July 23, 2020 5:01 am
We are all forced to adapt to new realities. I’m certain many of you can recall my previous post on hiking in Jaipur post-lockdown. If you haven’t, over here is the post – A hiking excursion with a club. I shared my experience of hiking with a Trekking Club in Jaipur and my plans for undertaking hikes in the coming months. People who regularly visit parks like Central Park in Jaipur are seeking a change in fitness routine; treks are a new buzzword among fitness enthusiasts and so is Hathni Kund among trekking newbies. The Hathni Kund is one of the most popular treks in Jaipur, especially during the monsoon season.
When I started hiking in Jaipur a couple of years ago, the Aathuni Kund or Hathni Kund and Bhuteshwar Nath Mahadev trek were the first two treks. My hiking adventure started with a friend, a surgeon from Australia during the monsoon season. The Hathni Kund was the first one we undertook. It was a fabulous place; serene and beautiful. One can sit here for hours, soaking the views and relaxing in the refreshing breeze. This was one of the preferred places for treks on weekends until the end of 2014. During the last six years, I have been to the Hathni Kund Trek only once! Here is a picture of Hathni Kund from my last trip, a couple of years ago.
The curiosity led me to visit Hathni Kund once again. Curiosity? I wanted to know if the place has changed over the past few years. There were reasons why I decided to abandon Hathni Kund in favor of other options. For this time, I chose a shorter trail route with a steeper ascend. I switched to the regular trail midway from Charan Mandir.
Charan Mandir remains a prominent landmark on the way to Nahargarh Fort. It is extremely crowded during the weekends; a favorite Jaipur sunrise point among locals. Charan Mandir is a historic temple supposedly 400-500 years old. Read more about it here- Charan Mandir. The Hathni Kund or Aathuni Kund is located close to Charan Mandir. The trail starts from Charan Mandir.
Charan Mandir, as seen from the hiking trail
Hathni or Aathuni Kund can be reached through the trek in the hills of Nahargarh Fort.
The Hathni Kund trail was buzzing with activity right from the Charan Mandir parking area. As I started descending the trail from Charan Mandir to Aathuni Kund, I found many groups heading there. It is surprising to note people without masks walking together. Probably, they are immune to Coronavirus! The trail is lined with Anogeissus Pendula Tree on both sides. The tree is better known as Dhok locally. It finds home in the Aravali hill range. Apart from Jaipur, it can be found in the rest of East Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
Midway, a well reminded me of the familiar sight back then. During my initial years of hiking, this was a preferred water hole for cattle grazers. But many visits later, I invariably found it devoid of water. It does seem like an old well.
I encountered a group of friends playing Indian classical music on a portable speaker. This was surprising since young lads don’t like this genre of music. I inquired if they like Bollywood or pop? One of them smiled and said they connect better with Indian classical.
As I reached the waterfall of Hathni Kund, the human sound in the jungle was ubiquitous; a sign of the presence of many groups. The reason why I decided to not visit this trail was its popularity.
Ever since hikers started posting pictures of Hathni Kund on social media, it became challenging to find tranquility. The exact reason which drew me here. Repeatedly, I would find empty bottles of beer, Whiskey, and disposable plastic glasses strewn around. I have already discussed this issue of trash being dumped on Nahargarh Fort road in my previous write-up on Environmental issues in Jaipur.
Did I forget to mention countless plastic wrappers of “Chakna” (snacks to accompany liquor)? It wasn’t uncommon to come across loud Bollywood music being played on a portable speaker. I decided it made a little point to visit Hathni Kund.
Knowing things haven’t changed at all, I decided to spend some time away from the waterfall area and enjoy nature from another vantage point. Here is a view of the serene spot.
In my opinion, the best thing to do here is to enjoy the serenity – if that’s available! Still, I will detail it here for you to decide. The word Kund means water storage in Rajasthan. Usually, it refers to a well. But in some regions of Rajasthan, Kund refers to Baori (stepwell) too.
A stiff cliff is the landmark of this site which is a waterfall area.
A group posing for a picture in the waterfall zone
Here is a picture of Hathni Kund waterfall during the rainy season in Jaipur.
Beyond this waterfall is a valley having two temples one of which is near the cliff and is new construction. Here is a picture of the Shiva temple at Hathni Kund near the waterfall zone.
An old Hathni Kund picture from my previous visit to Shiva Temple on the left
The modest dwelling unit is a landmark site. Close to this makeshift shelter is another temple. It seems like an old construction. I possess a little clue about its history or when it was constructed.
Ancient Hanuman & Shiva Temple, a Hathni Kund photo from a previous visit.
Right next to this temple in the valley is a small pond. It’s a water accumulation area on a rocky basin. This water is definitely present not just in monsoon but even in ensuing months.
Let me share my interaction with the caretaker of this temple from the previous post, Sheoram where I had a conversation about Hathni Kund- the safety, wild animals & why he lived there.
Many historians concur the origin of the Dravyawati River in Jaipur is Hathni Kund. Just before the waterfall is an old embankment of a dam. This dam was breached during the Jaipur floods of 1981.
The flood was caused by incessant 326 mm rainfall on 19 July 1981. From 17th July 1981 to 19th July 1981, the cumulative rainfall registered in Jaipur was 840 mm! I’m unsure about the authenticity of this claim, but the popular opinion is Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II built this dam.
