Don't miss these boulder problems when you go rock climbing in Bangalore - Part 3 (Avathi)

by Avathi Outdoors | Rock Climbing

Don't miss these boulder problems when you go rock climbing in Bangalore - Part 3 (Avathi)

This is the third part of our series on bouldering in Bangalore. Read more about the boulder problems at Turahalli and Raogudlu. This one is on boulder problems at Avathi:

Although Avathi is known for how hard climbers climb there, it is better known for the beautiful sunset with Nandi hills in the background. Initially, it was discovered by the Equilibrium climbing gym folks several years ago. However, Gaurav (Gujju) and a bunch of the top competition climbers who train at the Kanteerava stadium climbing wall have invested time in developing the area and opened some of the hardest and beautiful boulder problems in Bangalore.

Avathi is the only bouldering and rock climbing locations where a lot of climbing happens on weekdays and in the evenings (people head out from work early and climb through the evening, into the night). If you haven't noticed, it is also the inspiration for our website that enables rock climbing workshops and meetups: www.avathi.com.

 

 

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We asked a bunch of Avathi climbers to rate their top 10 boulder problems and here they are:

 

The cave at the Yabadabadoo boulder at Avathi

 

1. Yabadabadoo - 7B+, Cave Area, FA: Aravind (Trad), Bharath Gowda (High ball): A 35-40 ft high ball with a cool cave underneath. Although the hike would discourage most Avathi climbers, the view of Avathi and the surrounding hills is something to behold. Originally a trad line opened by the Aravind Selvam, it was eventually high-balled/soloed by Bharath Gowda.

2. Red Bull - 7A, Police Area, FA: Madhu CR: Red bull is one of the most beautiful looking boulders in Avathi. Although there are 3 harder lines on the boulder, the original obvious line called Red bull is a must-try.

3. Magic Cookie - 6B, FA: Bharath Gowda: This is a classic high ball with very interesting moves (pull your self up to stand on a decent ledge) on to a sketchy crux to top out. Although the crux is not hard, it requires making a committing move (trust a finger crack, smear on the face and make a reachy move) at 20 ft above the ground. Better have enough spotters and 4-5 crash-pads when you go there. The name is derived from a certain magic-infused cookie that was consumed after sending.

4. Bye, Bye - 6C, Parking Area, FA: Nagaraj Srinivas: A very short boulder problem with a very tricky top-out. Gujju managed to say his goodbyes to the climber who was sitting on top of the boulder shining the torchlight before falling off the top on one of his attempts - hence the name. The top-out can be a real struggle and entertaining for those that are not trying.

5. Gow-Wow - 6A, FA: Aravind Selvam (Trad), Gujju (Highball): A beautiful crack climb with good hand and fist jams. The setting is beautiful and a must-try if you want to learn crack climbing. Although an easy problem, it has posed problems to even the top climbers in Bangalore who can't jam.
 

 

6. Power of Boti - 7C, Parking Area, FA: Deekshith M: One of the hardest routes in Avathi. Overhanging and reachy, the route has become harder recently as a key hold broke recently. Right next to where you park your vehicles and hard to miss.

7. Avathi Special - 6C, Parking Area, FA: Sandeep Maity: A favourite among many of the Avathi climbers. Opened by the popular Delhi climber Sandeep Maity, this slightly overhanging boulder problem has very cool moves.

8. Ain't no Sunshine - 7A, Police area, FA: Bharath Gowda: Another classic line on the Red bull boulder on the opposite side of the Red Bull problem. Bharat Gowda highballed this route in the night with just phone torches being flashed from the ground.

9. Lead speed boulder - 6C+, Kokkare series, FA: Deekshith: One of the earliest routes opened by the Avathi climbers. The name is derived by banter among the competition climbers on how this boulder is impossible to do for a lead climber or a speed climber.

10. Samosa's Chutney - 6C+, Sunset Area, FA: Gaurav: Another short but very enjoyable overhanging boulder problem. The harder version is called Samosa but the one next to it is called chutney.

Now, don't wait - go here and tell us about your rock climbing and bouldering experience at Avathi.

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