Climbing wall at C V Raman’s house draws adventure seekers

It’s not known to many, but an indoor bouldering facility at the premises of ‘Panchavati’, Sir C V Raman’s residence, is a popular spot for bouldering enthusiasts. Located in Malleswaram, it has been active for three years and is called Bangalore Boulder.

The facility is set deep inside the leafy campus, behind the bungalow where India’s first Nobel prize-winning physicist and his family once lived. Except for the name of the residence at the entrance, there’s no hint of the bouldering centre inside. The 2.5-acre campus is closed to the public except when it is hosting science camps for children, teacher training programmes or cultural events like the ongoing BLR Hubba. But you can access the facility by specifying the purpose of visit at the gate.

Despite its discreet presence, it sees a steady stream of amateur and professional rock climbers because of word of mouth, says Manikandan Kumar, co-partner in the business. Kumar is a professional rock climber. He is a world champion in a specific technique called lead climbing.

Up to 20 people can practise bouldering at a time. It is open to children above 11 years. The space also hosts bouldering competitions, birthday parties, and corporate outings.

It boasts 15-ft walls fixed with climbing holds of varying sizes and colours. The holds are fixed at random distances and look like paint splattered across a canvas. Crash pads are placed on the floor to reduce the impact of a fall. “Bouldering doesn’t involve helmets or ropes,” Kumar says when asked about other safety measures. But one needs to wear climbing shoes and rub climbing chalk powder on their hands. Shoes can be rented for Rs 50-Rs 100 per session. “We change climbing routes every month or two,” he adds.

The green cover at Panchavati lends a touch of nature to the facility. “I chose a glass facade so climbers can get a view of the trees and feel they are still outdoors,” he explains.

Kumar found a spot for his passion project at Panchavati thanks to a partnership with C V Raman’s grandson, Vivek Radhakrishnan. The latter is also a sports enthusiast.

Located inside Panchavati, Malleswaram. Closed on Monday. Fee starts at Rs 400. For details, visit
@BangaloreBoulder on Instagram.

‘Panchavati to open as hub of arts, science by 2026’

Panchavati in Malleswaram.

The Raman Research Institute Trust manages Panchavati. They are in the process of turning the historic campus into a public hub for arts and sciences. “The work will be completed within two years. But many activities will start by next year,” says Vivek Radhakrishnan, a trust member. “The aim is to have activities that inspire children across fields — dance, theatre, art, science, sports,” he adds.