radius with a flag pole. So go with a flag, let it flutter there eternally !. The to and fro trek takes 6 hour from Flayan village.
Those who are experienced in trekking can climb down from Lion's point to Falyan in any of the two main routes - Aatwan phata route or the Umber khind route.
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Left ridge to top of Lion's Point
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Iron pipe flag post on top of Lion's Point
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Moradi pinnacle Trek
Location : In Raigad District, Maharashtra. Phalyan, the base village is 50 km from Lonavla.
View Point : Lion's Point, 12 km from Lonavla on the Sahara (Ambavne) route. Lion's Point is a scenic place popular for scenic beauty and film shooting. The song 'I Love My India' was cinematised here. A tourist is attracted by the beauty of the valley deep below and a steep rising hill from the valley. The hill locally called Babita/Moradi has steep ridge in one
side and is pyramidal in shape. From Lonavla travel by Pali bus and get down at Parali. From Parali one can reach Mangaon village by six seater (Vikram, Rs 7).
The road leads to Phalyan village, a 15 minute walk. From the village , a panoramic view of the hill pyramid is enchanting. A 1.5 hour trek takes to a rock climbing wall. With some idea of basic rock climbing one can climb the 20 m wall. Another 40 minute climb over a steep ridge take to the base of the final dome. After a steep rock climb of 15 m one can reach the top. The top of the Hill is 10 m in diameter with a flag pole.
At the top, it is a celebration time with dancing. The great appaluse of the crowd eagerly waiting at Lion's Point increase the joy and thrill.
After spending 10 to 15 minutes at the top one can return. One has to be very careful while descending as the route is of high gradient and slipping sand/rock. Climb down cautiously to the rock wall in 1.5 hour. Take your own time while descending. This is not a climbing competition, Don't be in a hurry. Climb down the rock wall of 20 m and a further comparetively easy trek of 1 hour to Phalyan village. To and fro trek takes 5 hour.
It will be a memorable experience for a life time. So try your chance and be get delighted by the area's beauty. Some tips for the trek - Carry water, camera and some packed food. Start early to avoid the hot sun and severe sweating. A guide from Phalyan village is essential for the first time trekker.
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Koldher (978 m), Chandwad
Is in the Chandwad area near Manmad. It has a huge plateau with rock cut store houses and walls. The final square massif is difficult to climb. From the Kanchan - Manchan khind (Dhaode Bari, Devla bus stops here) follow the ridge in the east, going up to the upper plateau with a small hill called Binthi. The route leads to the base of final massif and caves.
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Chandwad fort
Chandwad fort is 250 km from Mumbai after Nashik. Walk a little on NH3 towards ghat to climb the steps leading to Sree Chandreshwer Mahadevji temple on the ridge of Chandwad. Behind the temple one can see a water tank, mosque in ruins, some 9 tombs, 2 huge ponds and a Ganesh shrine. From the pond a route climbs to the higher plateau of the fort where a ruined building and a paltform is located. From the platform a track climbs to the rock climbing wall (on the extreme right of the fort visible from the temple side) where an iron ladder is placed.
An anchor is available 4 metre above the ladder to fix a rope to climb up. Fixed barbed wire will help experienced climbers to climb up and fix a rope for the inexperienced climbers. (Caution : My small finger got injured while trying to climb with the barbed wire, so take care). A knot on the rope will make the climb easy. Ensure the right way of fixing the rope at the anchor, as a fall from such a height can be fatal. Then a steep rock climb of about 6 metre with the barbed wire fixed leads to the fort. On top one can see 4 water tanks, ruins of building, view of Chandwad town and a nice view of the surrounding hills like Sade teen, Indrei Killa, Rajdher fort, Dhodap and Ikaria pinnacle.
Renuka Devi temple is at the base of the fort near NH3. Chandwad town has ancient buildings and Rajwadas (Gateways and fortified enclosure). There is a hill with a temple on top of the summit, which can be climbed from Chandwad. Rope is advised for the 15 metre rock climb on Chandwad fort. Climb : Moderate. To and fro trek takes 3.5 hour.
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Hadbi chi Shendi pinnacle, Manmad
This is a very prominent and curious looking projection about 5 km before Manmad. Walk from the station on the Daund railway line and turn off above 2 km towards village Katarwadi.
An easy scree scramble takes you to the base of the pinnacle. The 50 m high pinnacle is exposed and difficult to climb, over rather unsafe rocks. The shendi has been climbed few times and it has always been an exhilarating climb.
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http://youtu.be/YQPmaCckS3s
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Today India is one of those tourist destinations which are globally recognized for its offers. And it has gone ahead to become a must visit place for adventure enthusiast. Owing to good distribution of great climbing rocks throughout the Himalayas, conquering the mighty Himalayan peaks is the most cherished dream of every mountain climbing enthusiasts. Indian Himalaya offers Trekking, Rafting, Camping, Bunjee Jumping, Mountaineering, Wild Life tours, Jungle Safari, Bird Watching, Para gliding, Skiing and much more.
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Thanks for providing the best locations of India for rock climbing. These locations are give the ultimate experience to the adventure lovers.
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Hey mate, thanks for sharing this wonderful post with us that described all rock climbing placed of India on one place. I like to go all places that you have mentioned here with my climbing group. Some of these places, I have already visited.
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Amboli ghat, Kudal
From Kudal railway station, travel to Amboli ghat via Sawantwadi by Arja bus. Amboli ghat has scenic flowers and is lush green after the monsoon. 4 km from Amboli on the Arja road is the Kavlsad, turn to a khind (Parikshit). Here wind gushes up from Konkan.
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Nice post. I love these travel destinations..