Peak season to visit Hampi falls between November and late February. During these months, guest houses are full and home to lively scenes, the temperature lingers around the 28º C mark and most hours of the day are available to play on the rocks. However, if you would like to skirt the crowds and find off-season rates, try the shoulder season. Cheap and pocketed with a few climbers who refuse to leave the party until the bitter end, Hampi in March is truly something to experience. It is crucial to rise with the sun when the rocks are cool and forgiving. Otherwise, if you end up out there in the great, tan nothing during the forbidden hours (11am-4pm) you will surely lose your mind, shrivel up and die. During this time, days are ushered in by 38º+ C temperatures and humidity created by the surrounding rice paddies clings to every move you make. This combo creates an energy zapping concoction that will surely squelch any desire to leave your hammock, never mind climb a sick highball. Bring a good book or three. But if you stick to getting up with the sun, resting mid-day then venturing back out a couple of hours before the sun plummets below the horizon, you will be rewarded – handsomely.

Head through the rice paddies and up to The Plateau to explore any of the bountiful boulder collections that riddle Hampi’s landscape. Areas such as Cosmic Cave, Egg Boulder, Sandwich Roof, and Little Cave offer a nice range of easy 5-meter warm ups. Bigger challenges like the deceptively pocketed Access Denied (6c or V4) or seemingly endless Torture Traverse (7c or V8) await you around every granite corner. Farther across the rock field is Double Tap (7b or V7) - a monstrous double-arête that boasts a tendon-ripping dyno finish. One more stroll through a rice paddy brings you to Baba Café – the stand-alone boulder that finds its way onto every pilgrims’ checklist. And at the day’s end, cross the river and enjoy a crimson sunset from Hemakuta Hill. Here you can climb amongst the 15^th century ruins that were quarried from the same granite boulders we scale today.

Whether you are a history buff, soul searcher, yogi, gym rat or seasoned boulderer – Hampi truly has a little something for you. We even came across a few stout bolted climbs (sans rap anchors). Just don’t let the monkeys run away with your gear!

See more of Dan’s work by visiting danholzphotography.com or check in on his travels at danholzphotography.blogspot.com