Monsoon Trails in Aravalli |||SARASIJ MAJUMDER

Monsoon Trails in Aravalli

SARASIJ MAJUMDER

The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain ranges that span over a total length of 800 km. The range varies from 0.5 km to 100 km covering the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. One of the most beautiful mountain ranges in India, Aravalli, is one of my favorite destinations.

I must have visited this beautiful all-season Landscape, more than 20 times, many places repeatedly. Last Visit– 30 june,25 to 06 July,25.

Guru Shikhar is Aravalli’s highest point at an elevation of 1,722 m. The famous Aravalli Range plays a key role in maintaining India’s climate by blocking wind-carrying rains that can’t reach the Thar Desert.

We do need a large DESERT for balancing the CLIMATE. But THAR is slowly getting GREEN now! A point of concern!

Himalayan Ranges all are mostly perpendicular to the two branches of South-West Monsoon, as a result, they obstruct and cause rainfall to the southern side of Himalayas.

Aravalli Range is broken, yielding passage to Monsoon cloud, and also lie mostly parallel to the direction of the Monsoon movement.

As a result—most of the Rajasthan remains dry, except part of Jaipur, District Alwar, and adjoining area.

Most of the Forest, and Jungles have developed in this part of Rajasthan.

The Aravalli Hills offer several picturesque destinations to visit during the monsoon season. Mount Abu, with its lush greenery and waterfalls, is a popular choice. Udaipur, known for its lakes and palaces, also becomes a stunning sight when kissed by the rains. Additionally, Alwar and Bundi, with their historical sites and fortresses, are worth exploring amidst the monsoon greenery. 

Here are some specific places within the Aravalli Hills that are great to visit during the monsoon, and which I visited over the years:

MOUNT ABU:

• Nakki Lake: Enjoy boating amidst the misty hills and lush greenery. 
• Achalgarh Fort: Explore the fort and its surroundings, which offer breathtaking views during the monsoon. 
• Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary: Discover the flora and fauna in their full bloom during the rainy season.  While some areas may be inaccessible due to heavy rainfall, trekking routes and jeep safaris are often still available. The sanctuary is vibrant and lush green during the monsoon, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the scenic beauty. 
• Guru Shikhar: Trek to the highest peak in Rajasthan for panoramic views of the Aravalli range. I did it 20 years ago. Now a motorable road leads most of the way, then there are only 300 steps to climb, to reach the temple at the summit. You will experience a breathtaking view from the TOP.
• Sunset Point: Witness the captivating sunset view amidst the monsoon landscape, if you are lucky. The sky if partially clouded, takes beautiful hue.

UDAIPUR:

• Kumbhalgarh Fort: Explore the majestic fort and enjoy the surrounding green hills and valleys. 
• Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace): Get panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Aravalli hills from this palace. 
• Lake Pichola: Enjoy boat rides and serene views of the city and palaces reflected in the lake. 

ALWAR: This is my present district. I visit frequently, and stay either at Siliserh Palace (RTDC), or Burja Haveli.

Bala quila (Alwar Fort): Perched on a hill, this fort offers stunning views of the rain-washed city.

• Sariska tiger reserve: Core Zones remain closed. But I explored the lush green landscape and water bodies, in the Buffer Zones, which attract various wildlife.
• Siliserh lake: enjoy the beauty of the lake surrounded by hills during the monsoon. 

OTHER NOTABLE PLACES:

• Jaigarh Fort (Jaipur): Offers breathtaking views of the Aravalli range from the top of the FORT, and is close to Amber Fort. 
• Kukas Trek (Jaipur): Enjoy a trek through the Aravalli hills and witness the beauty of Kukas village. 
• Bundi: Experience the beauty of waterfalls and verdant foliage during the monsoon. 
• Pushkar: The arid landscape transforms into a green oasis with waterfalls and overflowing lakes. 

The Haryana government shared plans to make Asia’s biggest jungle safari in the Aravalli Hills. The large project will help protect wildlife and attract tourists, while also offering job opportunities to local people. This step is a major move towards eco-friendly development.

FOOD: — You must taste ‘LAL MAS’—a mutton preparation; DAL-BATI-CHURMA—a veg. preparation; and GHEOR—a sweet dish.