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leonardo
climber
davis, CA; Sardinia, IT
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 27, 2012 - 03:02pm PT
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I am moving to Bangalore (Southern India) in less than one month.
Climbing won't probably be my immediate priority, I am nevertheless curious if some ST user has direct knowledge of that region and possibly knows someone in the local climbing community.
I have already found some infos on few web sites, but it would be precious to hear some first hand accounts.
Thanks
Leonardo
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nature
climber
CO
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Mar 27, 2012 - 03:09pm PT
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I flew into bangalore last year and then headed over to Mysore. There's rock on the way to Mysore that's been developed. There is also rock on Chamandi hill in Mysore. Not sure what that's like.
then there is Hampi. Amazing bouldering as you know. You can catch a bus direct from Bangalore to Hospet and then a quick tuk tuk ride to Hampi.
If you ever go to Mysore let me know. My friend Sudhama will show you around for a very fair price. and he knows everything about everywhere it seems....
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homemade salsa
Trad climber
west tetons
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Mar 27, 2012 - 03:42pm PT
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I have climbed a bit around Bangalore, but it has been almost 20 years so the names etc will be rusty.
Some wild domes on the way to Mysore- out in the peanut fields. My friends kept telling me to look out for snakes in the cracks- eeek. Fun multi-pitch adventure on exfoliating granite domes.
Then we did one amazing long multi-pitch above a small village with temples in it, the descent route came right into the village and they could hear our on/off belay calls. Wish I could remember the name... about an hour motorbike ride outside Bangalore.
A couple of fun days at the Hampi boulders, but I am sure there is a lot more info around about them.
Look for a guy named Dinesh Kaigonhalli- that's who I climbed with down there.
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leonardo
climber
davis, CA; Sardinia, IT
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 27, 2012 - 09:38pm PT
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Thank you for the advise
@Nature: if don't mind, I'll send you a private message to have more details on your guide friend
Thanks
L.
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martygarrison
Trad climber
Washington DC
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Mar 27, 2012 - 10:18pm PT
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I was there a few time in the last couple of years for work. I saw tons of rock around Hyderabad. In Bangalore I don't remember so much however it is a far cooler city than Hyderabad. Great food, fun thrills crossing the roads.
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Darwin
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Mar 27, 2012 - 10:45pm PT
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Also, take up surfing. OK, it's in the middle of the peninsula, but I UNDERSTAND the west coast there does get good surf.
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Kalimon
Trad climber
Ridgway, CO
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Mar 27, 2012 - 11:20pm PT
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Good luck leonardo . . . training customer service reps on their phone etiquette?
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Jan
Mountain climber
Okinawa, Japan
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Mar 28, 2012 - 01:40am PT
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Don't forget to take in some of the history and culture along with the rocks. As with many places in India, Hampi has both natural beauty and art.
And be sure and buy some of the perfumes, soaps, and essential oils for sale in Mysore. They'll go a long way with the girls back home.
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Mar 28, 2012 - 08:48am PT
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When are you going. There might be a beastly hot period coming asap that will last for awhile
Peace
Karl
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rockermike
Trad climber
Berkeley
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Mar 28, 2012 - 09:16am PT
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I have a friend - southern Cal guy - not a climber - who lives there. He works for Microsoft I believe. I could give you contact info if you are interested. By the way, after a year or so there I get the impression he,s a bit burnt out on the place.
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leonardo
climber
davis, CA; Sardinia, IT
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 28, 2012 - 11:15am PT
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Thank you all!
I know it won't be easy to readjust to the new life in India... and yes weather conditions will be harsh in summer time. But after four years in California, the desire to explore new places was to big to keep me here.
I have been to Bangalore only once and in that occasion I've had suddenly the feeling that the chaos and city had several aspects in common with many city in Italy (Naples, Rome), just magnified...try to drive or cross the road in Naples during rush hours and Bangalore wouldn't be so bad...
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Mar 28, 2012 - 11:20am PT
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What does one move to India for other than the birds, reptiles, and enlightenment?
It sure won't be for the weather or the public transport system. ;-)
Sincerely curious.
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rectorsquid
climber
Lake Tahoe
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Mar 28, 2012 - 12:11pm PT
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It seems like with all of the outsourcing being done these days, Indian companies would get a great benefit from having an American-English speaking person from California on their staff.
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bhilden
Trad climber
Mountain View, CA
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Mar 28, 2012 - 12:56pm PT
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Leonardo,
riding my bike amongst the traffic in the Naples/Sorrento area was one of the most terrifying experiences in my life. Definitely not for the
faint of heart.
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Jan
Mountain climber
Okinawa, Japan
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Mar 28, 2012 - 02:17pm PT
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India has wonderful weather half the year. Sunny day after day and cool from October - February. A little hot March - June and rain almost every day from June to October.
There are nice hill station several thousand feet up if you need to cool off in the hot months. The heat in Bangalore is dry heat, not humid.
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micronut
Trad climber
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Mar 28, 2012 - 02:47pm PT
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This is one of my favorite shots from our time in Kathmandu.
Enjoy the adventure man. My suggestion for living in third world situations: Bring a Jetboil and some gas cannisters. (Check em on or declare 'em or buy them there if you need to)
Ive used my Jetboil from Kazakhstan to Nepal, in Villlages and in nice hotels when the power goes out. I like to pack a dozen Mtn Houses too. Nothing like the taste of Lasagna when you've been doin' Indian food for a month.
Bon Voyage,
Scott
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leonardo
climber
davis, CA; Sardinia, IT
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 28, 2012 - 03:09pm PT
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@rectorsquid: I am not sure my (strong) Italian-American accent would a real benefit for the company I'll be working for...
@bhilden
yes, Naples-Sorrento is pretty sketchy. At least in India drivers seem less aggressive than Italians
@micronut
Thanks for the advise. I have a msr multi fuel stove, that runs basically with all sort of gas. I have bought a UV sterilizer... I am afraid water will be the real problem.
Still debating if I should bring my bike for commuting to work... any thoughts?
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Inner City
Trad climber
East Bay
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Mar 28, 2012 - 03:48pm PT
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Best advice maybe: Don't move to India!
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rand0M aXiS
Trad climber
Beserkeley now living in Daygo
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Mar 28, 2012 - 05:38pm PT
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Its always beastly hot in Southern India. It helps to be along the coastline and get breezes, but you are going to haver to adjust to heat.
Also, even though most educated Indians speak English, it takes awhile vtope understand their English. I have been traveling to India regularly for the past four decades, and have spent probably a fifth of my life over there and I could never learn Hindi, Urdu or any of the other dialects. And Bengali ---- furgettaboutit!
You will also have to learn patience and how to deal with the Indian mindset. These guys live on another planet, and while lots of improvements have been made over the years, things just happen differently over there.
And then there is the corruption -- to get anytthing done quickly with the beurocrats -- like having your phone or other utilities turned on quickly will require a bribe....
Anyways, its a wonderful place, wonderful people and you will NEVER GET BORED there.
Feel free to PM me with any specific questions.....
rX
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Fat Dad
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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Mar 28, 2012 - 06:07pm PT
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Best advice maybe: Don't move to India! Oh come on. Admittedly India is not the easiest place to travel, but it's full of wonders. I admire the OP's sense of adventure. What could be better than to experience that everday?
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