As I traversed through the familiar trail, I witnessed many more groups heading to Jaipur’s most popular trek route. When I reached Charan Mandir, it was a familiar sight of the usual weekend pandemonium. Of late, Charan Mandir has become a popular sunrise point in Jaipur as Nahargarh Fort was closed for a long time owing to the COVID Lockdown in Jaipur. Indeed, the sunrise from this place is epic. I’m sharing one such beautiful Jaipur sunrise from a place close to Charan Mandir.
The scene prompted me of pre-COVID time. Masks and social distancing were hard to find. I guess people were fed up with the past three months. Allow me to share the picture of the visual I encountered.
As I reached the start point of the trail, I noted it took me exactly 2 hours to complete this trail through the alternative route. The trail lined with Dhok trees is a good break from the huddled life we all lead in a crowded city. Apart from Dhok, one gets to see a variety of flora on this trail. Here are a few that I witnessed.
A peahen and a Banyan tree
The Kadamb tree flower.
This tree reminded me of the Himalayan Birch tree, also called Betula Utilis found at the height of 10,000 feet. I have many during the treks in the Himalayas. Their bark was used as paper during ancient times.
Once monsoon sets in fully, one gets to witness plenty of Sickle Bush Tree on this trail which is a pretty sight.
I did miss the sunrise, something I looked forward to on the usual trail. But I did enjoy this beautiful alternative trail. I’m not sure if I’m returning to this hiking trail in Jaipur anytime soon. Given its popularity, I’m sure I will continue to hike on other trails near Jaipur.
The Hathni Kund distance from Charan mandir is approximately 1-1.25 Km, one way. In all one will cover a distance of approximately 3 km both ways.
Many people have contacted me to inquire about Hathni Kund Ticket Price. If you are doing a trek on your own, it is free. Some people have started the organized trek to Hathni Kund. The Hathni Kund Ticket Price is from Rs 75 to Rs 100.
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Posted by arv!
Categories: Hiking in Jaipur
Tags: adventure in jaipur, Aravali Hills Jaipur, Hidden places in Jaipur, hiking, Jaipur, offbeat things to do in Jaipur, travel, trekking, Trekking groups in Jaipur, Trekking in Jaipur, Trekking Routes In Jaipur
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I have always been in awe of the trail walks and hike you take, Arvind. Every time I am here, it’s wonderful to read about your love for nature and the surroundings of Jaipur.
This time too, the pictures are amazing and remind me of pre COVID days. You are right that people are not taking precautions but I guess this had to happen with time.
I am glad you shared this post. Thank you!
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By Parul Thakur on August 12, 2020 at 3:26 am
I’m sure you love these trails considering the fact you are a tree and nature lover. I’m sure people will learn. Nature has its own ways to bring out a change. Have you ever taken hikes near Bangalore? I have heard there are some wonderful trails near Bangalore.
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By arv! on August 12, 2020 at 7:53 am
Wow! Enjoyed this etrek .. The Dhok trees are lovely as are the others.. We have small hills in Pune (called tekdi in Marathi) which are popular for daily walks. It is possible to walk up to 8kms ‘on top of the city’ if I may say so.. There has been a huge debate here if people should wear masks when exercising hence in these Covid times we find a mix .. some with masks some without. Yes, we face the issue of littering etc and there are extremely enthusiastic volunteers who organise cleanup drives to keep our tekdis clean.
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By Archana (@yenforblue) on August 13, 2020 at 10:24 am
Thanks for information about Tekdi, Archana. I would say people of Pune are very lucky to have these hills. Very few cities have these breathing spaces.
I agree masks do pose problems but I guess it is important to keep them on unless there are not many people around. I have also written about this issue in one of my previous post. I’m happy to know some people have taken task to clean up the hills. Are you regular on these Tekdis?
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By arv! on August 15, 2020 at 6:44 am
[…] Arvind shares trees from his hike to the Hathni Kund, Jaipur in India […]
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By #ThursdayTreeLove – 93 - happiness and food on August 26, 2020 at 6:37 pm
[…] trail in Jaipur which allows fast commute from the city. It is not a popular trekking place like Hathni Kund rather this is a peaceful serene spot to enjoy the blissful nature in Jaipur. This blog chronicles […]
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By What Makes A Hike Along Dhok Tree Trail In Jaipur Alluring? – JaipurThruMyLens on August 27, 2020 at 6:59 am
[…] It’s a great experience to visit Charan Mandir during the early hours of the day to enjoy the great views, fresh air & tranquility! It is best to avoid visiting the temple on Sundays! It’s one of my favorite places to enjoy the Jaipur views during the monsoon. Charan Mandir is the starting point of the most popular trekking place in Jaipur – Hathni Kund. […]
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By Charan Mandir| Where Peace & Serenity Prevails! – JaipurThruMyLens on September 15, 2020 at 12:54 pm
[…] This is a picture of the Pol of Charan Mandir Temple near Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur. Charan Mandir is a landmark point for the trek leading to Hathuni Kund. […]
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By Jaipur Pol | Jaipur Gates – JaipurThruMyLens on June 23, 2022 at 2:40 pm