Of the many hiking and trekking routes the Aravalli hills around Jaipur host, the Water Valley hike, also known as the Hathni Kund hike, has gained enormous traction. This trail experiences the maximum footfall through monsoons when the seasonal waterfall it culminates at is at its cascading best. The trek by and large commences near the Charan Mandir a couple of kilometres short of the Nahargarh Fort.
Less than an hour from Jaipur on a good day, the drive up to the starting point goes along the Amer Road and past the expansive Man Sagar Lake. A recently-rejuvenated biodiversity delight, it is also home to the Jal Mahal, a well-known Jaipur landmark. According to Manoj Kulshreshta, naturalist and domain expert, “Over 200 bird species of the 500 found in Rajasthan are now commonly sighted at the lake. In addition, the introduced fish population attracts as many resident bird species to nest here.” Depending on the season, some of these birds, White-naped tits and Rufus treepies for instance, can also be spotted on the Hathni Kund hike, he added.
The Drive as the Destination Your surroundings take on a distinct look and feel as soon as you veer left off Amer Road towards the Jaigarh Fort. Take your foot off the accelerator and leisurely cruise along a well-tended black-top, gently snaking through the lush dhok canopy of the Nahargarh Sanctuary. Enjoy the marvellous views of a rain-washed Jaipur sprawled below as you ascend, slowing down at water feeders all a-twitter with colourful birds. Shutterbugs will find plenty to capture, including sunrises and sunsets from vantage points along the way, all of which you miss in the rush to the top.
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Dos & Don’ts:
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Avoid hiking alone; best to sign up with responsible trekking groups
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Wear comfortable hiking shoes, gravelly sections en route can be slippery
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Wear comfy, quick-dry clothes should you encounter monsoon showers
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Carry reusable water bottles; energy bars/light snacks are optional
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Take less crowded routes, if possible
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Follow a ‘leave no trace’ policy on your visit
