The most interesting stories on rock climbing around Bangalore

by Avathi Outdoors | Rock Climbing

The most interesting stories on rock climbing around Bangalore

Bangalore has the most active rock-climbing community of all the cities in India. Although it is still yet to be as mainstream as trekking is in the city, it has a passionate and growing community.

The warm and pleasant weather round the year makes it easy for the city dwellers to pursue outdoor activities. The city also has a rich history of rock climbing as well as an unlimited supply of rock in all four corners.

Understandably, there are also lots of interesting stories of climbing in and around Bangalore. We put together the stories that were inspiring as well as entertaining in our opinion. We hope these stories motivate you to grab those climbing shoes and chalk bags and head out to the nearest crag.

 

 

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1.    A short history of rock climbing around Bangalore

Bangalore has a history of over 50 years of rock climbing. Written by Sohan Pavuluri, this is a fascinating blog that traces the origins of the rock climbing movement in Bangalore. Covering the key characters that developed the region and pushed the sport, the ups and downs of the climbing movement and finally the resurgence of climbing in the last 5 years. Read this if you want to understand the current state better and what you can do to push the sport. A detailed account of the history is also available in the Sport Climbing Guide to Bangalore that Sohan has authored. You can find it here.

2.    Rock and Ice Magazine's Jeff Jackson explores rock climbing around Bangalore 

Jeff Jackson, a popular American climber and sports journalist and a couple of friends spent a few weeks in Bangalore. This is their account of the life-changing pilgrimage during these weeks. It is laced with all the stereotypes of India (Bollywood, snakes, leopards, and adventures), that an American would have in 2012 but the characters are very funny and relatable. The article also covers the story behind bolting some of the classic routes such as Bollywood (7a) which he calls the one of the finest in the region.

 3.    Yabadabadoo - projecting a trad route at Avathi

The goofy Chennai climber Aravind Selvam (crack climber) is well known for putting up several hard trad- climbing routes around Bangalore. This is his story of projecting Yabadabadoo (7b+), one of the hardest and classic trad climbs around Bangalore. The story traces the origin, his partnership with a British climber and their adventures and eventually the send story. Aravind has an entertaining writing style, you can read more of his blogs here

4.    Mental Baba – by Pil Lockey

 

Pil (Paul Lockey) is one of the most prolific rock climbers in India. He is credited with developing some of the most popular rock climbing destinations such as Hampi and many around India. The blog is about his opening a trad climbing route in Hampi. The story is totally relatable (face or slab climbers struggling on cracks) and funny (using opium to deal with crack climbing pain). Technically this is not about Bangalore climbing but Hampi has a huge influence on Bangalore climbing so read on. Pil also has a series of equally fascinating blogs on Hampi and his other adventures. Read them here

 

 

 

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