Sun Mar 23 15:33:37 UTC 2025: ## Local Rock Climber Conquers Karinja Hill for Charity

**Mangaluru, March 23, 2025** – Popular rock climber Jyoti Raj, known as “Koti Raj,” successfully scaled the Karinja hill in Bantwal taluk on Sunday, completing the climb in just 30 minutes. The feat, witnessed by a large crowd gathered at the base and summit of the hill, saw Raj ascend the Karinja hillock, home to the Karinjeshwara temple, from its rear side, beginning at 10 a.m. and reaching the top by 10:30 a.m.

This climb follows a trial run on Saturday, which took Raj one hour. He previously conquered Gadaikallu fort near Belthangady and scaled several buildings in Udupi and Mangaluru. Raj stated that he undertook the climb at the request of his admirers and to raise funds for a planned sports club. This two-acre facility will offer rock climbing and other adventure sports training to youth. He also revealed plans to seek permission from district authorities to scale Mangaluru’s tallest building. The Karinja hill, located 36 km from Mangaluru off National Highway 73, is a popular pilgrimage site with temples and a pond at its base.

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