New Delhi: Rajasthan is the largest state in India and a land which is known for its hot, scorching climate and desert. In fact, the state, located on the northwestern side of India, comprises most of the wide and inhospitable Thar Desert which is also called the Great Indian Desert and shares a border with the Pakistani provinces of Punjab to the northwest and Sindh to the west. The state’s climate is generally arid or semi-arid and the temperatures remain fairly hot over the year. However, despite being famous for its desert and hot weather, Rajasthan boasts some stunning hill stations which provide shelter from the scorching heat.
Popular hill stations in Rajasthan
Mount Abu
Mount Abu is a small but famous hill station in Rajasthan’s Sirohi district in the Aravalli Range. It is also known as ‘an oasis in the desert’ due to its rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. It is also home to numerous Hindu and Jain temples. For centuries, Mount Abu has been a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and neighboring Gujarat. It has several important places including Adhar Devi Temple, Shri Raghunathji Temple, the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, and the Achalgarh Fort. The place has gorgeous scenery thanks to the Aravalli Range and it is visited by thousands of visitors every year.
Guru Shikhar
Guru Shikhar, a peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Sirohi district is the Aravalli Range’s highest point. A tranquil place, this popular hill station has been named after Dattatreya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Blessed with excellent panoramic views and beautiful scenery, the place offers numerous adventurous activities, including trekking.
Sajjangarh
Also known as the Monsoon Palace, it is a hilltop palatial residence in Udaipur. It was built in 1884 mainly to watch the monsoon clouds and hence, it is appropriately and popularly known as Monsoon Palace. The palace offers a panoramic view of the city’s lakes, palaces and surrounding countryside. One can also see the beautiful sunset from the palace.
Achalgarh
Achalgarh, located near Mount Abu in the Aravalli Range, is a medieval fort which was built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar for its strategic location. There are several ancient temples in the fort complex, including the prominent Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple. The beautiful Mandakini Lake further enriches the historical and natural allure of the location.
Ranakpur
Ranakpur is a village in Rajasthan’s Pali district. It is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur in a valley on the Aravalli Range’s western side. Ranakpur is easily accessed by road from Udaipur and is one of the most famous places to visit in the state. It is widely famous for its marble Jain temple, said to be the most spectacular of the Jain temples.
Rajasthan, known for its scorching desert climate, offers surprising respite in its stunning hill stations. Mount Abu, an oasis with lakes and temples, and Guru Shikhar, the Aravalli Range’s highest peak, provide breathtaking views and adventure. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
