Rock climbing in India

[Perfection]

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.



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.





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.

[Perfection]

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.

[guptapriyagupta10]

Nice post. I love these travel destinations..