Rappelling in India
Owing to the vast variety of scenery and terrain, India is a haven for adventure sports. One of the sports that is growing in popularity is rappelling in India. It doesn’t require prior experience and only a basic level of fitness. All you need to have is a good pair of shoes and a trustworthy operator with expertise.
Once you’re safely strapped into your harness, it takes some practice to learn how to balance your body weight and centre of gravity. After that, you’re set to take on the rock face!.
Some of the most popular destinations to try waterfall rappelling are Dodhani, Bekre and Torna waterfalls, which are spread out across Maharashtra. You can also give the adventure sport a go at parts of Karnataka like Coorg and Bangalore.
Maharashtra
Close to Matheran, the Dodhani Waterfalls are perfect for a fun waterfall rappel session during the monsoons. You’ll rappel down a 75-foot rock face, with a waterfall in full flow. The views around are gorgeous but don’t get too distracted and remain focused on finding the right foothold.
You can also check out Bekre Falls, close to Bhivpuri. There’s a short trek through lush greenery to get to the waterfall. It’s almost a 100-foot descent, so you might want to save that till you have some experience. After your adventurous session, you can take a dip in the natural pool formed at the bottom of the waterfall.
Around Pune in the middle of the Western Ghats, Torna is a spot that has attracted enthusiasts for years. Standing at 100 feet tall, the waterfall is a thrilling spot for this adventure.
It is at its peak strength during the monsoon season, so it’s wise to listen to all the instructions given. The area becomes overcast and misty, so it is an absolutely delightful attraction for adventure lovers.
One cannot miss the heart-stopping adventure at Duke's Nose, a famous cliff in Lonavala! You will rappel down a 300-foot high rock face. You can see the terrifying yet adrenaline-pumping tremendous drop beneath you as you make your way one foothold at a time. This is an adventure not recommended for the faint-hearted but a definite one for the adventure seekers.
All adventure trips must be done with experienced operators as your safety is of utmost importance. With the right operator and the best equipment, even tricky adventures like the Duke’s Nose can be done safely with maximum enjoyment.
Karnataka
Although Coorg is ideally known to provide a quiet escape, it is also a hidden gem for adventure sports. There’s also a night safari, trekking and bicycling, to name a few other adventures you can try here.
Seasoned experts head to the Chelavara waterfalls that is a heart-thumping adventure for waterfall rappelling. You could even try rock rappelling on the granite rocks of Ramanagaram and Savandurga, close to Bangalore.
The rest of India
The mighty rocks and cliffs of the Himalayas and the Aravalli ranges provide plenty of opportunities. There are stunning views all around. If you pick the right season, you’ll have excellent visibility to soak in all the natural beauty.
Best time to go
If you’re going waterfall rappelling, you have to go during the peak monsoon months from mid-July to September. By this time, the waterfalls are flowing strongly and the area around is green and cool.
If you’re going rock climbing in the Aravalli range, pick winter months so you can climb in pleasant weather. For travellers going anywhere further up north in the Himalayas, you’ll need to check with the operator about the best season. While rock climbing in India, do remember that you need to wear appropriate shoes and empty your pockets.
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