Bangalore: Rock of all ages

Bellevision Media Network

Bangalore, 27 April 2011: Eight kilometres from the frenzy of Banashankari, you come across its alter ego, Turahalli. Located off Kanakapura Road, it is recognisable by the deciduous forest that is home to “boulder gardens”. Adventure junkies and lone rangers alike find it the perfect place for rock climbing as early as 7 a.m. on weekends.

 

In order to open the idea of rock climbing to a larger niche, Sunand Sampath of iQuest Adventure regularly organises rock climbing lessons for schoolchildren and adults. “Turahalli is just the place where amateurs can learn and experience the rush of rock climbing,” he says. Sampath is not the only one who has used Turahalli to introduce rock climbing to Bangaloreans.

 

Sohan Pavuri, another avid rock climber, brings his four-year-old daughter Surayu to learn the nuances of the sport here as well. “The wide range of boulders makes it perfect for any age and level of rock climber,” he says. He describes the place as an “ideal escape for Bangaloreans who need some time out from the hustle and bustle of the city”.

 

All arms and legs: Rock climbers spending a constructive morning at Turahalli

 

Turahalli has now turned into a popular mountaineering and adventure biking spot too. With its increasing popularity, developers have recognised Turahalli’s potential. Over the last few years there have been many attempts by developers to convert it into an organised park. However, environmentalists have fought against the move.

 

In the third week of January every year, the festival of Turahalli is celebrated where people plant saplings and celebrate the infinite beauty of this vast and natural landscape. This year, the support increased two fold, with a large number of people joining in to fight for Turahalli to remain the wonder that it is.

- Agencies