Hectic work, city chaos & roller coaster life creates an urge in every soul; an urge to find a desolate natural space within the proximity of our urban occupation! A couple of us were in one such desperate search of a location, where we could escape the urban chaos; to just relax in solitude or practice bouldering or even go cycling. Thanks to my friend Swami, who got me acquainted with one such lovely place called Turahalli Forest, just about 15km from the urban center.
After having briefly visited this place once, I was at continuous efforts to get back & start a routine of training myself at rock & climbing. The plan finally materialized with about 10 folks finally signing up with less than a day's notice. It somehow seemed that everyone was waiting to get out; but within a close reach from their cozy homes. And we were all set by Saturday night!
So, the early morning of Sunday between 05:00 & 06:00, phones started ringing at their homes & folks were at South Thindies, Basavanagudi well before it could open at 07:00. As it opened, people savored a quick light breakfast & were soon set towards Kanakpura road. After driving through a bit of slow moving traffic near Banashakari temple due to Metro work, we were at our destination well before 08:00. A dad-son duo who live very close to the forest locality also joined us at the venue. For sure, everyone was charged up to get busy with the rocks!
After a brief uphill walk, Swami / Abhi (our instructors for the day) decided on a beginner's boulder for everyone to get a hang of climbing. At the first look of it, everyone assumed it to be easy & in reality it seemed a little tricky for the first timers. This was just the beginning & the entire length of 3-4 hours passed by with people sparingly realizing the speed at which the time was passing by. We got to practice at different boulders & even a couple of chimneys.
It was a great learning experience for everyone & was a interesting opportunity for few to understand their limitations. People took their time at learning & executing the climbing techniques imparted by Swami & co. The entire forest area along with the tiny hill surely gave everyone the much needed quick way to breakfree & enjoy the Sunday at ease. We concluded our stint with the Turahalli forest by briefly visiting the temple atop the hill & strolling around to estimate the lovely decent expanse of this well preserved natural bounty; very much in the proximity. Hope the upcoming concrete developments stay away from encroaching the forest space! Thanks to everyone who made it a lovely Sunday morning! Hopefully a lot more to follow.
After having briefly visited this place once, I was at continuous efforts to get back & start a routine of training myself at rock & climbing. The plan finally materialized with about 10 folks finally signing up with less than a day's notice. It somehow seemed that everyone was waiting to get out; but within a close reach from their cozy homes. And we were all set by Saturday night!
After a brief uphill walk, Swami / Abhi (our instructors for the day) decided on a beginner's boulder for everyone to get a hang of climbing. At the first look of it, everyone assumed it to be easy & in reality it seemed a little tricky for the first timers. This was just the beginning & the entire length of 3-4 hours passed by with people sparingly realizing the speed at which the time was passing by. We got to practice at different boulders & even a couple of chimneys.
