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Rock Climbing
The best thing about this sport is the almost equal distribution of
rock climbing destinations in India. The availability of the good
climbing rocks not too far from the city gives greater access and
participation from the professionals as well as from the amateurs alike.
Given below are the names of some of the major destinations for rock
climbing in India to give you a better idea for the places where you can
engage in this game.
Often seen as the first stage for mountain climbing, it is the most
basic level of climbing a rock face. Hand and feet do most of the work,
but safety equipment like ropes, body harness, friends (cramming devices
that contract to the pulling of a trigger and are wedged in the
crevices) and nuts (metal wedges of different sizes) are essential. A
physically exhausting sport, rock climbing is also one of the most
challenging.
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
Rock Climbing in Indian Zones
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. The Western Ghats have Mumbra and Dudha beyond
Pune. Himachal Pradesh offers the Manali Valley, Manikaran and the
Rohtang Pass.
West Zone
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 favorite 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 center 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.
Precautions
Climbing is relatively safe, but that shouldn't stop all climbers from
taking precautions. Climbers are not oblivious to heights. As a climber,
you cannot afford to suffer from vertigo or a lapse of judgment.
Specialist equipment such as ropes is often used to protect climbers
from falls.
Physical Requirements
Physical requirements for rock climbing can differ from person to
person. In fact, it is your state of mind that decides your physical
capabilities more than anything else. Increasing levels of difficulty
may require greater level of physical fitness and greater flexibility in
your body than under a lesser difficulty level. Nevertheless, there are
some minimum health requirements that must be met before you set out for
rock climbing. A few of these are: 1) you should not be an expectant
mother; 2) you should not have high blood pressure or any heart
problems; and 3) if you have permanent physical disabilities, you will
have to work harder
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