Top 10 Rock Climbing Destinations in India

India is a country with terrains that perfectly go hand in hand with the rock climbing adventure. It is no wonder that the rock climbing adventure is taking new heights in India, as the country flaunts the mighty Himalayas in the North and other ranges in south. Rock climbing activity is a fun filled adventure if you ready to break your sweat with patience and positive spirit.

1. Miyar Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Located on the border region between Himachal Pradesh and Leh is the spectacular Miyar Valley. With the meadows and boulders this place gives you the best rock climbing experience with the best views. The experience could be a little exhilarating for first time travelers so it is very important that you have an idea about the various routes.

2. Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Photo by Raman Sharma, CC BY 2.0

Parvati Valley is a popular rock climbing destination where travelers flock in every year during peak season. Snow-capped blooms and alpine flowers offer a great view to the travelers. The place has great spots for getting photographs as the place has a great backdrop of the Himalayas and meandering valleys.

3. Shey Rock, Kashmir

Much of Kashmir remains unexplored. The state is home to plenty of ideal adventure and travel destinations much of which are unknown. Shey Rock is one such spot which is great for novices as well as expert travelers. There are many rock formations which you can try here.

4. Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra

Photo by Aditya Patawari, CC BY-SA 2.0

Nestled among the Western Ghats, Malshej Ghat is a treat for visitors especially just after the monsoon. There are waterfalls and green canopy that surrounds the place after a spell of rain. Many temples and ancient ruins can be found on the way and rock climbing near Ajoba Fort Hill is very popular among the adventure lovers.

5. Madhugiri, Karnataka

Photo by Nagarjun Kandukuru, CC BY 2.0

Waiting the curious adventurers in Madhugiri is a huge monolith formation that gives you a steep rock climbing experience. Madhugiri is in Tumkur region of Karnataka and the biggest attraction is the rock dome with a fort on top. There are many gateways to the top some of which are steep. Ruins of Gopalakrishna temple can be found atop.

6. Hampi, Karnataka

Photo by Nagarjun Kandukuru, CC BY 2.0

River Tundabhadra flowing beneath the rocky masses and ancient architectural buildings standing by the side describes Hampi perfectly. The old city is known for its striking structures and prehistoric monuments on rock formations. November and December are the best time to engage in rock climbing in Hampi and peak summer and rainy seasons must be avoided.

7. Savanadurga, Karnataka

Photo by Chris Conway, Hilleary Osheroff, CC BY-SA 2.0

Savanadurga is yet another gigantic monolith in Karnataka. It is near Bangalore and ideal for a weekend getaway for city dwellers. There are two paths for rock climbing, Karigudda which is relatively easy and Billigudda which is difficult given the steep slopes and rocky terrain. Once you reach on top, the view of Bangalore city is fascinating and worth all the physical effort.

8. Pavagadh, Gujarat

Photo by Arian Zwegers, CC BY 2.0

Devotees and adventurers flock to Pavagadh Hill round the year. The place has rock formations which makes it a heaven for rock climbing enthusiasts and trekkers. Besides, the temples and monuments in the rocky regions are important pilgrimage centres for Hindus and Jains. One such attraction is the Maa Mahakalika temple which can be reached via stairs or using ropeway. Forts and fort walls chase as you ascend the climb.

9. Damdama Lake, Haryana

Photo by Ekabhishek, CC BY-SA 3.0

Damdama lake near Gurgoan is an ideal picnic spot for a fun filled weekend. Rock climbing, kayaking, valley crossing and a lot of other adventure activities are available here if you care to hop on. The lake is home to many species of migratory birds which can be seen throughout the year. You can have a getaway full of adventure and relaxation all at the same time.

10. Susunia Hills, West Bengal

Climbers approaching rockface at Susunia Hill, Photo by Indrajit Das, CC BY 4.0

Susunia Hills offers a smooth climbing experience to amateurs with its easy peaks. The place is one of the few regions for rock climbing in the east. Gandheshwari River flows through the foothills and waterfalls and greenery makes the ascend a visual treat. Susunia hill is a well-known archeological site and some of the oldest inscriptions were found at this place. A hill fort, believed to have been built by King Chandravarman is also present at the hills.

With a great bunch of travel companions who have good vibes, rock climbing is going to be a memorable experience indeed. Except during monsoon, rock climbing is a safe sport if you have the right set of equipment. The perks of rock climbing are two-fold. It is a great way to burn your calories as you get to see surprisingly beautiful panorama and landscapes from the mountain top. So what are you waiting for?

About Rohit

An architect by profession, Rohit Agarwal is a curious traveller, seeking out the minutest detail about the places he travels to, and that’s what one will find in his writings. His writings have appeared in various blogs, he’s currently trying to bring forth as many different places a traveller who shares the same level of curiosity like him would like to visit through his writings.

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