Destination: Hampi

Heritage Hampi was the capital city of the powerful South Indian Vijayanagar Empire. Founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336, it fell to the Muslim rulers of North India in 1565 after the disastrous Battle of Talikota, and subsequently lapsed into decline and abandonment. The once proud city of victory is now a city of desolation. However, the ruins of these historical monuments have stood the ravages of man and time and still evoke memories of the grandeur of a bygone era. Set amidst an awesome boulder strewn landscape along the banks of the Tungabhadra River 12 km away from the sleepy town of Hospet “The city is such that the pupil of the eye has never seen a place like it, and the ear of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the world,” marveled a 15th century Persian ambassador. There were opulent palaces, marvelous temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, aqua ducts, pavilions, stables for royal elephants, and elegantly carved pillars. This was a city whose merchants offered diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades, horses, and, according to one Portuguese visitor, “every sort of thing on earth.” A visit to Hampi is a sojourn into the past. The best way to experience this World Heritage Site is to take a leisurely stroll through the eloquent ruins. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre. The Royal Centre in the southwest part of the site contains structures that seem to have been palaces, baths, pavilions, royal stables, and temples for ceremonial use. The Sacred Centre is situated on the northern edge of the city along the banks of the holy Tungabhadra River. The ruins of Hampi are extensive and fascinating enough to absorb your attention for several days. There is always something new to discover in Hampi. If you are in a hurry, a day or two will suffice to see all the important structures. Photography and archaeology buffs should plan on staying a little longer.

1. Introduction - theoretical: climbing equipment (harnesses, karabiners, figure eight and ropes, belaying devices), basic information about safety (communication between two climbers - climbing calls), rules of behavior at artificial walls, basic knots, types of belay.

2. First lesson at artificial wall, Climbing and belaying in pairs (top-rope climbing), safety rules (explanation of climbing calls and reactions, explanation of concrete situations), practicing climbing calls and reactions: "slack, take-in,” descending... Basic climbing moves, first climbing attempts.

3. Climbing and belaying in pairs (revising new skills from the last lesson - again top-rope climbing), basic climbing moves, rules of three stable points, right climbing movement (stretched arms, foot-work).

4. Belaying with Gri-gri and friction hitch, top-rope climbing, different tasks according to students´ skills (routes of different difficulty - overhangs, small number of holds, small holds in vertical parts, etc.), individual treatment and attempt to improve climbing skills (moves).

5. Climbing and belaying in pairs - to reach automation in safe climbing and belaying, climbing exercises focusing on technique, revision of knots, coiling a rope.

6. Belaying a leader, placing runners, clipping in (quick draws) - at first on the ground then on an easy route (that means vertical with big holds), climbing technique

7. Rope management (taking in, loosing the rope, reaction to clipping in) when belaying a leader, leading a climb. It is possible to use double belaying system at first (a student is leading a climb and at the same time he/she is belayed as a second climber- rope from the top).

8. Endurance training, safe belaying and cooperation between the two climbers.

10. Credit lesson on a wall - top-roping, leading, tying knots, rope management, belaying.