During trekking and hiking in Jaipur, I was astonished to witness how the topography changes during Monsoon. The Grey-brown hills transform into a lush green challenging the mighty Himalayan landscape! It’s like saying the old still has some tricks up its sleeves! If you are unaware of the context, the Aravali hill range in Rajasthan is older than the Himalayas. Jaipur is surrounded by Aravali hills which is home to the Tropical Monsoon Forest.

Tropical Monsoon forest of Aravali Hills & Characteristics
Monsoon forest contrary to its name consists of dry deciduous trees that shed leaves during the long dry spell of summers. You can see how it looks in this picture.

Presence of moisture in the air with the arrival of the monsoon, these very trees start teeming with life! A new offshoot of branches and leaves start appearing, transforming the topography of these forests.

So essentially, the Monsoon forest consists of trees that shed leaves soon after spring rather than autumn. It is a mechanism set by nature to conserve water in difficult and dry conditions.

The landscape during the monsoon is way too strong to keep me away from hiking in Jaipur. The lure of watching a sunrise is a big bonus! Being an avid hiker, I have spent many months in hibernation away from trekking in Jaipur, until recently. During summers, the trees devoid of leaves are always a pain during hiking because they result in bruise marks on the skin. Many hikers, therefore, prefer to stay away from hiking in Jaipur during this period. A pain of hiking in the monsoon forest, probably! However, this is not a problem in monsoon.
Check out previous posts on Sunrises in Jaipur – Jaipur Sky.

So earlier this week, I was back in the hills traversing through the beautiful green cover in the wilderness along with my trekking group in Jaipur. It’s not possible to undertake a Himalayan trek frequently which requires 7 to 10 days. On second thought, we have a beautiful landscape out here in Jaipur. What if it’s only for a few weeks till the Monsoon season? There are many interesting trekking routes in Jaipur and nearby. I’m posting one such picture of trekking in Aravali hills.

Posting another hiking picture that I recently shared on Instagram. If we are not following each other, let’s connect on Instagram.
Read What makes a hike along the Dhok tree trail alluring?
Let me also share an interesting pattern and texture, I found a rock on this trail. Some say these are Leopard pug marks. Really? But who knows if it’s true? After all the hills around Jaipur are home to Leopards. In case, you don’t know that Jhalana Nature Park forest in Jaipur offers India’s first Leopard Safari. More on Jhalana Leopard Safari in Jaipur some other day!

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This post is part of the Weekly Photo Challenge- Texture
That’s what I love about monsoons. Carpets lush green all around. Nice pictures 😃
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Thanks Pooja. A walk in wilderness is all you need to recharge yourself! 🙂
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That’s my kind of a post – hiking and sunrise are a perfect combo on any trip! If it’s monsoon, all the better 😊
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I know nature is a great motivator for you. I feel it’s a great inspiration for all of us. 😆
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I like to hike and watch the sunset and see the sun rise. Lovely blog. Have a great week-end.
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I think we have this common between us then. Wishing you too..a great weekend! 😆
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What a lovely share! Monsoons do transform the face of this earth…whatever the place! Hiking has its own little moments of joy and adventure…to be with Mother Nature at her best! Stay blessed arv and enjoy the monsoon. 🙂
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Thank you for good wishes. Nature has incredible power to transform you. Its a great inspiration too.
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Well said arv! Mother Nature has so much to offer! 🙂
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True 🙂
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This post reminded me of my days in Jaipur when rain meant a long drive uphill to Nahargarh.
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It still is. The only difference is that now it means you’ll be stuck in a long traffic jam. Its best to avoid heading there looking at the inconvenience. I believe you are referring to at least ten years ago (or more).
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Yeah, almost fifteen years back. Now I am at Chandigarh. And people rush to Kasauli/Shimla during weekends or when weather is good. Traffic jams again is a big problem.
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I guess it’s the same story everywhere. There is large rush which is not warranted by infrastructure. In my opinion, all hill stations which are easily accessible from Delhi/Chandigarh face similar issues. They lose the essence of hill station because of the large crowd and rush.
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That’s cool how your hills transform during the rainy season! Pretty shots.
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Thank you Peter. Its a big transformation. 😊
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Lovely post ! Aravali hills are just so mesmerizing !
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They’re not as tall as Himalayas but certainly a great option around. 😊
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Beautiful landscapes! And I’m agreeing they’re leopard paws😊
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Thanks Tina. Sometimes you find it hard to believe but there’s no option to approve or disapprove such claims​.
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Love those patches of green on the mountains! Looks amazing. Might sound silly, but does the peacock cry when it is about to rain?
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Cheryl, I cannot verify this because I have seen peacock making its usual sound even when it is not raining. But yes, generally we do get to hear more sound during the rainy season.
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Beautiful as always, love the Green of monsoon.
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Thanks, Cornelia. Indeed, green color is quite invigorating and brings in a feeling of freshness 🙂
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Loved your beautiful post, Awesome pics.
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Thanks, Rupam. Happy to know you liked it. 🙂
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The photo of the “leopard prints” kind of look like fossilized clam shells! Our hills are always green, gets kind of boring though! lol..love your photo’s Arv!
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Thanks for the info on leopard paw. I know we all love change which is why you find green hills boring. 🙂
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Sorry Leopard Paw! lol..
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🙂
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Isn’t it beautiful!
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It sure is. 😊
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Another great post from your end of the world! Great photos as always!
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Thank you. I’m happy you liked it. 🙂
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hiii plzz kindly visit my blog for a mazing destination
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The hills do look lush green. Rain does amazing things to nature. Really? Those are pugmarks? They don’t look like it at all.
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True…monsoon works like a magic! 🙂
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😊😊
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That green hills pic is so refreshing….really wonders of nature
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Thanks, Bhavana. Exactly…I have same thoughts. Nature has all ingredients to power our mind. Do you also have similar opportunities in Bahrain?
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In Bahrain you won’t see lush green mountains but lovely sea beaches and tiny sand dunes are there.
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I have come across few bloggers from Bahrain but haven’t come across many such pictures. If you have posted any, do provide me a link. I will surely check it out, Bhavana
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I have many pics but not posted anything about Bahrain yet, but soon I will. Right now in India for 2months ,so enjoying monsoon here
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well, will look forward to seeing your pictures of Bahrain, then! Enjoy Monsoon 🙂
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hii bhavna visit my blog plzz for a beautiful destination of rajasthan
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Stunning landscape, Arv! Thanks for sharing!
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you are welcome, Marcus. Appreciate your comment 🙂
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I can barely believe the first photograph was clicked in Jaipur! WOW, that shade of green is incredibly beautiful.
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Shubham, monsoon is a potent force. Join us…anytime and witness this magic yourself!
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