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India has many
destinations where one can do rock climbing. In the state of Maharashtra,
we have the Sahyadris, which have some of the best rock climbing faces in
India. The places for rock climbing in Maharashtra are as follows:
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Places to visit
Maharashtra,
situated on the western frontier of India, is naturally blessed with rock
climbing sites. The Sahyadris and the Western Ghats give ample rock
climbing opportunities to visiters. Places of interest to rock climbers
are:
Outskirts of Mumbai – The Borivali National Park, Mumbra
Boulders, Manori rocks are some of the destinations of the area.
Lonavala/Khandala – The twin hill stations nearby Mumbai
also have some great rock climbing sites. Khandala is 101 kms from Mumbai
and about 69 kms from Pune. Lonavla is just 5 kms from Khandala.
The Karla Mountains, about 16 kms from Khandala, are home
to the largest cluster of Chaitya caves dating back to around 160 BC.
Their sheer rock faces provide the appropriate terrain for a rock climber
to reach up to the white, fluffy clouds. Duke's Peak is the rock climbing
destination here.
Igatpuri – This is one of the most interesting and
challenging regions of the Sahayadris. It has some of the most interesting
hill forts, the highest peaks and many of the places are challenging for
rock climbers. There are sharp rocky features and remotely placed hill
forts which are a speciality of this region.The countryside is beautiful
with plenty of water.
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Best seasons to visit
For rock climbing in Maharashtra, the best times are from October to May.
Since the Sahyadris are heavily hit by monsoon during June to September,
it is not advisable to venture for this sport. The rock faces are wet and
slippery and may be dangerous for rock climbing.
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How to reach
By Air – Mumbai is well connected to all major national
and international cities. Pune is connected to all major cities in India.
By Rail – Mumbai is well connected to other parts on
India through railways. From Mumbai, one can take trains to their rock
climbing destinations near Igatpuri, Nasik, Pune, etc.
By Road – Mumbai being the capital of the state has a
good bus service plying between the cities of Mumbai, Pune, Thane,
Igatpuri, Nasik, etc.
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What is special
When
rock climbing in Igatpuri, check out the famous Vipassana Kendra or
the Igatpuri Resort where one can practice this 2,500 year old art
of meditation. The resort offers a ten-day residential course in
which no contact with the outside world is permitted. A demanding
daily schedule is followed which includes about ten hours of sitting
meditation, complete silence and no communication with fellow
students. Vipassana is a great way to get face to face with your
inner self, and your environment.
Plus, you can also try your hands at trekking through the hills in
the Nasik region, which offers some of the most beautiful natural
scenery. As you pass through the tiny Marathi villages, you get
glimpses of unadulterated Maharashtrian culture that is still alive
in the interior parts of the state. You can enjoy Lavni, the Marathi
folk dance form, organised by the villagers – it still is the form
of entertainment for these people.
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